Penny Ashton at the Silo Theatre

Penny Ashton delivers a whirlwind, energetic show.

If last night's Silo Theatre shows had been high school, Penny Ashton would have got an "A" for effort. There were handout glossaries, audience participation, props, videos, even a whiteboard marker.

Ashton aka Hot Pink, a honky honey performing busty rhymes and promising to put the slapper back in rapper, delivered a whirlwind, energetic show. Her material was clever, fresh and genuinely entertaining. Whether bra sizes, boy racers or civil unions, Ashton had freestyles for all.

No doubt about it, Ashton put in a huge effort, the type that would have made her a star pupil had it been school.

And the type that would have alienated other kids. She was so eager to please, there were times when she threatened to self-combust from her nervous energy. She spoke so fast that by the time the audience had registered the joke and were ready to respond, she had already slipped in another three.

Ironically, not even Ashton's fast talking could save her from the awkward lull during the hip-hop versus rock battle, which saw her rapping against a pre-recorded video of Jan Maree.

Having said this, these were but fleeting moments in the grand scheme of things and compensated for, in full, by the hilarity of Ashton choreographing audience members to star in her music video complete with Man-hos and She-pimps.

Though the show wasn't a constant barrage of laugh-out-loud jokes, it offered a refreshing take on the stand-up format and was a feat of showmanship. Nice work Penny, or as Hot Pink would say, "big cups".

In contrast to Hot Pink's excitable performance, was the laid-back style of Australian comedian Charlie Pickering. If he had opening night nerves, he didn't show them. Sticking to the comedy basics of sex, politics and religion, Pickering delivered a seamless show with ease.

If worried how his material would go down with his Kiwi audience, Pickering knew he was home safe as soon as he slipped in a cheeky Nicky Watson joke.

The hour show seemed to pass in a matter of minutes and the audience left contented with their full abdominal workout.

Only here till Saturday, Pickering is a hidden gem of the comedy fest and well worth your $20.

Review

* Who: MC Hot Pink in Busty Rhymes (NZ) and Charlie Pickering (Australia)
* Where: Silo Theatre