There’s a refreshing, no-nonsense confidence to Nick Cody. His ‘strong’ beard fits his blokey bloke persona: he likes gangsta rap, Ultimate Fighting Championship and being in the woods. Or, basically, a younger, friendlier Ron Swanson. But Cody’s macho material never slips into laddy territory; he’s simply talking about what he knows best.
And what the Aussie stand-up has to say is consistently funny. The 28-year-old’s comic’s worldview is straightforward: he applies his beer swigging sports fan’s attitude to every part of life. Things that seem ridiculous to him – hipsters, yoga, fruitarians – are expertly picked apart and ridiculed without slipping into pure bullying.
While his observations are packed with punchy jokes, it’s Cody’s longer tales that get the biggest laughs. Stories of his toilet exploits in Thailand, his ‘bellend’ parents and an encounter with an Alaskan bear are all cunningly crafted, with plenty of embarrassment to undermine his cocky swagger, and a constant stream of droll gags.
It’s an impressive feat, to tell masculine stories without alienating the audience or, let’s face it, coming across as a total prick. But Cody’s tough, easygoing tales do just that. Strong beard, strong stand-up.