Born Australian, with Ghanaian heritage, Matt Okine does a great job at poking fun of racial stereotypes and racial epithets within society, drawing upon a wide range of topics for his act. Discussing his Ghanaian roots, Okine openly mocks the social services of African nations, all the while pointing out the stark difference and divisions between the first world and the third world. Whilst sombre in places, he always manages to work a good joke into the background discussion of world poverty, including his extended rant upon ‘Hovercraft money’ and why toast is square. His comedic topics range from ridiculing Australia, Ethiopian Airlines, fun things to do in the bath (warning: this will incur a cringe from the male audience), and how whales taste good, all the while supplying a charismatic energy that drives his performance forward.
His campy, unafraid-to-go-there attitude makes this an enjoyable romp for comedy lovers, and can appeal to audiences of most ages, though teenagers may find the humour a bit more adult. The most notable quality Okine employs is his ability to relate to the audience on the basis of wealth including his stories of how he fixed his broken fridge in the cheapest way possible. Beyond his humour, however, Okine reminds us to be grateful for what we have in our lives, though his political stances do not inhibit his comedy which is, above everything else, the most enjoyable thing he brings to the table. As a first time Fringe performer, Matt Okine does a great job when he takes to the stage, and I highly recommend his act to those who love comedy, especially when it’s told by such a charismatic performer.
