Alfie Packham: My gift to you is a comedy show that doesn’t just entertain – it takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that mixes laughter with moments of genuine emotion. Alfie Packham’s energy and warmth quickly reveal a depth to his story that is both surprising and impressive. From wrestling with assumptions about his ethnicity to navigating the ups and downs of life, Packham’s performance is as thought-provoking as it is hilarious.
Packham’s ability to evoke such a wide range of emotions is what makes this show so special. He makes you laugh, then he brings you to the brink of tears, only to make you laugh again. That he can navigate these shifts so seamlessly is a testament to his skill as a comedian and storyteller. The show is clearly well-crafted, with a strong narrative arc, yet Packham’s delivery is so spontaneous and organic that it feels like he’s sharing these stories with you for the first time.
The show centres around Packham’s thoughts on his 30th birthday and how he looks back on his 20s as the incredible gift they were. He keeps pulling out presents from his mother, each one symbolising a memory or lesson from the extra eight years he had with her. Whether he’s recounting their wicked adventures, like the time someone stole his mother’s cat, or his Cherry Pepsi addiction, Packham’s anecdotes are full of warmth, humour and a touch of melancholy.
The interaction with the audience is another highlight. Packham engages with the crowd in an authentic and welcoming way, making everyone feel included without fear of sitting in the front row. His ability to balance humor and pathos creates a powerful connection that both entertains and deeply touches the audience.
From the outset, My gift to you deals with some heavy and potentially triggering subject matter, but that’s part of what makes it so powerful. Well-done comedy is a brilliant way to address uncomfortable topics and inequalities and ensure we continue to talk about them.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Beatriz Do O
Alfie Packham: My gift to you runs until August 26th at Underbelly Bristo Square, more information here.
