COMEDIC INTERLUDE AT COOLATAI

Hilarity can be found in the smallest of venues, with the collective heartiness of attendees’ laughter providing a much-needed boost to comradeship and morale. Such was the setting in Coolatai Hall on a warm Summer evening in late Febdruary.

Funding received by the Gwydir Shire Council as part of the Reconnecting Regional NSW Commuity Events Program facilitated an evening of comedic conviviality in Coolatai on Thursday 23 February. Organised and coordinated by Tania Gray and Courtney Loosemore, the special event was part of the NSW Government’s program to promote the social and economic recovery of regional communities, by renewing social connections and providing a revenue boost to local businesses following the extended COVID-19 restrictions across regional NSW and impacts of border closures.

The Wallaroo Hotel in Coolatai was first port of call, having taken advantage of the convenience of ordering a meal in advance of the evening. Pizza and beers imbibed in air-conditioned comfort. talk invariably revolved around all things rural and exposure to quality events and performances such as this one. Opinions imparted, a short haul to the Hall and our seats was the only activity left to be completed prior to the night ahead.

Featuring Des Dowling and Dave O’Neil, the night proved to be one of raucous laughter, interspersed with jovial chatter, sips of adult-only beverages and nibbles of well-adorned charcuterie boards.

As is often the case, high expectations were taken in to the evening of the well-known Dave O’Neil, with an “unknown” factor applied to Des Dowling. And as is equally the case, the former failed to illicit laughter to the same magnitude as his partner.

Des proved to be the highlight of the evening. Engaging with the audience and adapting the content based on solicited replies, Coolatai locals were not only ingredients for the performance, but a compass for the direction of the repertoire. To all the Toms, Johns, Bobs and Micks in the audience - thankyou. To those who “outed” spouses and shared milestones - thankyou. To those who simply brought their Gwydir Shire uniqueness - thankyou. What a memorable, tear-inducing performance!

An interlude between the two acts allowed for bothroom queues to develop, with further conversations and connections reflected on and rekindled.

Whilst Dave delivered content along the same vein as Des, there was a lack of connection with the audience, and unfortunately a few inappropriate derogatory remarks made regarding some in attendance. Nevertheless, laughter ensued from many of the anecdotes and jokes, and thus, an enjoyable second half of the evening was had by many..

Farewells were peppered with promises to catch up again, interspersed with handshakes and backslaps. What was agreed by all was the success of the event, and the appreciation that we were offered the opportunity to attend.