After coming to public attention in Class Comedians in 2007 and with numerous television appearances under her belt, Rose Matafeo brought her show Life Lessons I’ve Learnt From the 60s (based on things I’ve seen on television) to the festival. It promised ‘a nostalgic trip back to the swingin’ sixties’ but those expecting a history or etiquette lesson were left disappointed. It was actually her standard stand up material linked tenuously together with some sixties references.
For the most part the introduction of a sixties television show or movie served as a launching point for tales and jokes about her life in the modern world. Fortunately she had plenty of charm to help us to forgive her for constantly wandering off topic. When Rose did manage to tie in the historic to the present she provided some wonderfully warped and unique viewpoints that garnered plenty of laughs. At other times she was merely pointing out the obvious ridiculousness, especially during her analysis of song lyrics and the Beach Party movie series, rather than adding a new twist to it.
Rose seemed to have tailored her material to suit her Generation Y peers while referencing many things before their time. It was strange that she was disappointed when so few in the crowd recognised the shows and movies that were mentioned, forcing her to provide explanation. This had me wondering what this show was supposed to lean towards, nostalgia or having a laugh at the olden days? Whatever she was aiming for, it was nonetheless a fun ride.
Aside from a little bit of opening night nerves, Rose exhibited considerable ease on stage in spite of the fact that this was her first solo show. Her words were delivered in the manner of a chatty teenage girl with a wonderful undercurrent of cattiness and cynicism that provided plenty of punch to her words, especially when venturing to some dark places. She provided some in show self analysis of the material at times which was given a nice self deprecating spin, but as the season goes on she is bound to figure out what works so her jokes will be a little less hit and miss.
In addition to the sections of stand up that dominated the show we were also treated to some wonderfully silly puppetry and a mandolin backed song. PowerPoint slides featured heavily in the show as well with varying degrees of relevance. Some personal family photos were used as the basis of a hilarious routine but the other slides were merely logos and promo material that provided little extra to her words.
Life Lessons… was a great debut festival show that, while not being quite what I was expecting, had plenty of humourous ideas and was thoroughly entertaining. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with in the future.
Visit the NZ Comedy Festival Website for booking details.