CIRCUS

Varietyville

January 30 2016

Review by Annie Teh

Absurd was what they promised, and absurd was what they delivered. Though not full of the weird parlour-tricks and contortionist frenzies that you’d expect from a show of that name, Acts of Absurdity delivers a slice of funny that will leave you reeling in its peculiarity. Calling themselves “Australia’s funniest circus and comedy variety show”, the performance was, in essence, a mishmash of talented entertainers, each with their unique brand of humour.

The show brings together seasoned performers – contortionist Ruby Rubberlegs (Rani Huszar), impressionist Anil Desai in Impressions of a Hindude, and funnyman Dandyman (Daniel Oldaker). Despite being individually talented, the show was awkwardly assembled and at times poorly timed. Veteran partners-in-crime Dandyman and Ruby played off each other’s colourful routines, though Ruby’s trademark contortions were oddly missing from the repertoire. At times, it was hard to figure out if mishaps (a dropped plate here and an apple slice there) were intentional or genuinely mistakes, which would have been a blessing if the repeated failed tricks had not dragged segments out beyond their ideal comedic timing.

Impressionist Anil Desai also seemed oddly placed as the final act of a show featuring candy-coloured costumes and cheap circus props, despite his killer Robert De Niro imitation.

As a whole, the act seemed like an afterthought of fellow performers looking to get together and have a good time, which isn’t necessarily bad. The trio excelled in engaging the audience, even pulling participants from the crowd to become part of the show. (Pro tip: don’t arrive late!). At times, audience participation even gave the show more character, as during Dandyman’s hanger-spinning contest, and Anil Desai’s brilliant response to a controversial request for a Saddam Hussein impression. It fits comfortably in its role as a late night performance, with Dandyman’s clown-like repertoire and Ruby Rubberlegs dancing to Harry Belafonte’s “Cocoanut Woman” in — you guessed it — a coconut bra.

Acts of Absurdity is like watching your friends fail miserably at bar games, but loving it nonetheless because you can’t help but be charmed by their great personalities. Best served with an ice cold beer, and a willingness to be entertained. Its jokes are at times childish, but hilarious if you don’t plan to take yourself seriously.

Acts of Absurdity runs from February 4-6 at the Black Flamingo in The Pleasure Garden, Northbridge. Tickets available at the Fringe World Box Offices and website.