Sunday, 2 April 2023

High Pony review (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)

If you have any expectations on what you’re getting with High Pony, they will absolutely be smashed from the opening moments when what we are thinking a certain song is about turns out to be the complete opposite. Clearly the audience is the only one with a dirty mind in this show by queer musical duo Samantha Andrew and Mel O’Brien.

The hour of sketch musical comedy takes us to various grand locations from netball courts to IKEA and to orphanages, and introduces us to a unique set of quirky and outlandish personalities. Andrew and O'Brien have been performing together for several years and it is extremely evident, as they consistently match each other’s energy and make each other not only look good but make each other look bloody amazing in the process.

Songs such as “Lesbians Don’t Get the Ick – And That’s Science!” and “Babies are Cancelled” are two corkers (and with regards to the latter, can thoroughly agree with that opinion). Their lyrics have the entire room gasping for breath between every line and their wordplay and creativity in constructing the songs and choreography are highly commendable. Their specific costumes and props bring definition to their characters and greatly aid their world building.

The loneliness and isolation of Wally (of Where’s Wally? fame) is a hilarious musical number where the two really push the line of what could be a controversial topic, but their unabashed fear works in their favour, making it one of the many highlights of this show.

High Pony may not be high art, but it is definitely high comedy and there’s nothing else you could want when you’re at the Comedy Festival. Andrew and O'Brien are a golden couple, a match-made in suburban purgatory, and a visit to these netball courts is a must.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue:
The Toff in Town, 252 Swanston St, Melbourne
Season:
until 9 April | Thurs - Sat 9:45pm, Sun 8:45pm
Duration:
60 minutes
Tickets:
$35 Full | $29 Concession | $27 Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings:
Melbourne International Comedy Festival

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