A spellbinding interactive comedy-cabaret-poetry extravaganza, blending sharp wordplay, visual gags and mind-boggling trivia into a fast, unpredictable hour of laughs, learning and surprises.

Performed by neurospicy Renaissance man Ben Dali, the show draws on a life spanning many careers, from gameshow host to hypnotist to primary teacher. Expect pieces to shift rapidly between styles and moods without warning, from infectious sincerity to unapologetic cheekiness, with playful audience interaction and improvised rhyming mind-reading woven throughout.

At its heart, the show is a playful celebration of language in all its forms. Highlights include a journey through the finest ‘Humdinger Words’ that English has to offer; innocent childhood poems juxtaposed with depraved adult sequels; a visual comedy treat comparing country outlines to their outlandish doppelgängers; and a call-and-response rap about a traumatic holiday. Along the way, Dali relives his diverse skillset, including genuine hypnotic effects and even mentalism delivered in improvised rhyme.

Running through the chaos is a central idea: an attempt to reconnect with, and impress, his shamelessly extroverted 7-year-old self. This gives the show an unexpected sense of shape, balancing silliness with something more personal.

Designed for attentive, intellectually curious audiences who celebrate playful language, Humdinger Words for Lollygaggers & Fuddy-Duddies is ideal for festivalgoers who enjoy comedy that subverts genre and expectations, rewards curiosity and delivers knockout punchlines in every bout.