Presented by A Token Event
You’re not allowed to be smart, funny and musically inclined – it’s a bad look for those of us who aren’t. Noah Szto, however, will put everyone to shame with his performance in ‘Med School’.
Reviewed by Matthaios Hortomaris
Gandel Lab, Fed Square
Until April 20th (no shows Mondays).
Tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/med-school/
Type: Stand Up, Musical Comedy
If you liked: Scrubs, Dr Horrible, Bo Burnham
5 STARS
Have you ever wanted to be a doctor? Been an overachiever? Know who Meredith Grey is? Heck, have you been to a healthcare professional? Then this show is for you.
Med School is a musical comedy show exploring what one goes through (specifically Noah Szto) in medical school, and asks the question: why does anyone train to be a doctor?
Taking us through his ATAR score journey, the influence that family has on university decisions, and even what students do (and don’t do) during their hospital placement. The show even promises a live procedure on stage…what?
There are a lot of nice surprises on stage. Szto intersperses the hour long story with quite a few cabaret-esque musical numbers throughout, which are very impressive. I mean ‘get home and you’re still singing them despite only hearing them once’ kind of impressive. The energy with which these are performed is true rockstar energy, especially with the last song wherein Szto somehow glides across stage. Apart from the energy and execution of the songs themselves, they all serve a purpose to keep the narrative moving forward.
This isn’t to say that the only worthwhile part of the show are the songs scattered throughout. The story itself is well thought out and blends humor with heart and purpose. This is further elevated by the use of the digital backdrop that Szto interacts with. It has become a bit of a trend lately; comedians using a PowerPoint like presentation. These are hard to pull off without looking like a clunky highschool project. Szto however, has an extremely crisp use of the multimedia aspect of his show. For a relative newcomer to the comedy scene, this presentation has an air of a professional production.
This show is an absolute treat, despite covering quite a niche experience. I would strongly recommend any perfectionist or people pleasure run out and get tickets to see Med School. Szto’s charm, eloquence, delivery and energy is something to behold. Oh and the live procedure? Yup, there’s no false advertising here – it’s a wonderful surprise to end the show on.
Book tickets to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 here.
