Bar Open is a venue that is easy to walk past as there are no lights outside and the signage could be a little more prominent. The comedy room is out the back and up the stairs. Some signs indicating this to the uninitiated would be welcome. The room itself is delightfully gothic and decadent, with its comfy couches and moody lighting.
The show starts with Zack introducing himself and launching into his life story. There are no technical staff helping him, and the music & special effects are done by Zack using a computer on the stage. The show is a (fictional) account of Zack’s life and his pursuit of fame from a nativity play in Perth to an attempt to break into the big time in London. He talks about his friends and how his career choices were based on trying to impress potential girlfriends, and the best way of becoming famous. I did wonder how close to reality this show was as it was obvious from his dancing and acting skills, that he had written very close to home.
The show itself wasn’t a laugh riot, but was more of a theatrical performance with occasional humorous scenarios. Zack himself put on a very impressive show as he talked non-stop for almost an hour. Well written and memorized, the show is entertaining but with a number of flat spots, especially the video segment which I thought was a bit obvious and has been done too many times lately.
This is a show more suited to the fringe than the comedy festival, by a performer who I think will be getting a lot of acting jobs based on his performance in the show. The venue is away from the centre of the festival action but was very comfortable.
For booking details go to Zack Adams