Zachary Ruane | Comedy
Malthouse Theatre, until April 19

(as published in The Age, April 2026)

Zachary Ruane (a member of Melbourne comedy group Aunty Donna) makes an outrageously lofty promise in his first ever solo show: he’s confident Comedy will be the most important and definitive comedic work of the 21st century.

Within moments, he’s climbing over seats to high-five a significant chunk of the audience, seemingly relishing the connection and silliness. He nearly topples on one of the few empty seats. As Ruane riffs about all the different types of comedy, his deeply poetic persona is hypnotic. He sings, he dances and explains why he sweats so much. And when he realises a bit didn’t land, he tells the crowd they’re “getting a loose one tonight”.

An ebullient Ruane shares comedy secrets, laced with irony and satire. Buoyed by the room’s enthusiastic response, he then delivers hilarious thoughts on the future of comedy. Compelling content, confidence and a generous serving of kooky charm equals a mighty fine show.
★★★★
Reviewed by Donna Demaio