In the clever and entertaining The Age of Wonder, comedian Bart Freebairn explores some of the many topics that we all ponder as children (and as adults too).
He opens by exploring the question: what do you want to be when you grow up? Freebairn acknowledges that some people might want to be a pony or maybe a lawyer-slash-stunt woman. Then of course there’s the people who just want to be a truck, and Freebairn proceeds to demonstrate what this might look like, to the amusement of his eager audience.
Over the following hour, he presents compelling storytelling that’s structurally solid and delivered with ease; material matched perfectly to his relaxed and understated persona, and full of lovely segues. Freebairn has a lot of fun stepping in and out of various personas throughout the show; the results are hilarious to watch and immediately engaging.
‘Everything that we have started in our imaginations,’ he says, and clearly Freebairn has a big imagination of his own. He also dares his audience to embrace a childhood sense of wonder.
The introduction of stories from his own life allows the young comic the chance to make some left of centre and very funny observations, which below the surface – and behind the laughter – are full of intelligent and meaningful insights.
His observations about everyday life are current and relevant, and feature such numerous amusing comparisons, such as likening internet dating to shouting down a stormwater drain and hoping that someone might shout back.An entertaining night out from a talented and endearing comic whose unique vision of the world won’t disappoint.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Bart Freebairn
Spleen Bar – Upstairs Pool Room
28 March – 21 April
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
www.comedyfestival.com.au
27 March – 21 April
