Damian Callinan opens his show Last Drinks in character as Jethro, a prospectus-toting scavenger who is prepared to negotiate the exact amount of his beggar’s fee. I have seen quite a few Damian Callinan shows and therefore quite a few Damian Callinan created characters – but Jethro is hands-down my favourite.
Last Drinks is set in The Criterion Hotel, a down-at-the-heel watering hole that is yet to embrace the modern age of designer beers and poker machines. Jethro is just one of the regulars but with his broad range of facial manipulations, body language and accents Callinan manages to introduce us to many of the punters. War veteran Rattles, ex-jockey Okey Doke, Scottish grandmother-of-the-year Leslie and Liam the Barman are all brought to life by the extremely talented Callinan.
Last Drinks is a very funny but more than that, it is a show with a clear narrative, excellent character comedy and loads of heart. Callinan held the audience in the palm of his hand for the whole evening. At one stage I glanced around and all faces were turned to the stage, mouths half open in awe but smiling with delight. Callinan shows real respect for his audience, never going for a cheap laugh or the easy option. And I guarantee you won’t see a better dance routine in a festival show this year.
Will the Criterion Hotel survive an invasion of underworld characters? Will Jethro entice a few dollars from the audience? Will you forgive yourself if you miss this show? Don’t wait too long to decide – opening night was a full-house!
Visit the comedy festival website for bookings and further details