Wanda Sykes

By Annette Slattery.

Wanda Sykes is one of those people you recognise but you’re not sure from where. Have you seen here on the telly? In a movie? The answer is yes to both. Her credits include the film “Monster in Law”, TV’s “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and of course Larry David’s cult hit “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. She has also written for Chris Rock on “The Chris Rock Show”. Her credentials are impressive and so is her latest stand up show.

The show is opened by Keith Robinson who does a short spot with some risqué material. He took a little while to warm up but once he got his first big laugh from the large Capitol Theatre audience, he had the room playing into his hands.

Sykes started her set with the obligatory Australian material which was enjoyable, original and strong. After that she gets into what appears to be her show proper. Wanda covers politics (US politics), showing her support for Barack Obama and her dislike of the current crop of Republican nominees. She also talks about political causes, poking fun at her own occasional hypocrisy, and delivering a very funny set on gay marriage rights.

But she is easily at her best delivering the more personal of her material. Her acerbic observations of her French wife and her twin children, Lucas and Olivia, are deeply funny and beautifully authentic. Her uncanny ability to physically impersonate both her children is a source of great delight.

Watching Wanda Sykes at work you know you’re in the hands of a professional and you won’t be disappointed.

Wanda Sykes’ final show is on the 8th at the Melbourne Town Hall. Be aware that the night I attended the show ran over by about twenty minutes.

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/wanda-sykes/Â