I can’t help but wonder if there is a cute pun in the title (self sourcing) or if, like Ross Noble, Tripod just gave themselves a nonsense title because they don’t need to create some kind of theme to put on a fabulous Festival show.
I’m sure Tripod could easily entertain for a good two hours like Ross does, but that might be a bit too exhausting, because Tripod have choreography and put a huge amount of energy into their shows. They also have the most gorgeous harmonies, most notably in songs such as No daughter of Mine, where the songs beauty contrasts with its message of human double standards – could it be as they get older their voices are getting better?
The main thing I’ve noticed in the past couple of years is that they have obviously consciously put more work into the musicality of their songs, rather than just concentrating on the funny lyrics. Gatesy is now playing a lot more guitar and there was a little joke about this as they teased Yon for not having an instrument to play. But the big change in this show is the more serious note in a couple of their songs. ‘Suicide Bomber’ is obviously about torture at Abu Ghraibe prison and is the most brilliant, chilling and devastating little ditty, (sung in barbershop quartet style), I’ve ever heard to come out of Australian comedy. They don’t have to shout or swear, but they are clearly very angry while they smile and sing. It takes your breath away and all the more surprising I think, because you don’t expect it to come from the wacky Tripod boys. ‘Congo’ which I saw when new and raw has grown up into a full on hilarious number which recalls early Tripod shows where two of the boys go completely insane while the other – Scod – tries to hold it together, in this case singing a rather serious political song about the Congo being bereft of oil and thus neglected. What I liked was that the political nature of the song was not destroyed or challenged, just the way it should be presented to a comedy crowd and it’s a superb way to end the show.
They also played some great crowd pleasers including their song about the new King Kong film and my favourite “Gonna Make you Happy Tonight”. It was just lovely to look around the audience and see a sea of grins and sparkling eyes. This is the strongest new show Tripod has put on in a few years, if its been a while since you’ve seen them do a Festival show, do yourselves a favour and check them out for guaranteed joy and a sore face.
For booking details go to Tripod in Self Saucing