MICF 2015: Reviews #3 – by Lucy Watson

Although Marcus makes light of his basement room in the Town Hall, the fact he is performing in the Comedy Festival’s hub, and that his room is completely packed is a sure sign of his growing profile. He has been hard on the circuit for the past few years, all over the world, and you can see his extensive stand up experience in his confidence, charm and comfort on stage. He really shines when he’s off script, bantering with the audience. In fact, his show really relies on audience interaction, as the structure is loose and freewheeling, with Marcus confidently skipping onto one topic, and then back again. As we saw the show on a Monday, the crowd was fairly tight lipped, and Marcus had to work hard to loosen them up, but he did so with skill and enthusiasm. The show could use a bit more structure, and have a solid story or plot line to really take it to the next level, but it’s a testament to Ryan’s stand up experience and skill that he commanded the stage, and got solid laughs throughout. He experiments with character work, and a few “bits”, and it will be interesting to see where he takes those theatrical elements in the future. He certainly has all the elements he needs to take the next step from great stand up to mastering the hour-long format. His show this year is perfect for anyone who has internet dated in the past few years, as it’s packed with hilarious insights, and that common experience is the foundation for the humour. Go along and be ready to share. And don’t worry, you’re in safe hands.

Melb Town Hall 
Mon 7.15pm 

The Downstairs Lounge 
Tue-Sun 6.30pm

 

Simon Keck
Eating Tiger Dick

Simon Keck has become quite the wild card in the past few years. He’s a man who confidently takes on the big issues – the meaning of life and death – and so you walk into his show not really knowing what you’re going to get, but knowing it will be memorable. This year is no exception. An incredible wordsmith, Keck’s storytelling skills are outstanding, and he manages to take the audience to some really dark places, while keeping them laughing all the while. Like a comedic Brother Grimm, even when you think he can’t go there, he does, twisting his tale into the darkest corners of the human existence. And this is where his real power lies. His material, in the hands of others, would be sure to offend, but his performance and use of language allows him to get away with things others wouldn’t. In this show he has also created an alter-ego of epic proportions: a character so flawed and repugnant that Keck is able to take the audience even further. He doesn’t just toe the line, he flaunts it, and you find yourself laughing, and thinking “did he really just do that?” simultaneously. There was a fair bit of smutty material and even though I definitely laughed throughout, he’s certainly a smart enough comedian that he would be great without it. You do get the feeling though, that he enjoys pushing the boundaries, seeing how far he can take it. Having said all that, Keck’s shows always have a purpose, and always give an insight into humanity. He uses theatre, comedy, character and story like a master. Not for the faint hearted, but certainly one of the most challenging and memorable acts on the scene right now.

Imperial Hotel

25 Mar-6 Apr 
Mon-Sun 9.157-19 Apr 
Tue-Sun 10.15pm