“Mathew Kenneally”:Mat+Kenneally:comic is running for Parliament and he wants your help. This is the premise of Mat’s debut solo show, and if his political skills prove as smooth as his comedic skills then this young performer could take it all the way.
Mat constructs a set up for this show in which he presents his case for becoming Australia’s next Howard/Rudd. He oscillates between straight soliloquy directed at the audience and the slightly more formal ‘party speeches’, delivered from behind a plinth, rather amusingly draped in an Australian flag in a way which reflects the sycophantic patriotism often paraded at these kinds of political rallies. Confident and comfortable on stage, Mat present affable personality interspersed with moments behind the plinth where he briefly showed shades of a frighteningly slick Paul Keating-esque persona.
The construct operates well as a platform for a diverse range of topics that Mat touches on during the course of the show. The subjects of Mathew’s barbs include much well covered territory – Shane Warne, Steve Irwin, Pauline Hanson, Howard/Costello, Andrew Bolt – grist to the mill for comedians. However, he often takes these ideas down what seem like a familiar road only to subvert them into bitingly original and satirical jaunts.
Much of the humour consists of the use of analogies, almost to the point where the show can seem a little analogy heavy. But it does works. The true originality of these analogies plus their ability to put concepts into hilarious stark contrast justify what would otherwise be over use of this device.
During the course of the show Mat often presents absurd ideas as political solutions. These serve not only to be funny in their sheer absurdity but also operate ways which parallel and highlight the truly absurd aspects of the real political climate.
This was the first night of the run and at moment Mat still has a problem with fitting his vast plethora of material into his allotted hour, resulting in a situation in which he had to rush through much of his material at the end. However, as the run continues and Mat tightens and times the show, it will only get better.
This is a terrific show from a talented young comedian and as it progresses Mathew Kenneally For Paliament? could prove to be a real winner.
For bookings and further details see “the Fringe Festival website”:http://www.melbournefringe.com.au/season/2007/show/253/