Luka Muller - Old/New/Other

Luka Muller has spent the last few years chipping away at the local comedy scene to become a stalwart within its walls. The stand-up may not be a household name, but his work continues to be some of the most professional and considered around.

The 2021 offering from the comic sees a mixed bag of fresh jokes, old favourites, and the ancillary bits of crowd work and facade-dropping candour in between. Leaving it in the hands of his punters to decide what jokes come up next, Muller’s choose-your-own-adventure style approach to standup is certainly one of the more unique offerings at the festival this year.

The most interesting and enjoyable aspect of Muller’s performance is also the thing that is occasionally to its detriment. The randomised aspect of Old/New/Other has clearly reinvigorated the comedian and his relationship with his material but by leaving the running order in the hands of his audience, Muller sacrifices a running sense of cohesion and tone along the way. What could easily come together as a slick and solid hour of comedic storytelling instead feels disjointed and underdeveloped. 

Muller’s material is incredibly solid, and delivered with the ease of a seasoned veteran, and any night where the stars align and the gags hit in the perfect order would make Old/New/Other an unquestionable festival highlight.

Nonetheless, Muller is a genial and radiating stage presence no matter what he’s doing. His new work stacks up just as strongly with the old faves, and the “other” in between make for a refreshing palette cleanser between the pre-written bits. Even when it’s a gamble, Muller is always worth the punt.