UTG @ Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Doc Brown – ‘Of Mic And Men’

April 11th, 2014

Brenton Harris

Comic: Doc Brown
Show: Of Mic And Men
Venue: Victoria Hotel

A few years ago, London’s Doc Brown swapped the bright lights, constant highs and endless bravado posturing of the hip-hop game, for an awkward combination of the responsibilities of fatherhood and the inherent solitude of life as a stand-up comedian. That transition served as the source material for his hilarious and critically acclaimed show Unfamous, a sleeper hit of the 2011 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Three years on, Doc Brown returns to Melbourne not just with a new show, in the form of the excellent Of Mic And Men, but arguably as a new man.

Taking the stage with a craft beer in hand and a cooler bag containing many more, the self-professed ‘urban nerd’ begins the show with some rather entertaining crowd-work before launching into a series of ruminations on the nature of racism in the modern world. Delivering his observations in his unique style that is best described as ‘cool college professor,’ Brown challenges the audience’s expectations from this point onward by performing a show that is equal parts stand-up show and philosophical jam.

Utilising his quick wit and clever turn of phrase, Brown manages to turn deep and heartfelt reflections on the reality of life as a minority, a parent and a comedian into moments of unexpected comedic gold. While at times the intense nature of the subject matter makes you feel like you are attending a university lecture more so than a comedy festival show, Brown’s ability to find light in dark places and laughs while addressing topics that would be considered off-limits to many others, ensures that the show remains engaging throughout.

Highlighted by a series of freestyle raps focused upon the ridiculous actions of his friends still in the hip-hop game (including a hilariously accurate ‘diss’ track upon the topic of false bravado), a rant on the inherently racist nature of everyday grocery products and an anecdote about a particularly awkward discussion he had with his eight-year-old daughter about the biological realities of what happens to our bodies after death, Of Mic And Men is a show unlike any other, performed by a comedian unlike any other.

While not the funniest show you’ll see at this year’s festival, Of Mic And Men is definitely among the most thought-provoking and original shows on offer and serves as a welcome diversion from the stand-up status quo.

A gifted comic, rapper, and profound thinker, Doc Brown is among the smoothest, most intelligent and engaging nerds you’ll ever encounter and an hour spent listening to his words will leave you not only laughing in stitches but feeling intellectually and emotionally richer as well. Enlightening.