Disclaimer – I should probably tell you that I work for Brisbane Powerhouse. All opinions are my own and not those of my employer.
Disclaimer number two - I have pretty much been waiting my whole life to write a disclaimer like that.
I flippin love comedy, all the kinds of comedy, it’s like a drug to me. I also like writing. I also work at a place that hosts a comedy festival.
So, you know… I’m going to write some reviews.
Damien Power – Monkeys in Space – Rooftop Terrace
“And there’s the line!”
Pre-show Appreciation Status: Fan.
I was Damien’s tech last year, so it was really nice to see his show from the front instead of from a small box to the side. And it was a great show too. Funny and punchy right from the start. Damien has a great delivery style; lots of beautifully timed pauses and great throw-away lines that catch you unawares and make you guffaw like a crazy person.
Power (great name) doesn’t hold back and his jokes regularly stray into what some might call dangerous territory. Pedophilia, rape and gratuitous sexual innuendo feature heavily. Being strongly of the opinion that comedy has no boundaries, I laughed heartily at this kind of material, and most of the audience was there with me for most of the show. There were a few moments where people seemed a bit unsure whether they were allowed to laugh or not. And one great moment (after a pedophilia bit) where the crowd sort of just hummed with uncertainty. Damien made a joke about having found the line and then jumped right back over it anyway. I love a comedian who sticks with their material and goes with it anyway. If they are confident enough about it, it usually works.
Damien is a local guy who is going to go far, he is definitely worth a look in if you can nab a seat. He sold out a smaller room last year and will likely sell out in a much bigger room this year. I look forward to struggling to get a seat to his 2013 show in the Turbine Studio or the Visy.
Damien plays at 8:30pm Friday and Saturday, and at 7pm on Sunday. Tickets here.
Tripod – Men of Substance – Powerhouse Theatre
“Dystopia, Datopia, all Datopias.”
Pre-show Appreciation Status: Big Fan.
Tripod’s new show, Men of Substance focuses on their successful 16 years together, and their now maturing tastes in music, women and technology. It was fantastic to see new material from them; their songs are still tight, very funny, and beautifully performed. Tonight was opening night, which may have explained the slightly strange energy at the start. I felt it took about 2 songs to ‘get into it’, but once they were off they were flying.
While the through line of the whole show, that they are now older, wiser and more mature was obviously a device to show off some of their new songs, I couldn’t help but notice how comfortable these guys are - on the stage, with each other, with the crowd. They really know what they’re doing, and their 16 year history with each other makes for a relaxed but well rehearsed show with hilariously candid moments thrown in.
I was laughing loud and long for the entire show. As always, I love musical comedians for doing what seems the impossible: making us laugh, in beautiful 3-part harmony, and still maintaining the joke on the third chorus.
Loved it.
Tripod play at 9pm Friday and Saturday, and at 2:30pm on Sunday. Tickets here.
Next Week: Skills in Time, and anything else I can get along to.
