As the title suggests for her current festival show Things I Can’t Talk About, “Jackie Loeb”:comic is exploring the many taboos in comedy. The structure of the show is a collection of tales of censorship imposed on her gigs by promoters attempting not to offend their audience. At corporate gigs, stand up venues, cruise ships, radio appearances and even festivals, Jackie relayed stories of being pulled aside and warned not to talk about certain topics.
With a wicked glint in her eye she “recreated” what she performed, always going against the warnings. We were treated to songs and routines about racism, body image, politics, sex and even stereotypical “lads humour”. Expressing disgust at being asked to do only new material, she performing a grotesque impersonation of Shakira revived from past festivals, complete with booty shaking.
A veteran of the Sydney comedy scene, Jackie is the master of musical impersonation. Her hammy mimicry of popular female recording artistes had the audience in hysterics. The tunes she parodied were not always current hits but were easily recognisable to the most casual of radio listeners. Peppering the songs with liberal doses of smut and innuendo certainly didn’t hurt! Her final song, a list of more things she wanted to talk about, allowed her an opportunity to include some up to date topical and celebrity references, showing that even while some material she covered may be approaching it’s use by date, she is always on the ball.
Jackie is in no way subtle with her material and it’s delivery, making it a show for those not easily offended. She exudes a very cheeky streak and delivers jokes at a rapid pace. When not standing behind the keyboard or strapped to a guitar, she displayed a great talent for physical humour, throwing herself into characters and a bit of mime.
If you can handle the shocking nature of her ideas, you will be thoroughly entertained.
“Things I Can’t Talk About” runs from Tues to Sun until April 29. For booking details visit http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/season/2007/show/448/