The show is split into two performance styles. One is a stand-up-style retelling of Prandolini’s search to find (and solve) a mystery, and the other sees him as a noir detective, piecing together clues. During these scenes, pre-recorded audio plays as his inner monologue, timed impeccably for maximum effect. Prandolini is an engaging storyteller and does a wonderful job of not only setting, but also painting the scene.
Prandolini uses real life characters and settings in his story, which makes it all that more exciting, but he doesn’t rely solely on his words to aid his narrative. A PowerPoint slideshow is used sparingly to enhance the story, as he does with a few well-placed props. His detective office breathes a 70s noir vibe, even with a can of Monster energy drink and a Mac laptop on the desk. But these anachronisms help bridge the divide between the two storytelling modes.
The final act though, seems to get away from him. While the mystery's reveal is surprising and well executed, what follows is muddled conversations and “lessons learnt” that veers into teen coming-of-age territory. It’s rarely a great sign of a clear ending when the performer has to announce that we’ve reached the end of the show. And an unnecessary throwaway joke about women should be cut entirely.
At the beginning, Prandolini tells us that if we don’t laugh at his comedy, he’ll rebrand it as experimental theatre. Fortunately, there’s a lot to enjoy here, and plenty to laugh at. But the confusing and illogical finale drags the momentum down and needs reworking to keep the piece at the high level of interest it kicks off with.
SHOW DETAILS
Venue: Speakeasy Theatre, 522 Flinders St, Melbourne
Season: until 17 April | 8.45pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $25 Full | $22 Conc | $20 Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival
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