Two comedy shows this time, although one, sadly, has already ended so you've missed you're chance to see it; while the second ends tonight. These will be kinda micro-reviews though, as I have to bolt out the door in a sec. Maybe I'll expand on them at a later date...though given my schedule over the next few days, with MIAF overlapping with Fringe, that's probably unlikely!
FEAR OF A BROWN PLANET scored the honour of drawing the ire of one Andrew Bolt, publicity which certainly did them no harm. The premise of the show was a simple one, inspired by its three performers wondering, "When did a Muslim last make you laugh?". Consequently, around a framework structured in part by Public Enemy's classic album Fear of a Black Planet, the three young men responsible for this show proceeded to mount a Muslim comedy spectacular, exploring issues around race, politics, bigotry, family and related themes.
Well, perhaps spectacular is too strong a word; Aamer Rahman, who came on last, was definitely bloody funny, with both good material and great delivery, but his two compatriots, Mohammed El-Leissy and Nazeem Hussain were less accomplished. More work was needed to tighten some of the material, but the generous audience laughed loud and long nonetheless. Fantastic to see such a diverse audience at an arts event as well; young and old, white and brown.
The verdict? Fun but flawed.
Fear of a Brown Planet: Three stars
Season concluded.
THE INFAMOUS SPRAYGELTENT is a two man show that originally premiered at the Comedy Festival earlier this year. Devised by ex-Carlton AFL player Glenn Manton and improvisational comedian Jim Lawson, the premise of the show sees the audience roped in to become Coach Manton's new football team, due to all of Carlton's cash being spent bringing Juddy to the team. Coach Manton, it must be said, is a scary man - especially when he's screaming at you or another team-mate (although in real life he's quite different).
By shining a spotlight on what goes on behind closed doors at AFL level, Manton and Lawson create some genuinely funny moments, whether it's Glenn claiming he can't relate to the players as human beings unless we're all equipped with demeaning nicknames (mine was 'The Fist' LOL), or explanations of particular coaching techniques and gestures. The fact that the show on this particular night was actually performed in the rooms at Carlton added extra vermissilitude.
My one criticism is that it suffered a little because of its structure, which was originally designed so that you'd see part one (the pre-match address) then catch another comedy show at Trades Hall, where it was originally staged before seeing parts two and three. In its present guise, breaking the show's three parts with a trip to the bar was enjoyable, but felt slightly laboured by the final third. Condensing it into two halves may have worked better from an audience member's point of view; though obviously this would have impacted on the nature and content of the show itself. A laugh-out-loud enjoyable night nonetheless.
The Infamous Spraygeltent: Three stars
Season ends tonight at North Melbourne Town Hall
Disclaimer: the views expressed in this review are made in an individual capacity and do do not represent those of the Board of Melbourne Fringe. Just thought I should say that to be on the safe side, given that I'm the Chair and all...
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