Reviews – Page 144 – Squirrel Comedy

Reginald D Hunter : Wake In Sleight

By Noel Kelso

Familiar to most people through his appearances on UK panel shows such as QI, American comic Reginald D. Hunter returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with his new show Wake In Sleight – an hour of thoughtful, hilarious, sometimes provocative and occasionally touching humour.

Appearing on stage in total darkness before the lights rise to reveal him standing behind the mic, ready to start the evening, Hunter begins his show by saying that a lot of people seem offended by his material and that he is clearly being misinterpreted by those people. This prompts the first ripple of laughter from the packed auditorium of the Forum theatre.

Without missing a beat Hunter then launches into some material about the case of a certain paralympian who is currently facing serious charges in South Africa. The audience is already putty in his hands as they laugh heartily to his musings on this media spectacle, drawing parallels with the OJ Simpson case of some years previous.

This is a performer clearly at home on stage in front of a large audience who can judge just how far he can take his humour before pulling back. Along the way he also makes references to local personalities and locations which make the show all the more inclusive and give a sense that here is a man who takes the time to get to know his audience.

We learn that Hunter has a large family in which he is the youngest of nine children and of his rivalry with one of his brothers, a successful Doctor. His relaxed, conversational style allows him to breezily cover subjects such as rudeness, white middle-class race guilt, marriage and how best to compliment a woman with ease and humour whilst also making some astute observations and pointed comments on society.

A word of warning to those offended by the n-word – Hunter uses it a lot during the show simply as a descriptor for people. Not just black people, but everyone. Rather in the same manner that the average Aussie might use the word ‘bloke’.

His observations on how national psyches differ are accurate and very funny indeed with many in the audience laughing in recognition at his description of the Australian version compared to that of the US or Britain.

He ends the evening with a lovely tale concerning his adventures with his elderly father and of the attention this nonagenarian received in the fancy hotels at which they stayed.

Wake In Sleight is on at the Forum Theatre – Downstairs until April 20

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2014/season/shows/wake-in-sleight-reginald-d-hunter

Michael Hing : Bildungsroman At 28

By Sofia Monkiewicz

There are many shows in this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival that involve stories and jokes about love: dating, relationships, breakups, flirting, the list goes on. Sydney-based comedian Michael Hing has taken his inclusion of love-related experiences somewhat further in his 2014 show Bildungsroman At 28; he has based its entire premise on love, in particular with one girl from his past.

Hing begins his show by discussing the true definition of love. Is love about helping someone you care about with menial tasks, or is it more about taking incredible risks for that one person you adore most? When he divulges his personal definition of love – that it is an emotion that always ends in heartbreak – we begin to get a clear idea of what the theme of this story is going to be. The word ‘bildungsroman’ is a German word for ‘coming of age’, and Bildungsroman At 28 refers to Hing’s better-late-than-never tale of growing up, falling in love and learning some valuable life lessons.

This likeable, jittery 28-year-old is a fast-talking and feisty storyteller with some sharp one-liners and poignant anecdotes, some of which hit you right in the feelings. He comes across as incredibly sweet and genuine, which helps to capture the interest and empathy of his audience as he builds beautiful moments alongside some conventional light-hearted humour. Every line in this show is well-thought out and contributes to a simple and charming story arc; such as which stands apart from any other show in the festival.

Hing’s 5,000-word description about what he needs in a girlfriend (including 50 movies she is required to have watched, musical interests and national pianist accreditation) is highly amusing and his detailed descriptions of his attempts to seduce his perfect girl induce a mixture of laughter and cringing from the crowd. A terrifying goblin impersonation and his efforts at pretending he is a serial killer are also worth a mention, as well as an entertaining discussion of dating deal-breakers.

Bildungsroman At 28 is not only a comedy show about love; it is also an emotional narrative about love. For a 28-year-old who admits he knows absolutely nothing about this broadly defined emotion, Michael Hing has produced a bittersweet love story that will undoubtedly pull on the heartstrings of every punter that takes a chance on his show, as well as induce many chuckles throughout.

