The Groggy Squirrel

Thank God for Phil Nichol. I have had plenty of laughs this year at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival but Hiro Worship is hands-down the funniest show I have seen this year.

Last year Nichol wowed us with The Naked Racist, a crazy tale complete with 3D nudity that for some audience members was very much in-your-face. Once you’ve seen someone’s ugly undies, scary sex face and dancing naked form you’d think there would be very little that could surprise you – but surprise he does.

This year’s storytelling show takes us back to the 90’s when Nichol was on stage at London’s 100 Club and met Hiro, a Japanese Rolling Stones fan. Hiro winds up staying with Nichol and after weeks of Rolling Stones covers, stereotypical Japanese tourist behaviour and lost-in-translation moments things between Hiro and Nichol’s flatmates hit breaking-point.

Nichol rampages across the stage like a kid whose Ritalin prescription has expired, spittle flying in every direction and energy to burn. What is it about Nichol that is so exciting? It’s the lunacy – you can never be sure he’s not going to flip his lid. One minute he’s treating us to camp theatrical stage bows, the next bad Mick Jagger impersonations but all of it is expertly woven into the interesting story that has gasps, laughs and heart.

Judging by the expression on the face of the woman next to me Nichol is not for everyone. But the applause and laughter from the audience tells me he is certainly for most. He pushes the envelope far enough to make people squirm and although he is occasionally distasteful he is always funny. We don’t rate shows at The Groggy Squirrel but if we did this one would score a perfect ten.

Visit the comedy festival website for bookings and further details