Tarun ‘That Indian Guy’ Mohanbhai does not claim to present a polished show but confesses at the beginning of the evening that he is simply “trying things out” in a much more autobiographical vein of stand-up than any of his previous work. He has chosen the perfect informal venue – the restaurant floor of Ombrello’s – for his experimentation.

Time of My Life focuses on – and finds its comedy in – the (supposedly) true experiences of Mohanbhi, from growing up in the one Indian family in an all-white district of Auckland, to the awkward years of adolescence, to his misadventures in comedy and playwriting, to his unsuccessful marriage. Each episode told in an unglamorous but upbeat style and accompanied by a series of photographs from throughout his life.   

As can be expected for comedy being developed on a trial and error basis, at times it is highly amusing and at other times it is almost painful to watch. When Mohanbhai finds his flow he becomes animated and highly engaging, adapting to his audience’s reactions with an organic fluidity. During these moments he can only be described as hilarious. However, at other moments he stumbles and his jokes become laboured and tiresome. These moments are only exacerbated by his lack of preparation. 

This being a Fringe show, I am content – indeed I expect – to watch an artist experiment with styles and I am more than willing to wait through the low points to experience the moments of great comedy. I am far less tolerant of frequently forgotten lines. A line must be drawn somewhere, and a performer stopping mid-sentence to consult, and sometimes to read directly from, his script, crosses that line for me, as does taking a dinner break and filling it by showing film clips from previous shows. 

Mishaps notwithstanding, Mohanbhai ultimately redeems himself. His sheepish acknowledgement of his mistakes and stories of personal anguish and embarrassment bring to the show a humble and relatable tone missing from some of his previous work.

The night as a whole is enjoyable and I would thoroughly recommend it as a relaxed and entertaining evening for fans of the stand-up genre. Mohanbhai’s new self-aware and often self-deprecating style lays down solid groundwork. Once he becomes comfortable and confident with it, as the season progresses, I have every confidence he will develop and refine Time of My Life into a fantastic performance. 

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