At every comedy show where seats are not allocated, there is always that innate fear from the audience about sitting at the front – just in case the comedian decides to start picking on YOU. Sunday night was no different as the audience chose to sit anywhere aside from the front (apart from a few brave souls). Not that it really mattered – the room was small enough to be singled out if the comedian saw fear etched in your stare.

Michael Workman came out and greeted the audience with a bad joke and then apologised. “I’ve been doing this for ten years and still don’t know how to start.”

If you haven’t seen Workman before, his humour is rather dry and on Sunday, at least, appears almost awkward on stage. Don’t be fooled however…..he is very aware of everything going on – even if the old people on the cruise ship didn’t quite understand his sense of humour.

He talked a lot about the cruise ship and how, if you die a comedic death, there is no escape for ten whole days. He also involved some lucky members for a bit of audience participation as he asked them to provide names of random food items and proceeded to weave a tale, almost worthy of a Ross Noble improv.

Then the lights went out……and Part 2 was announced. Now this was where he proceeded to lose the audience which before, were on his side and laughing hard. It wasn’t until towards the end of it, that two things were realised – 1. He had simply been watching late night TV and needed an extra 8 minutes to make up his show and 2. What he had been saying actually made sense in a very round-about way and led into his next segment – a segment about why racism is good.

And before you get up in arms….it’s something that you really need to go and see. Workman is a smart man and he made some really great points…..about just how stupid people sound when they make their racist comments.

While his comedy style won’t be for everyone (after all, Workman himself called it when he said his style is avant garde), if you want to see someone funny, clever and has great commentary about the state of life wrapped up in a non-hack way, then Workman is definitely your man.

Anyone that leaves you discussing the points raised long after the laughter has faded is definitely someone who should be admired and respected. Not all comedians have this particular talent so when you have the chance, take a bunch of your mates, sit at the front, have a good laugh and plan to go out afterwards to have some great discussions.