There’s something so human about the fact that nearly all of us enjoy giving advice, but very few of us are willing to listen to our own advice. Taking it a step further Sweeney Preston was writing dating and relationship articles all while his own love life was in shambles.
Preston is a journalist, writer and performer that you might know from the wholly hilarious Late Nite Power Point Comedy Showcase that he hosts with Ethan Cavanagh.
Culture Reporter is his debut solo show but you wouldn’t know it from just how skilfully the whole thing is put together. His past experience onstage and as a writer is a clear assent as he quickly engages the audience and entertains with stories of cruise ships, radio appearances and trips to Adelaide.
The almost duel plot of Preston’s love life verses the articles he was writing at the time makes for a uniquely paced show and keeps the performance fresh. He utilises both traditional stand up as well as tech elements in a way that not only adds context to the jokes but also showcase his writing ability.
Preston is immediately likeable and just endearing enough that even stories of his self-proclaimed ‘f boy era’ are somehow charming. Media lovers will also find extra joy the moments of peeking behind the curtain of a journalist’s job and getting to laugh at the absurdity of some of his past articles.
But beneath the headlines and good jokes (and there are plenty of those!) Culture Reporter has some really earnest moments that further cement Preston as a truly talented performer!
Culture Reporter (A Story of Breaking News & Broken Hearts)
Theory Bar – Screening Room, 19 – 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne
Season continues to 20 April 2025
Information and Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au
Image: Sweeney Preston (supplied)
Review: Bella Jones