By Bella Jones
You probably won’t know Luke Rocca as a stand-up comedian, Doormat is his debut show after all. But if you follow Formula One you might have enjoyed his work as one half of The Reserve Drivers podcast, and if you enjoy the nearly lost art of great free to air tv then chances are you’ve laughed at something of his on The Cheap Seats.
But despite this being a debut, Rocca’s show is one hell of a ride, the audience is only too keen to embark on it and it was definitely worth the ride. From the moment he steps onto stage (following a pre-recorded video intro to the show) the energy is there ‘hot crowd good crowd! Hot crowd good crowd!’
Rocca’s intensely likeable and endearing stage persona as well as skilfully combining sketch, character and tech comedy makes for a show that flys through its runtime. The audience enjoyed the experience of not quite knowing what would happen next as Rocca carefully weaved a mix of unrelated jokes and content that played into a larger narrative. Some highlights included a touching tribute to the big man himself…Scott Pape, Cancer Council Tinder promotional mishaps (what a sentence!) and of course an in depth look at some of the characters in the Dolmio ads.
Some of the biggest laughs of the night were reserved for a 3AW caller who keeps getting put through to the odious Kyle and Jackie O show, a tragedy for the ages.
It would be a disservice to spoil what is arguably the biggest payoff and a personal favourite moment of the show – but eulogy writers might have just found a new song to use.
Rocca is an exciting one to watch, even if he might be a Doormat.
Luke Rocca’s debut show Doormat is having a short run at Club Voltaire until Sunday March 30th
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/luke-rocca-doormat/