Con 2077 review (Melbourne Fringe Festival)

It’s the year 2077 and it’s been fifty years since a meteor wiped out every comedian on earth. Every single one. Except one. Con Coutis. And he is humanities last hope. Woken up from a cryosleep, Con must now try and rediscover the hidden artform known as “the joke” and save the world. Intense stuff. Fortunately, Coutis easily finds the humour in such a dire situation resulting in plenty of laughs with Con 2077.

The show begins with a bit of straightforward stand-up with Coutis discussing his recent move to Brunswick but his quirkiness and the true nature of Con 2077 gradually begins to come through. The further we get into this epic adventure, the more out there the acts become. Despite such high stakes – the world will never laugh again! – Coutis keeps the tone and pace calm and allows time for his jokes to breathe. The way he can simultaneously go big but stay small is quite an achievement.

Coutis’ warmth and openness allows him to quickly build rapport with his audience. The playful audience participation, which happens from the safety of your seat, feels like you’re having a silly time with a friend.

Con 2077 is overflowing with impressive lighting and sound cues – including some unique voice recordings past Con makes for future Con to discover – and while there are a few gaffes here and there, Coutis smoothly incorporates them into the story and elicits even more laughter than planned.

So can Con save the world through jokes? Can't spoil that, but Coutis is in top form with Con 2077. It’s an inventive show that when you’re not laughing at what’s unfolding, you’re surprised by how it’s unfolding.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Trades Hall, Cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton

Season: until 13 October | Sat 9:30pm, Sun 8:30pm

Duration: 60 minutes

Tickets: $32 Full | $28 Conc

Bookings: Melbourne Fringe Festival

Image credit: Nick Robertson