Review by Dominic Corr

Underbelly – Bristo Square: Tickets

These are elements audiences have heard before. Somewhat. Well, maybe not all of it. Definitely not that.

And that’s the brilliance of Ali Woods: At The Moment, their new routine that covers a wealth of subject matters and sets across an accomplished hour of stand-up. There are plenty of audiences to connect with, like Wood’s breakdown of their first ‘proper’ relationship and their time working in the corporate environment. But there are nuggets with elements not everyone will have experienced, delayed puberty for one.

There’s an immediate connection with the crowd, even those unfamiliar with the returning comic. It’s authentic and natural, and their crowd work is of the healthier ‘we’re all here for a good time’ manner rather than lampooning the front-row masochists. Woods constructs their routine with sentimentality and heart and channels these moments into humour, using a strong stage presence and wit to stir laughter from some of the sadder or more personal elements rather than relying on shock or dark humour.

Often at their best with character comedy, particularly impressions and exaggerations of family members (Woods’ mother taking the full brunt). Skits about diagnosing people’s mental health (though their mother doesn’t buy into all of this stuff) and frequent tangents, which are welcomed, are a refreshing spin on the norm but are also the missing element here: focus. There’s a missing solid narrative structure to keep the pacing flowing and the inevitable ‘pay off’ gag in sight-line.

At The Moment is a solid hour of accomplished comedy – stand-up which isn’t shaking the world in its theming or setup but a rousing guarantee of a smile, a smirk, and plenty of laughter. Something very few stand-ups at the Fringe can promise to deliver, and deliver is exactly what Woods does. And for those just discovering Woods in their third year – it’s safe to say they’ll likely return for their fourth, fifth, and any future shows.

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