As the punters file into the theatre at Northcote Town Hall for Trent McCarthy’s Turning Sudanese, talented Sudanese singer Anak Kwai gently serenades the audience. By the time we are all seated the lights dim and McCarthy takes the stage as both himself and his doctor.
McCarthy became involved with the Sudanese Lost Boys Association when he was invited by Akoch Manhiem to act as a mentor to a group of young refugees from the African country. McCarthy mixes this show up a bit; it is part character comedy (he plays the uptight GP to perfection), part stand-up, a story-telling show and then to wrap it all up there is a quick demonstration of Sudanese greeting customs from Anak and Akoch (Akoch is a budding stand-up comedian).
McCarthy is an experienced public speaker and it shows, he commanded the audience’s attention and held them captivated for the duration of the show. Turning Sudanese is already playing to packed audiences for its limited season and it is easy to see why, this show has broad appeal and while it is educational, funny and interesting it is also PG rated – and that’s not a bad thing. The audience had everyone from older kids to grandparents and everything in between.
Over the last few years we have seen some interesting developments with stand-up comedy; local performers such as Justin Hamilton and Kate McLennan have successfully made us laugh and cry with their festival shows. McCarthy has put together a very good show but he definitely has the ability to go deeper, darker and present something even more powerful if he chooses to. But clearly this show isn’t about Trent McCarthy the performer; it’s about a group of special Sudanese people who touched McCarthy’s heart.
Turning Sudanese is definitely worth checking out; it will make you think, it will make you sing and it will make you laugh – especially at Trent’s dancing doctor. All profits are directed to the Sudanese Lost Boys’ Association.
Visit the comedy festival website for bookings and further details