Bildungsroman At 28 is on at the Forum Theatre – Pizza Room until April 20
http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2014/season/shows/bildungsroman-at-28-michael-hing

Asher Treleaven – Smaller Poorer Weaker Cheaper

By Elyce Phillips

2013 wasn’t a great year for Asher Treleaven. Publicist troubles, a horror gig, and a particularly heinous review made for some low times. Good thing he’s an ideas man and is ready to get back on top. In ‘Smaller Poorer Weaker Cheaper’, Treleaven plots his comeback via some dodgy business proposals and some entirely healthy processing of criticism. The result is an incredibly funny show that had me in tears.

‘Smaller Poorer Weaker Cheaper’ is soaked in the intense enthusiasm of someone desperately trying to turn things around. Before the show even begins, you can hear Treleaven belting out Sinatra behind the curtain. Once things get rolling, exuberant cries of “Woo!” and vigorous fist pumping punctuate quieter moments of the show. The mood Treleaven creates is wonderfully unhinged. He addresses the crowd like a sleazy used car salesman as he tests out some of his proposals to make a quick buck or two. The props fail, the party tricks go awry – it’s all so gloriously shambolic.

As always, Treleaven’s wit absolutely shines in this show. There is a perfect balance of cleverness and silliness. His physical comedy is outstanding, whether he’s crushing his thirst like a man, performing a bizarre nautical dance number, or simply lunging about the stage for emphasis. Treleaven re-visits some older material – his bogan version of ‘My Favourite Things’ makes an appearance, however it works in the context of the story he’s telling and is just as hilarious this time around. The new material never skips a beat –except when it’s meant to. An extensive rant against a poor review for the show is a rage-filled highlight.

‘Smaller Poorer Weaker Cheaper’ is an absolute must-see. Asher Treleaven is a unique comedic talent, and this show has one of the best finales in the Festival. It’s a spectacle that you really shouldn’t miss.

Asher Treleaven – Smaller Poorer Weaker Cheaper is playing at the Portico Room at Town Hall and The Swamp at the Gin Palace until April 20.

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2014/season/shows/smaller-poorer-weaker-cheaper-asher-treleaven

Adam Richard : Gaypocalypse

By Lisa Clark

This is Adam Richard as you’ve never seen him before. He’s had a long time to think about the kind of solo festival show he’d like to write now he’s given up spruiking celebrity gossip on mainstream radio. He’s not afraid to get political on our arses. This time it’s personal.

We meet a much more subdued Adam than we are used to seeing on stage. He hints at radio war stories but the significance is that at the end of ten years at his job he was left pondering his future and what it’s like to be left out in the cold with a society that seems full of heartless mindless zombies out to make life more difficult for others.

Adam is still the accomplished comedian able to zing out ripping pop culture gags but he’s also as passionate about gay rights as he is about the rights of asylum seekers, for they are all human rights. There is a line throughout his show about these beliefs that gets a bit too serious at times, possibly because they are too close to Adam’s heart to joke too much about but then the Kardashians suddenly pop up and there is usually another wisecrack or filthy double entendre around the corner to keep the laughs rolling.

The highlights of the show for me were the hilarious stories about his family. The joys of living a mundane suburban life in a gay relationship with a step child, his sister at a rodeo discovering a lot about her own assumptions and his mum proving that he inherited her joy in entertaining others which had me in tears of laughter. I would love a show that is more about that.

I felt that Adam had a lot to say and a lot of funny tales to tell. This might be why the theme became a bit muddled at times. The over the top anti-lesbian rant brought some guilty laughs but seemed out of place in a heartfelt show partly about gay rights. The surprise ending (people know about it now so I’m not giving everything away) was a song that proved that Adam has a gorgeous voice and I look forward to him creating an amazing cabaret show in the future. Meanwhile there was a lot to enjoy in his first festival show in seven years and if you are an Adam Richard fan you know he will bust his butt to give you a great time.

