Wednesday 3 April 2019

Very Very - Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

There are so many ways in which you could describe Tom Walker but the one word that keeps coming to mind is weird. So so weird. But I wouldn’t have it any other way because he really does have the Midas touch when it comes to physical comedy and mime. Performed as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Very Very is another fantastic performance from Walker, nailing the absurd with emotional depth and plenty of laughs.

Walker explains that this show is a mime show. He will not be speaking. Except to tell us it’s a mime show. But he will be speaking during other points. But it is still a mime show, and it is something that Walker delivers a first-rate performance in. The man with a million facial expressions presents clearly defined stories with some very surprising turns. He has a great ability in emphasising the human element, particularly with his winter coat narrative. There are also a number of sketches that last mere seconds, but they are nevertheless just as clever and original in execution and concept.


The lighting design is immensely effective in setting the tone and mood for each sketch. The single spotlight during the winter coat story produces an intimate ambience whereas the bird singing sketch is shrouded in a sinister blue hue, building an environment of uncertainty and terror. Similarly, the soundtrack and audio recordings that are incorporated into the show, immerse the audience into the world being depicted.

At one point, Walker muses that it is kind of nice being the only one who does this stuff, but it’s fair to say that anyone else who tried to would fail. There is a high level of skill and commitment that is required to pull of the routines that Walker does. It may look silly and purely fun, but Walker ensures that every single step and movement is heavily thought out and has the audience convulsing from laughter.

Very Very
is guaranteed to have you walking out in awe and wondering how Walker’s brain ticks. His unique view of the world and how he interacts with the things around him are a mystery to us all. In retrospect, while weird would be one way to describe Walker, another word that could be used would be genius. Very very genius.


SHOW DETAILS
 
Venue: ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne
Season: Until 21 April | Tues - Sat 9:30pm, Sun 8:30pm
Length: 60 minutes 
Tickets: $27 - $29 Full | $25 Conc | $24 Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings: MICF website

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