KEY POINTS:
Who: Mark Watson (UK) in Can I Briefly Talk to You About the Point of Life and Janey Godley (SCOT) in Tell It Like It Is
When: Until Saturday May 3, 7pm (Watson) and 9pm (Godley)
Where: Auckland Town Hall (Watson); The Classic Basement - formerly the Silo (Godley)
You can tell from their show titles that Mark Watson and Janey Godley are two, very different comedians.
Watson, a Welshman, is a slightly dishevelled rambler, who talks to the audience about ... Well, anything that comes to mind, really. Australian accents, sandwiches, near death experiences ... At times it seems Watson isn't too sure what he's up to, let alone anyone else.
The formidable Scot Godley, however, knows exactly what she's up to. The Glaswegian runs a tight ship, as we discovered in the opening minutes of the show, when a young technician became the focus of Godley's cutting wit after a microphone failed to work. She threatened to lash him with the microphone cord if he didn't fix it. One couldn't help but believe she just might.
Godley is a hard woman, but has earned the right to be. As the show progresses, we learn her Mammy was murdered, she was sexually abused as a child and she is the primary carer for her HIV positive, heroin addict brother. It may sound a depressing combination, but Godley's captivating story-telling is as inspiring as it is funny. And it is very, very funny.
Godley is not afraid to stand up to people, a quality she learned from her Mammy. She doesn't agree with Britain's involvement in Iraq and has a particular dislike of former Prime Minister Blair. So she called him a ... very naughty word ... to his face, in front of a roomful of media and dignitaries.
Watson, on the other hand, is a consummate coward. Indeed, the general theme of his show - though loosely adhered to - is the point of life. And a big part of Watson's life is spent backing down and avoiding confrontation. When a strange man began feeling him up in Paddington Station one day, Watson contemplated having sex with him rather than appear rude.
He should go to Godley for a few pointers. She'd soon see him right. Afterall, she comes from a place where the life expectancy is ten years lower than Baghdad's.
Godley has come to see murder as a part of life. "I own a pub. There's a murder every Friday," she laments. "Well, it's cheaper than a band."
It may sound callous, but Godley is anything but. Her razor sharp humour belies the warmth of the woman, who personally thanked every audience member as they left the foyer.
Watson, too, is naturally likeable, his ramshackle delivery all part of his charm. He may not inspire the awe that Godley does, but for an easy hour of light entertainment, the Welshman is just the ticket.