Gaypocalypse is on at the Melb Town Hall – Backstage Room until April 20
http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2014/season/shows/gaypocalypse-adam-richard

Red Bastard

By Alanta Colley

This is the Fight Club of the theatre world. You will be shaken, you will be commanded to action, you will be stripped down to the naked truth, you will confront the walls of your comfort zones and push through them. Red Bastard (Eric Davis) has locked the doors and we are privy to the theatre of life, of which we are all but players. The only fate worse than revealing your most private hopes and dreams to this bunch of strangers is what Red Bastard will do to you if you don’t.

This show is not for the faint of heart – Red Bastard is a frenetic, fierce, demanding, monster; a mutant in a red suit with piercing eyes who refuses to be ignored. He will not take no for an answer.

The message is clear: This Is Not Television. You can be seen. You can be heard. You will be heard. There’s no escape. There’s no corner to hide.

Red Bastard is searching hungrily for a truth. A thespian infuriated by the frozen sentimentalities of mimicry and lies in theatre. He is hunting for the intimacy of honesty. He demands us to strip away fear and compromise and to shout openly what we dream for.

This show is the shared nightmare of many a folk. You pay for a nice evening to sit in the dark and receive a piece of art, then this guy refuses to let you even stay in the same place during the show. The fourth wall vaporised within seconds of the performance commencing. Yet, it appears just as many are fascinated by this dangerous social experiment. What happens when you put people under this sort of pressure? Maybe it’s the risk takers, maybe it’s those looking for a new level of intensity in their theatrical intake, maybe it’s people attracted to fear. Whoever they are, they packed out the Butterfly club on this particular night. And it’s these people who’ve granted Red Bastard awards at every major fringe and theatre festival around the world.

Is this a transformative experience? Is there honesty when people reveal truths while being yelled at and threatened? Maybe the payoff is the relief of the show ending. You be the judge.

Don’t take anyone with a heart condition.

Red Bastard is on at The Butterfly Club until April 20
http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2014/season/shows/red-bastard

The Umbilical Brothers – KiDSHoW – Not Suitable for Children

By James Shackell

The night ends with our two stars dead on stage and a small sheep puppet hypnotising the audience and saying ‘You will leave here tonight with nothing but the memory of your own sexual pleasure.’ It says a lot about KiDSHoW that this was probably the most normal thing that happened in it.

One of Australia’s enduring comedy troupes, The Umbilical Brothers are back with their latest paradoxical production, KiDSHoW – Not Suitable for Children. Just to be clear, this is a kid’s show (literally – the Brothers play two performers on a make-believe children’s’ television program) but it is definitely not a show for kids; unless of course your kids are really precocious and would appreciate watching the Brady Bunch getting mass mime-murdered, Mickey Mouse getting mime-bashed, and a questionable dealer selling street-mime to innocent passers-by.

I knew going in that Shane Dundas and David Collins were the masters of physical comedy, what I didn’t appreciate were their voices. A mime is a terrible thing to waste, and we’re very lucky that two of the most imaginative people our country has ever produced were also gifted the remarkable vocal range necessary to make their twisted dreams a reality. And it’s not just sound effects. Sure they can mimic everything from footsteps to submersion in water to a baby being born (it’s pretty gross), but did you know they can also sing? Not just carry a tune, I’m talking really sing. David Collins has one of the purest voices I’ve ever heard, never mind that it’s backed up by Shane’s hilarious mime antics. It’s as if their vocal chords operate like radio antennas tuned to any frequency you can imagine. Nothing is off limits.

If you’ve been an Umbilical Brothers fence sitter for a while, get off and see this show. If you’re already a fan, you don’t need this review. If you loathe them with a passion, go anyway: it was some of the best sexual pleasure I’ve ever had.

KiDSHoW is on at Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse until April 13