Rich Fulcher, an affably odd American known for appearances in The Mighty Boosh and his own series Snuff Box, understands we don’t have the time or gumption to topple governments; but reckons we can still do our bit to stick it to The Man. He shows us how in this hour-long show, with the aid of slides, audience interaction, various props and his assistant Xavier. On the night this reviewer saw the show, it was very well received by a packed-out audience which behaved itself surprisingly well.
The premise of the show is interesting, but apart from a fleeting reference to the Arab Spring, Fulcher mostly uses it as a vague launch pad for an eclectic set of jokes, including a rather cute sight gag involving urine-coloured liquid, a crowd-assisted complaint letter to Optus, advice on how to handle annoying co-workers, and lots of gleeful dick jokes. I don’t think anyone in the audience was expecting to be politically inspired or personally roused, but they clearly loved the buffet of buffoonery.
Rich is a seasoned performer and extremely comfortable on stage, flipping from manic silliness to cool deadpan in the twitch of an eyebrow. The rapport between Fulcher and the hapless Xavier is charming; Xavier’s goofy good-naturedness contrasting with Fulcher’s egocentricity (until Xavier snaps, of course, as we all know he’s going to eventually). The writing and delivery is excellent, timing spot-on, and the show’s lighting and sound cues were perfectly executed. This show is smoothly enjoyable, like a comfy and well-loved garment; it doesn’t leave you thinking about it much longer than after leaving the venue, though.
The audience interaction elements were among the weaker parts of the show, due in large part to the audience’s eagerness to please. Audience members selected to participate were almost too willing to go along with what were, admittedly, pretty silly set-ups; giving one the sense that, with no resistance, Fulcher was being deprived of opportunities to operate in top gear.
Fans of Boosh and other similarly colourful absurdity are likely to enjoy Rich Fulcher. Tiny Acts of Rebellion is a lot of fun.
Rating: 3 ½ stars out of 5
Rich Fulcher – Tiny Acts of Rebellion
Melbourne Town Hall
15 – 21 April
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
www.comedyfestival.com.au
27 March – 21 April
