I have to admit, I’ve been dreading having to write up a review for this show! “What the hell just happened” I said to my friend as we walked out of the Melbourne Town Hall Regent Room, “What am I meant to write about that!” Another one of my friends was so baffled he didn’t say a word for about 20 minutes after the show.
Ok, so you’re probably getting the picture, this show isn’t for everyone, but for the people this show is for, it is pure genius. So what’s the ruckus about? Well, in brief, the show revolves around “The Incident”. That Incident being that an unaware customer find himself being felt up by a shop assistant, and so begins the kooky sexual harassment rollercoaster ride extracted from the minds of Sam Simmons and David Quirk.
The show plays out in contrasting theatrical routines, switching from Sam yelling in anger waiting for the manager, to scenes of a blossoming homosexual romantic relationship. As the show goes on, it’s gets cruder and more outrageous. There’s swearing, an abundance of sexual references, violence and just plain wrongness. All of this absurdity builds towards an inevitable homoerotic climax…I mean quite literally…there’s simulated masturbation. In a round about way, it explores male relationships, bromances vs. romances if you will.
This indy theater style production aims to make you squirm, it aims to baffle you and it aims to make you think about it, well after the show is over. A variety of stage styles, lighting effects and props ensure the show stays interesting throughout. The show is split up with irrelevant topical banter and side thoughts that adds a whole other layer to the show.
Sam Simmons’ trademark oddball humor fuses with David Quirk’s compelling storytelling to create a schizophrenic tale of seduction that for some will have you rolling off your seat, and for others, baffled and uncomfortable. One thing is for sure, this show gets a strong reaction out of everyone who sees it. Brilliantly confrontational and well worth the gamble.
For full booking details go to the Comedy Festival website