Comedy Fest: Squeaky Clean Comedy (Review)
IF good, clean fun is what you’re after, Squeaky Clean Comedy is the way to go. Hadi Ismanto dodged feather dusters and rolls of toilet paper to bring you this review.
Squeaky Clean Comedy. Photo: Melbourne International Comedy Fest
Step into the Melbourne City Conference Centre this Saturday and the next, and you’ll be transported into a world that redefines the word “sanitary”. At Squeaky Clean Comedy, you’ll meet (and be dusted by) quirky characters decked out in cleaner jumpsuits and you’ll marvel at the entry hallway adorned with toilet brushes, sponges and even mops.
But the show’s “squeaky clean” theme isn’t just evident in the decor – don’t expect a foul word or a dirty joke to be uttered onstage at this event.
Organised by Candlelight Productions, with the support from City of Melbourne, this year’s Squeaky Clean is also worth a visit as it’s partnering with World Vision. Through props such as premium recycled toilet papers from Encore and a display of a huge toilet bowl on the stage, the show aims to raise awareness of the need for proper toilets and sanitation issues in developing countries.
Michael Connell was the show’s MC and he opened the night effortlessly, delivering jokes that never failed to elicit laughter from the audience. He was followed by fellow stand-up comedians Michael Williams, Charles Barrington, Cam Semmens, Mark Trenwith, Danny McGinlay, Mike Klimczak, Mike Tancredi, Phil Andrews and Beau Stegman. If you think you might get bored with this constant stream of comedians throwing jokes at you – trust me, you won’t.
One of the outstanding acts of the night for me was ventriloquist Sarah Jones. With her “dirty”sock and cat companions, she was definitely a favorite among the younger audience members at the show. Let’s just say, her cat can really talk.
Another favourite were “twins” Noreen and Doreen – the land-based synchronized swimmer duo. “Wait, what?”, you ask? Yes, you heard that right, land based. Bizarre as it sounds, they are good at what they do. Flexible and comical, Noreen and Doreen are gems to watch.
For a sneak peak of what else is in store at Squeaky Clean Comedy, take a look at the feature video the Theatre People have produced:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwlXB1UfipQ[/youtube]
Squeaky Clean is playing on April 14 and 21 at Melbourne City Conferece Centre, 333 Swanston Street (opposite the State Library). Tickets range from $25 for concession to $35 for premium seating and $30 full price. To book, or for more details, visit the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website.