Aaron Chen’s ‘Funny Garden’ is an hour-long, laugh out loud masterclass in comedy writing and execution
Reviewed by Amber Spooner
AEG Presents
Season: Aug 17-18, 20-25 at Pleasance Courtyard, Above
Tickets: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/aaron-chen-funny-garden
5 STARS
Aaron Chen is a staple in the Australian comedy scene. Beginning in his early teens, Chen has won numerous awards including “Best Newcomer” at both Sydney Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Most recently awarded the People’s Choice Award for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, he’s an experienced comedian who knows how to work an audience, and the reception that this performance receives is a true reflection of that.
Funny Garden is an extremely well structured stand-up comedy show. Chen is in total control of his material at all times and understands his audience so completely that there are no awkward pauses or moments of redirection. His comedy is very relatable, such as the dread you feel when accidentally ticking the ‘do you want to receive marketing materials’ box when you sign up to a public WiFi network, the confusion around decorative pillows that just end up on the floor, or googling your symptoms when you see a weird growth.
His crowd work is excellent. Brilliantly reading the room, he engages with audience members who are willing to participate. Their interaction becomes a conversation rather than an interrogation, which can sometimes the vibe at stand up shows.
Chen has achieved amazing success in the last couple of years both on screen as well as on stage. His performance in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) series ‘Fisk’ has received critical acclaim and he also appears as a panelist on ‘Have you been paying attention?’. Chen’s comedic timing is impeccable – his quips and one-liners with the audience are a delight to witness.
Chen’s also not afraid to surprise his audience. I won’t spoil it here, don’t worry. But what I will say is that Chen does not take you in the direction you think he will.
Funny Garden is a fantastic hour of stand up comedy; with hilarious audience engagement and perfectly timed jokes, it’s one laugh out loud moment after the other. Chen’s only here for a short time so don’t miss out.
