MICF 2010: Harley Breen - Personal Space

Despite its unusual premise – the 193 cm, 110 kilo Breen locked himself in a small bathroom for 48 hours in order to generate the material for this show – at its heart, Personal Space is about the disconnect between our childhood dreams and our adult lives; a comic contemplation on whether there’s still room for fantasy and imagination in our fast-paced urban existence.

The likeable, larrikin Breen best illustrates this concept with some charmingly slapdash puppetry and a rib-tickling anecdote about a disappointing visit to Tasmania’s Seahorse World. Additional observations about a haphazardly-organised teenage camping trip; his Queensland childhood; and a Where the Wild Things Are-inspired story about imaginary friends are equally entertaining.

While his segues are sometimes abrupt, and his material (unlike its genesis) is rarely adventurous, Breen's confident delivery, energy and obvious delight in his work are infectious, resulting in an evening of solidy entertaining stand-up.

Three stars Harley Breen - Personal Space
Arthur's Bar at Rosati until April 18
Tue-Sat 9.45pm, Sun 8.45pm
$17 - $22

This review originally appeared in The Age on Monday April 12.