“Andrew McClelland”:comic is rivalled by “Sam Simmons”:comic alone when it comes to a grown man impersonating a cat.
From the outset of his new show “Andrew McClelland’s Somewhat Ambitious Solution for Making the World a Better Place (in general)”, Andy states that the theme of the show is tenuously adhered to at best, and this is true, although the show is not the any lessor for it. In fact, for someone like Andy, who in the past has produced tightly thematic festival shows, it’s actually quite refreshing to find him in a festival show meandering and, to some extent, improvising his way through the material.
Roughly the show is broken up under three headings; Racism, Politics and Religion. Within these contexts Andy also discusses such things as the environment, drugs, an improvised stab at erstwhile partner “Lawrence Leung”:comic, cats and a revolutionary plan to solve the world’s political problems with ice-cream. Andy has an innately delightful demeanour which he brings to his storytelling, which is slightly absurd and fluctuates from raucously funny to kitteny soft.
Still in the previews, this show has a lot to iron out – Andy needs to get on top of the script, the conclusion is still messy and the overall show needs tightening and structuring. But in a way it hardly matters. These moments are re-involved in the show in a self questioning way, which is part of Andy’s appeal.
Even with script flaws that would leave lesser comedians blowing in the wind, Andrew McClelland’s consummate experience wins through; turning any falters in on themselves, adding to the persona of one of the most endearingly funny performers at this festival. This show, which includes one of the only ever truly funny and original ‘bogan jokes’ I’ve ever heard, is so good now and it can only get better as the run continues.
Andrew McClelland’s Somewhat Ambitious Solution for Making the World a Better Place (in general) runs from Tuesday to Sunday until the 29th April. For show and booking details go to the Comedy Festival “website”:http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/season/2007/show/419/