After a SOLD OUT Sydney run, Chris Martin (not the Coldplay front-man) returns to Perth to deliver his new stand-up comedy show, Claw Machine, under the welcome guise of Fringe Festival.

Martin has a knack for story-telling, he's an enthusiastic presenter who loudly and proudly delivers a series of constantly escalating and chaotic tales; from taking the spotlight at funerals, burning a kitchen down with a single spring roll, to reclaiming his downstairs toilet from a menacing spider, and many more uncanny tales.

Martin hails from Brisbane and has toured most of Australia (doing a number of shows for the Greens Party, with jokes gifted by his dads infinite wisdom), thankfully his stand-up routine is not restricted to Australian humour.
Martin does tend to wander slightly too far into self-deprecating humour, which remains a security blanket for comedians, and his weakest material.
Luckily, Martin's main material is fresh and zesty, he speaks at length about a series of interconnected tales involving moments of human connection, and life experiences that have shaped him and his relationships in some way.

There is always a fear when seeing an unknown comedian, comedy is subjective and it's difficult to view some lesser-known comedians content beforehand to see if they're up to parr, or worthwhile.
I’m no comedian (unless I’m six beers in) but Martin holds his own, and whilst his stand-up doesn't break new ground, his material remains irreverent, relatable and consistent. Martin is a crowd pleaser with his humourous tales and unfortunate scenarios, Claw Machine is harmlessly delightful.
Martin laughs at himself and we laugh alongside, with a few truly side-splitting jokes, great shark related puns, and an addictive and zany stage presence. There is no fear or doubt in seeing Chris Martin.

Martin's work isn't crude or crass, his humour stems from storytelling and his work will be best appreciated by fans of Jack Whitehall, Kumail Nanjianni, and shows like Parks and Rec.

4/5

Chris Martin: Claw Machine plays at The Aberdeen Hotel until Sunday February 9th.