Ha Fucking Ha: Tim Minchin, Sam Simmons
It's indubitably comedic festivating time in ole Melbourne town.
Saw Tim Minchin first last night. He sold out, and with good reason, cause he's a very very competent cabaret performer. He's a great pianist and a decent singer, writing clever songs which mix intricate puns with irreverent taboo-busting punchlines. And he's got a good patter. Musical comedy is a dime-a-dozen at the moment but Minchin's one of the best performers out there.
But there is a bit of a caveat - I reckon this show's a little underdone. He's spent a lot of time overseas doing last year's show, a tour de force that picked up a few awards and lots of praise. So it's not surprising if he's got a bit of the Difficult Second Show syndrome. A couple of the songs fall a bit flat, some of the banter is a bit earnest or pointless and the rhythm of the whole thing is just a little off. But I'm being too harsh; don't write it off, as some of it is great - the "Fuck Off" song, while being pretty similar to TISM's BFW, is very funny, and I liked the Canvas Bag bit as well. And "If You Open Your Mind Too Much Your Brain Will Fall Out" (?) is side-splitting.
At $18 on a Tuesday you can't go too far wrong. But keep in mind that the kids like him so he will sell out consistently.
From the 400 (?) seat Hi-Fi to the Regent Room up in the Town Hall, holding not more than 50, for Sam Simmons.
Tales from the Erotic Cat is impossible to accurately describe, bouncing as it does from operatic tales of Sam's life to subliminal cats to talking ficuses to electric seagulls. It's a trip through Sam's brain without too much self-censorship, logic or causality. But it's done well; Sam has a good sense of timing and a solid feel for the ridiculous and absurd, and an endearingly goofy, energetic stage presence.
A really enjoyable show, for less than $20 every night of the week - don't go expecting anything too cerebral and you'll laugh your bum off.
PS: Also saw Ridiculusmus in The Importance of Being Earnest at the Malthouse on Saturday. Elanor liked it and so did I. Keywords: witty, smutty, polished.
Saw Tim Minchin first last night. He sold out, and with good reason, cause he's a very very competent cabaret performer. He's a great pianist and a decent singer, writing clever songs which mix intricate puns with irreverent taboo-busting punchlines. And he's got a good patter. Musical comedy is a dime-a-dozen at the moment but Minchin's one of the best performers out there.
But there is a bit of a caveat - I reckon this show's a little underdone. He's spent a lot of time overseas doing last year's show, a tour de force that picked up a few awards and lots of praise. So it's not surprising if he's got a bit of the Difficult Second Show syndrome. A couple of the songs fall a bit flat, some of the banter is a bit earnest or pointless and the rhythm of the whole thing is just a little off. But I'm being too harsh; don't write it off, as some of it is great - the "Fuck Off" song, while being pretty similar to TISM's BFW, is very funny, and I liked the Canvas Bag bit as well. And "If You Open Your Mind Too Much Your Brain Will Fall Out" (?) is side-splitting.
At $18 on a Tuesday you can't go too far wrong. But keep in mind that the kids like him so he will sell out consistently.
From the 400 (?) seat Hi-Fi to the Regent Room up in the Town Hall, holding not more than 50, for Sam Simmons.
Tales from the Erotic Cat is impossible to accurately describe, bouncing as it does from operatic tales of Sam's life to subliminal cats to talking ficuses to electric seagulls. It's a trip through Sam's brain without too much self-censorship, logic or causality. But it's done well; Sam has a good sense of timing and a solid feel for the ridiculous and absurd, and an endearingly goofy, energetic stage presence.
A really enjoyable show, for less than $20 every night of the week - don't go expecting anything too cerebral and you'll laugh your bum off.
PS: Also saw Ridiculusmus in The Importance of Being Earnest at the Malthouse on Saturday. Elanor liked it and so did I. Keywords: witty, smutty, polished.
