4.5 is my review, not because of John Oliver, who always delivers, but because the venue was big and he could have moved around the stage more so all could share him up close and personal. The microphone was often too close to his mouth. I wish I could have also had a TV screen as he was small on that stage. The opening act by Brooks Whealan very good, but he was delivering to a 30 age audience at a bar in NYC and the audience was older and could thus afford the tickets. Brooks was raunchy with too much use of F word. He was talented and he didn't have to go there with beer and wine jokes like inexperienced comedians rely on to carry the show. He didn't need that.

I saw Oliver last night and I'm finding myself revisiting his material. He has a unique story-telling style which helps his hilarious material stay with me and re-amuse me. Plus, with some of his material, you can actually learn something - mainly his history stories. So funny.

Although we were in row "Y" of the balcony that goes up to row "Z," and the legroom is reminiscent of the upper decks of the old Bradley Center, we really enjoyed the show with John Oliver. He delivers smart comedy that is well researched. It is always good when you come away from a comedy set feeling smarter and having a good dopamine boost. This is probably a show best suited for older kids and adults. My adult son and I had a great time with both the opener, Brooks Wheelan and the always thoughtfully hilarious John Oliver. What we appreciated is that he and Wheelan did not just rely on shock value.

Wheelan and Oliver were amazing. My husband and I had a blast. PS we are from PDX and the roast was brutal but hilarious. Hey John, we were sitting near the “whale” and he said “LIVERPOOOOOL” haha not a heckle! That whale bit and that teapot bit had me in stitches. Thanks for the positivity. And Wheelan - you did great man. People were laughing their butts off out there with a mere smattering of others.

I’ve really missed Oliver since the writers strike so was very excited to see him. He was very funny and loved his comments on the history of British royalty and other bits. Perhaps I missed something but I really disliked the opening act. Total overuse of the “f” word and unfunny/dated jokes about drinking and drugs. Couldn’t wait til he was done. Many others we’re laughing so I guess they found him funny.

My daughter and I went to see John Oliver, the British-American humorist at the Hippodrone last night. Outstanding show delivered with a lot of heart and enthusiasm. Mr. Oliver seemed very happy to share his stand-up observations and political observations. We both laughed continuously throughout the show. Brooks Whealan the opening comedian was also outstanding. Fresh, cutting edge material. The Hippodrone is a lovely theater with great accoustics and clear stage views from most seats.