By Elyce Phillips 
Steen Raskopoulos is back in Melbourne with his joy-inducing blend of sketch, improv and audience participation in You Know The Drill. It’s a slickly-composed show, filled with lovable characters that bring the audience together.
Raskopoulos has a mastery over character acting that is on par with the best of the best. With a shrug of his shoulders and a slight tremble in his voice, he can get everyone on-side. His repertoire is diverse – from a stern, but sappy drill sergeant to a young boy with the love of dance in his heart.
The sketches are sharply-written – snappy and never outstaying their welcome. Pre-recorded voice tracks from Raskopoulos and others (most notably, the voice of Rich Fulcher) are used to great effect. Raskopoulos’ improv sections are so well-handled that they’re almost indistinguishable from pre-written sketch. An off-the-cuff educational seminar spawned from an audience member’s suggestion of ‘flatulence’ was a particular improvisational highlight.
I’d be remiss to talk about a Raskopoulos show and not mention that it contains a healthy dose of audience participation. Regardless of where you are in the room, there’s a chance you may be hauled on stage. But as far as audience participation goes, there really isn’t anything to fear. Everything is done with a level of respect for the audience members, and the joke isn’t at their expense. There’s not a bit of cruelty in Raskopoulos’ audience segments – they’re joyful and playful and just a whole lot of fun.
You Know The Drill is a fantastically funny show from a performer at the top of his game. If you’re open to looking a little silly and having a whole lot of fun – this is for you.
Steen Raskopoulos – You know The Drill is on at the Swiss Club and Melbourne Town Hall until April 17
http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2016/season/shows/you-know-the-drill-steen-raskopoulos