Hannibal Buress: The Hannibal Montanabal Experience

A multi-sensory, multi-media, AV/comedy/DJ show? Some of the best festivals around can't boast what The Hannibal Montanabal Experience is bringing to Hamer Hall tonight. Tony Trimm pulls a tight and original mix together with video compilations of Jean-Claude Van Damme doing the splits, Paula Deen eating suggestive food products and a deep-cut of Scott & Charlene's Wedding. There is seriously nothing else like it around, and for an audience sitting in one of Melbourne's more prestigious venues, it is an oddly satisfying meeting of cultures.

Enter Al Jackson, the crowd now sufficiently exposed to exactly what this kind of night is going to be. Jackson isn't a known name in the Aussie comedy scene, but he definitely deserves to be after tonight. His expertly crafted humour surpasses location, offering an insight to his trans-atlantic world without losing any laughs. From buying legal weed to his former life as an educator, Jackson hits all the marks. It's hard to imagine how tonight can keep up the pace.

And then Hannibal Buress takes to the stage. Still reeling from his discovery of Sydney's lockout laws, Buress explodes into a hilarious tirade on audacious bouncers and government overreaction, instantly getting the Melbourne crowd on his side. While some might construe his opening remarks as potentially disrespectful, it's clear Buress has done his homework for his time down under - a gesture almost unseen in today's world of internationally touring comedians.

There are plenty of fan favourites on offer tonight. His take on rapper Riff Raff's weird tendency to just sit onstage while his own tracks play, and bits on renting an Airbnb house from uptight landlords receive warm and welcome responses. His style of staggered and monotone delivery means that his extended time on stage is exposed to occasional dips in timing and energy. However, his interactions with the aforementioned Trimm - who remains onstage for the duration of Buress' set to interject with audio-visual cues - are excellent peaks of affability. Buress and Trimm so clearly enjoy each other's company, it's no surprise they continually end up working together.

While Buress seemed to lose himself at times, and fell ever-so-slightly victim to the curse of excellent opening acts, his show is one of huge laughs, standing ovations and totally unique comedic experiences. He'll surely be back very soon, if Sydney can get him a drink at 2am.