Comedy review: Osher Günsberg, NTNNNNN
★★★½
A satirical news show full of laughs, hosted by the one and only Osher Günsberg with the help of his quick-witted improv ensemble.
Source: Osher Günsberg, NTNNNNN is now showing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
It’s safe to say, everyone in Australia knows Osher Günsberg. Over the years his familiar face has hosted The Bachelor, Australian Idol, and The Masked Singer, becoming a household name – that when it comes to hosting broadcast television, Osher is the top bloke for the job. But Osher and comedy? Has there ever been a duo so unlikely? Well, this is Australia, and if Clint Stanaway can go from sports presenter to radio host to Today Show anchor, then there’s no surprise Osher is forging his way into the stand-up spotlight. While he isn’t necessary new to the comedy scene, having been a contestant on Thank God You’re Here back in the day, made a cameo appearance in dramedy Offspring, and performed last year at the Festival, this year he seems to have found his footing, exuding confidence and ease.
Night Time News Network National Nightly News (NTNNNNN) reinvents the traditional 60-minute news broadcast, delivering the most astonishing and hard-to-believe real-world stories. As Osher presents the latest bizarre news of the day, the show transitions to a dynamic improv performance. Depending on the night, around six to seven talented performers take centre stage, bringing to life each news segment with spontaneous creativity. From exploring the practical implications of daylight savings across Australia to the surreal story of a man in the U.S. whose execution is postponed as a nurse couldn’t find a vein big enough, NTNNNNN offers a unique blend of genuine news and improvisation, all wrapped up in a package of ridiculousness.
The concept of reading aloud real news with fake interpretations is highly engaging and couldn’t be more relevant than it is today – just take a stroll down memory lane to the 2016 U.S presidential election or the height of the Covid 19 pandemic where misinformation spread faster than the virus.
The NTNNNNN news ensemble boasts an array of formidable talents, including Clare Cavanagh, Josh McGee, Alex Reynolds, Orya Golgowsky, Jeeves Verma, John Glover, and Hayden Wright, each bringing their unique flair to the team. Without a doubt, these young actors are talented, possessing a sense of timing that allows them to emphasise a joke’s punchline or dial it back based on the audience’s response. While Osher’s timely side comments and directives helped to navigate the more ambiguous news that was offered to the cast.
Cutting down the length of news read aloud could lead to a tighter, more engaging show. Introducing audience interaction might also offer a pleasant variation in tempo. It would be interesting to watch the show again on another night, with fresh headlines to read and a new guest appearance. If the crew exude the same level of energy and charisma as they have shown, the show promises to be an entertaining, laugh out loud experience for all.
NTNNNNN is original, smart, and improv done right.
Osher Günsberg – NTNNNNN is performing live at The Greek – Level 1 for the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, from 28th of March to 7th of April.
For more details and tickets, click here