Arjy Bargy, you are one funny man!

Back for the 2008 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Arj Barker delivers a polished show that does not miss a beat. The packed Saturday night audience for New & Improved at the magnificent Forum Theatre hung on every word and gesture from this insanely talented comic artist.

Well known and loved in Australia from constant TV appearances on shows such as Thank God You’re Here and Rove, I had some expectations of what this show would deliver. Arj you stepped it up and gave some of the best stand up I have ever seen, with great theatrics and a cheeky smile your performance was clever controlled and confident from start to finish. Arj Barker owned the stage and engaged each member of the audience from the moment he stepped out until the house lights came up.

Arj Barker makes the most of every moment on stage, taking the audience on a journey of uncontrollable laughter. One of the best parts of the show was the obscene focus on dick and fart jokes. He apologises at several points in the show for the content, and then moves on to tell the audience another ditty about his ball tickling hand. Sometimes there is nothing better than the basics. His timing and build up to the punch line no matter what the topic was sublime in its delivery.

Such a great comic deserves excellent backing, but unfortunately the sound in the Forum was a little under the level that it should be for a show like this. Well done to Arj for the creative use of the microphone right throughout.

Arj says at one point in the show that the festival is a buyers market. Arj Barker: New & Improved gives the vibrant Melbourne Comedy Festival audience exactly what they came for.

I can’t wait to see your next show - Arj Barker Live, with special guests the Watery Stool Dancers.