McLeish radiates pride and love for his wife and two daughters - his eldest, Finn, directing him in this production - and that affection is a huge part of his charm. He’s nice. He’s affable. And he’s so damn likeable that you’d happily buy whatever he’s selling, even a neckerchief. But beyond that, he’s a keen observer of the human experience, unpicking the quirks of life with an easygoing wit that makes his insights feel universal.
On paper, McLeish and I couldn’t be more different. He’s a devoted family man; I’m closer to the younger end of 40, gay, single, and child-free. And yet, somehow, he has scarily tapped into my own thought process with much of what he discusses. His musings on the politics of the curtain call and what a bow says about a performer are the exact thoughts I’ve had. As a fellow The Walking Dead: No Man's Land game player, I also know the thrill of first getting my hands on that game. And as someone who has watched Survivor since day zero, I have to give him bonus points for the nod to the greatest reality TV show of all time (don’t @ me).
There’s a whirly sincerity to the music, as McLeish shifts between guitar and piano throughout. His songs won’t have you howling with laughter, but they will have you smiling in recognition. A tune about driving along Punt Rd is particularly relatable (despite me not having driven in over 20 years), and a fresh number on wedding "alliances" makes you want to grab the battery-operated tea light candles off the stage and wave them in the air.
It feels like McLeish has spent time quietly collecting observations, reflections, and anecdotes, sifting through the ones that have stuck with him. Now, he’s ready to let them out, not in a tightly curated way, but with the natural ease of a person who simply wants to share them and who happens to have an audience willing to listen.
Pensive Like a Fox may not have much to do with actual foxes, but it perfectly captures McLeish’s spirit: sharp, thoughtful, and delightfully unpredictable. With equal parts cleverness and warmth, he offers an insightful and often humorous exploration of life’s little absurdities, ageing, and the everyday moments that shape us, leaving you reflecting on the small, beautiful chaos of being you.
Show Details
Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place Melbourne
Season: until 20 April | 7:00pm
Duration: 55 minutes
Tickets: $39 Full | $35 Concession | $30 Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival
This is a great website!! I don't know why there aren't more comments.? Anyway I saw this show tonight and it was a hoot. Very fresh and original with lots of silliness thrown in for good measure. Very underrated, silliness... there's nothing like it for getting people out of their mental ruts. Everyone was cracking up. , 😂🤣 GF 💝
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