Meet Angus, a socially inept idiot savant determined to uncover the secret formula of the universe. His awkward encounters with arrogant businessmen, cursed Collingwood beanies, Murakami-quoting junkies, and the villainously moustachioed Manobozo are about as far removed from traditional stand-up as possible, but generate scenes of exceptional, unbridled hilarity and occasional and surprising pathos.Created by comedian Vachel Spirason and director/producer Stephanie Brotchie (Slow Clap Productions), this remarkable show – a Fringe Festival award winner – utilises dance, physical comedy, and a talking book to shape its story of virgin births, crop circles, and chocolate-coated eroticism.
Spirason’s gurning and clowning don’t always generate a laugh a minute – the hilarity deliberately shifts into occasional scenes of quiet contemplation – but his remarkably focussed physicality and precise comic timing ensure solid and consistent entertainment. Offbeat, original, and highly recommended for anyone who likes their comedy a little left of centre.
Four stars
The Hermitude of Angus, Ecstatic
Melbourne Town Hall until April 24
Tue-Sat 7.15pm, Sun 6.15pm
$16 - $20
This review originally appeared in The Age on Saturday April 2.
3 comments:
2 / 5 Stars.
Clever, but not funny.
(5/6 in my party agreed; 1 gave it 3 1/2 stars)
Each to their own, Sarah - me, I laughed heaps.
Hi Richard,
it was funny seeing you for the first time in 20 years (or however long it's been). I must, I thought the show was super and laughed a lot (as did my friend I went with). It was also really novel, so I thought that was an extra bonus (say, versus seeing yet another stand-up comedian).
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