Claire Hooper is the self proclaimed Kylie of comedy – not because she’s a superstar – it’s just that she seems to attract a disproportionate number of gay admirers – and it’s hard to see how anybody could not be charmed by her.
In contrast to her brilliant 2006 theatrical show, “Oh”, this year sees Claire in a more conventional stand-up show. Exploring her awkward crushes and some of the more questionable moments of her career, Claire is utterly charming on stage.
Claire tells a great of hosting a male strip show in suburban Perth and the absurdity the male body (due to constantly having a dick and balls drawn on it). Claire had attempted to start a rumour that she would be concluding her show with a strip show of her own, before realising the “nobody wants to see that”. She also tells of an hilariously uncomfortable moment while touring with Puppetry of the Penis.
The bulk of her show, however, is about her ungainly attempts to win over her crushes, with missteps ranging from simple clumsiness to inviting them along to performances that included her as a hammer dancing monkey in a one piece leotard.
The show with the dance that she put together as a 10 year old to impress Paul Gray from Wa Wa Nee before merging into a Kylie-esque “classic medley” of Claire’s “greatest hits” – a variety of dances from children’s performances, which lets Claire show off her considerable range of physical performance and letting her get her dork on. It’s a perfect way to finish off a show about awkwardness.
Claire’s tales of gawkiness and clumsy infatuations are easily relatable and her stage presence is completely endearing. Definitely a show for the crush-afflicted in all of us.
Showgirl is on Tuesday through Sunday until April 29th. See the comedy festival website for further details and ticket bookings.