Rising Damp review (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)

Nicolette Minster has worked her butt off to get to her 40s. And having recently turned 41, rather than feel like some sneaky mould is creeping into her life, she decides to mark the milestone by swimming 41km in 41 days. Rising Damp is a solid hour of stand up that celebrates ageing and how there are always ways to surprise yourself, even if it means getting knocked over by the occasional waves.

Water isn’t simply a motif in Minster's swimming challenge, but it runs through every part of the show. It’s in the writing, the visuals, and the sound design, shaping the reflective mood that is set and creating a noticeable sense of cohesion in the production. Minster wears a cartoon shark T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Stay Positive,” and her stage features three oversized and brightly coloured pieces of seaweed that serve as a representation to her outlook to life. Water sounds, such as rainfall, and ocean waves, are layered into the performance, adding an extra immersive element.

Minster’s story branches off in many directions, from the struggles of toilet training her child to the common practice of how to identify a witch. All her anecdotes involve water or fluid of some sort - some good, some bad, some horrendous - and she cleverly ties each one back to her challenge.

The stakes might be low, but Minster finds ways to build suspense around her completing her swim, and there’s a definite "will she make it?" whisper in the air, particularly when she recalls having to make a trip to Urgent Care due to a sudden medical condition. But the journey isn’t only physical, it’s metaphorical, too. Minster shares that the “what if?” of your 20s and 30s doesn’t have to translate into the “what now?” of your 40s. Instead, it becomes something much better.

Rising Damp is an unexpected deep reflection on ageing and discovering joy in the present, no matter how old you are. Through the theme of water, Minster explores the potential growth and enlightenment that come with getting older, and how we can find excitement and purpose if we push ourselves a little. With a mix of humour, heart, and a splash of adventure, she shows us life doesn’t have to be about avoiding the waves but learning how to ride them.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: The Westin, 205 Collins St, Melbourne
Season: until 6 April | Tues - Sat 6.00pm, Sun 5.00pm
Duration: 50 minutes
Tickets: $28 - 32 Full | $26 Conc | $25 Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival