Waters’ approach to physical comedy in Volcano is subtler and more considered than shows of this nature in this year’s festival. It’s refreshing to see it is more grounded on bonding with its audience and not constantly about throwing surprises at them. In the beginning of the show, Waters decides to read the room and determine the hot spots of the stage to know where to elicit maximum laughter from. Ultimately, anywhere she stands results in an lively response due to her amazing physicality and expressive face.
Waters’ improvised games, such as the very literal Touch Me If You Can, are simple and silly but as they continue, you can see a community emerging within the audience...as well as entertainingly revealing the competitive nature between them.
Her vibrant storytelling creates a sense of excitement as she tells us of the fantastical story involving her great-grandmother Sarah Chinnery and a volcano, a story that would make Indiana Jones proud. While this is the focus of the show, Waters cleverly ties it in with another tale, this one on why she should be kept alive when the zombie apocalypse happens.
Despite their differences, both these narratives are based around body positivity and encouraging people to be happy with their bodies. Waters gently prods the audience to embrace their bodies as part of who they are and as a connection to their ancestors. Volcano might be full of laughs and clowning but it’s also an eruption of much heart.
Venue: Greek Centre, 168 Londsdale St, Melbourne.
Length: 50 minutes
Tickets: $30 Full | $27 Conc | $20 Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings: MICF website
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