Reviewed by Bren Carruthers
Melbourne’s best-dressed comedy duo return to the stage for the aptly-named Presentation is Everything, after a sold-out debut show at last year’s Comedy Festival. Not just a reference to the clean-cut and sharp-suited stylings that Ethan Cavanagh and Sweeney Preston have been making their trademark, this show plays with a much-derided medium – the humble PowerPoint presentation.
Multimedia has had a big renaissance at this year’s festival – possibly a hangover from a few too many Zoom meetings during lockdown – but few shows have quite blended stage and screen as Presentation is Everything. Undoubtedly crafted as a live performance, the presentation itself takes a starring role and includes more than 600 transitions, covering both the best and worst that the ubiquitous software has to offer.
Although the format is perfect for delivering a wealth of quick-fire punchlines, it is the longer form anecdotes that are the highlight of the show. Ethan’s adventure in country Victoria, which approaches True Crime levels, is as heartwarming as it is hilarious, and a prolific misunderstanding about their “working relationship” gracefully delivers plenty of giggles.
It’s a delight to see two relatively-new comedians play with format, expanding and challenging their repertoire, a testament to both their talent and their diligence. Keep this duo in mind for future festivals – Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh are two fresh faces going places.
Presentation Is Everything has completed its run, but Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh will host one last performance of The Late Nite PowerPoint Comedy Showcase at Trades Hall on Saturday April 23
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2022/shows/the-late-nite-powerpoint-comedy-showcase