Seeking to explore the deep reservoir of material that is the millennial generation, Toxic Millenniality succeeds at being both humorous and reflective.
The show is introduced by the mononymous Zeppo, a prodigious raconteur who uses his charisma to regale the audience with stories of his African-Tasmanian heritage, and the efficacy of using vehicle collisions to find one’s paramour.
It was clear that Zeppo’s material was well rehearsed, with thought as to the natural progression of the act, so that the seemingly random anecdotes did not appear disjointed or awkward. The only thing found wanting was a slight pause, to allow the audience to appreciate the content delivered and to reflect upon the enigma of man before them. Sometimes, it felt like we were watching a prepared speech, instead of the organic give-and-take of live comedy.
Following in Zeppo’s footsteps was Tom Brady, a man who has cornered the crowded Bunbury druggo war vet with a penchant for anthropology scene. Coming from Geraldton, I will always relish the opportunity to laugh at the misfortunes of other country towns to hide from my own sobering realities. Mr Brady plays the part well, and aside from some awkward material followed by full-term 9-month pregnant pauses, I found myself easily laughing with a man who found that 9-11 was only the fourth worst thing to happen to him in 2001.
Closing out the evening was Alissia Marsh, whose lesbian bravado made this reviewer’s little gay heart sing. Her oligodactyly was wonderfully referenced so as to celebrate the differences and variation in humanity with cheeky fun. Spoilers without context: you will never think of a Pringles can in the same way again. If you like musical comedy but also unexpected twists in stories, get yourself down to the Brisbane Hotel ASAP so as not to miss out.
Each comedian has come from a place of adversity, but has found the humour in each situation, which is relayed to audiences far more professionally than the $10 ticket price would suggest.
Toxic Millenniality is on at Lazy Susan’s Comedy Den at the Brisbane Hotel for another few nights. Tickets are $10 and you can get them here.
Alissia Marsh has her own show, King of the Lesbians, this month and next. Tickets are $20 and you can get them here.
4.5 Fingers out of 5
Alexander Lawrie
Alexander is a tea snob and med student with the music and comedy tastes of a dinosaur. His greatest contribution to the comedy world is a joke he made as a 7-year-old. “What did the male plant say to the female plant? Allo Vera”
Image courtesy of FRINGE WORLD Festival.
Woodside Petroleum is a principal sponsor of FRINGE WORLD Festival. Pelican has been a long-time supporter of the Festival, and will continue to show its support. However, the Magazine feels it is unethical for Woodside Petroleum to remain a principal sponsor of FRINGE WORLD, given the current climate emergency, and Woodside’s ongoing contribution to climate change.
Other Festivals have demonstrated that ethical sources of funding are possible – you can read more, and sign the petition, here: https://www.change.org/p/fringeworld-side-with-the-climate-and-drop-woodside-petroleum // #fossilfreefringe #fossilfreearts // Arts and Cultural Workers for Climate Action