Most of the time Dai Henwood does New Zealand comedy for New Zealanders.  His jokes are not just the ‘you had to be there,’ type of joke, they are also the ‘you have to be here‘ type of joke.  And if you are here (or if you were there), they will definitely have you laughing. 

There is something else that will have you laughing too: Dai Henwood’s guest comedian, Guy Williams.  Mr Williams was the successful applicant in Mr Henwood’s search for a truly funny protégé, and in his short appearance Guy Williams’ joke after joke deadpan delivery gave a professional brand of comedy that could go a long way, a long, truly funny way.  Shabba!

The show is called Shabba, yet I did find myself wondering: where was the shabba?  The evening starts with a bang, out comes Henwood and introduces himself and this word shabba. He tells us how the word can be used at any time, for any thing.  But how come he didn’t?  The beginning of the show is the first and last time we hear of shabba and I think if he’d dropped it in here and there shabba would have been good for several more laughs.  And not only laughs. Dai Henwood’s comedy is the story-telling variety and the shining shabba glue would have held the whole thing together: the pop culture, the politics, the hilarious impressions, the celebrity status, the good times, the porta-loos… 

Now don’t get me wrong, the show is good, I was laughing, everyone was laughing; Dai Henwood was shabba.  His message was give 100% to every thing you do and he does. 
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Dai Henwood is a true performer, and a gifted one at that.  Suitably tailored for his key strengths as an entertainer, notably his zany sense of humour and his knack for physical comedy, Dai Henwood’s Shabba! is spirited, fresh and well worth checking out.

On his second night performing, Henwood uses the MC Hammer track ‘Can’t Touch This’ as his pre-show music, readying the audience for a comedian who is likely to be a bit gaudy and probably quite ironic. 

Our suspicions are confirmed as Henwood bounds onstage under UV lights, cartwheeling about and tossing glow-sticks into the audience with utter abandon.  The spectacle and enthusiasm skilfully puts the audience in a congenial mood.

Henwood is most in his element when he uses physical comedy to back up his jokes, but what sets him apart from other physical comedians is that we are laughing with him and not at him.  It really does make all the difference to watch a performer who is in control and can be respected for what they do.

Near the beginning of the show, Henwood graciously vacates the stage to allow his apprentice, Guy Williams, a ten minute stint in which to strut his stuff.  Williams holds his own well, not giving in to an imitation of Henwood but branching out into his own distinctive style of comedy with a mock mopiness and fractured through-line, telling one joke after another with seemingly nothing to link them. 

It’s a risky choice that could fall flat in lesser hands, but Henwood has done a great job building his protégé into a worthwhile act and it will be a pleasure to see Guy return to the stage in the future.

Dai Henwood is a well-rounded comedian with an accessible style and great sense of humour.  If you’re looking for a laugh this Comedy Festival, you’re sure to find one here.
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