Laura Dunemann: Flannelette (MICF)

As it's been well established, comedians are a pretty miserable bunch, so when a positive and genuinely happy stage presence comes along, it's surprising that it's a surprise at all.

Laura Dunemann knows who she is and throughout Flannelette she endeavours to prove it. Her semi-religious devotion to "high-brow" reality television is totally endearing via her amiable effervescence and is a home run for the comic. Dunemann talks Dance Moms, aversion to sport, and the differences between Location Location Location and Relocation Relocation with total ease and conviction - this is clearly not just a hobby for her.

Unfortunately, the high points in Flannelette come after a rocky and drawn out start. Dunemann is not the easiest personality to blindly get behind, with her monotone and staccato delivery making much of the performance feel arduous and underdeveloped. Dunemann shines either in pure bouts of passion or in an awkward shyness, but much of the performance falls somewhere in between these two polarities and ends up feeling lost and aimless. Watching Dunemann become engrossed in her all-consuming love for Frasier - and subsequently a stalker-esque adoration for Kelsey Grammer - the comic falls down a hilarious rabbit hole of obscure references and call backs. However, much of Dunemann's other material fizzles out without a tangible ending or punchline.

There are definitely moments throughout Flannelette that illuminate Dunemann in the light she deserves, but overall her autobiographical story is just missing the sense of cohesion that would take it from unfortunate adequacy to true Dunemann brilliance.

Laura Dunemann presents Flannelette till 23 Apr at The Chinese Museum, part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.