Chimp review (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)

Humans may have evolved from monkeys, but Chimp flips the lens to ask: what if a monkey tried to become one of us? In this solo physical theatre piece, Conor Lynch explores that question with humour, kindness, and maybe even a couple of bananas. When Chimp is released from captivity, he embarks on a curious search for the elusive “human experience.”

The show opens with Chimp confined in a cage, Lynch dressed simply in a black singlet, shorts, and toe shoes, the footwear being a perfect choice that adds to the fantasy, whether by design or happy accident. With no dialogue, Lynch relies entirely on grunts, bellows, and expressive physicality to convey Chimp’s thoughts and feelings. He never rushes a beat, allowing every decision and movement to be thoroughly considered, as if Chimp is learning in real-time what it means to think, feel, and connect.

Audience participation features heavily throughout, but it's not to move the story forward, but to deepen the shared experience. Lynch crafts a space that feels relaxed, communal, and playful; we don’t dread being picked, because everyone wants to be mates with the primate.

A moment of real-life unpredictability put Lynch’s skills and sensitivity to the test on the night I attended, when an audience member with special needs became vocal and unintentionally disruptive, calling out and interacting at will. Lynch remained in character, playing along while gently setting boundaries with empathy and humour.

Chimp is an entertaining evening of thoughtful clowning and physical storytelling that invites us to reflect on our own behaviour through the eyes of a chimp. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s a reminder that connection, however foreign, is what makes us truly human.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin St, Carlton
Season: until 20 April | 6pm
Duration: 50 minutes
Tickets: $29 Full | $25 Conc | $24 Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival