The Rhino Room is an institution in the Adelaide comedy scene and it rarely, if ever, disappoints. The opening night of comedian, James McCann’s “McCann you feel the love tonight”, was no exception. McCann skips onto stage and with a booming, energetic voice introduces himself and settles into an hour long show. The theatre feels like his living room, complete with a chatty stage manager and familiar audience as a stand in family. McCann is the ultimate charmer.  His Woody Allen thick rimmed glassed pair perfectly with his considerable range of facial expressions, adding to his precariously ironic- hipster- vibe. His personality is delightfully accessible, elevated with appropriate grandeur for the occasion but entirely authentic, even endearing. He spends the hour telling his story of a recently graduated teen through a stage of being “possibly homeless for a while” and despite being—like so many comedians—self-deprecating, he always ends on a high. The audience were willing to laugh, and deservedly so. McCann whips and weaves through tales of failed and misunderstood bar pick -ups, the meaning of life, death, religion, a touch of politics, and finally back to the self, complete with a “scabby appendage.” He interacts with the audience throughout, but no-one seems offended or uneasy about contributing. His easy repartee is what a true pro would be proud to call extremely quick wit. Comedy can be a gamble and at times you leave the theatre feeling like the performer’s sustained anxiety is all your fault. Thankfully, the Adelaide Fringe Festival is the safe place for comedy. It is a chance for the bold and brave to tantalise the audience with stories of artistic perils and an alluring underworld. McCann is exemplary in this way. He is like a favourite cousin who impresses the kids with funny voices and talks politics with the grownups. He is cool and calm, yet outrageous enough I would jump at a chance for another instalment.