Skinny Man, Modern World

 

Sammy J’s new solo show Skinny Man, Modern World premiered at the 2010 Edinburgh Festival to rave reviews, so it is a treat to see him in the intimate surrounds of the Ballroom at the Lithuanian Club for this year’s Melbourne Fringe.

MELBOURNE FRINGE 2010
Fringe Hub – The Ballroom

Sunday 27 September 2010

Sammy J’s new solo show Skinny Man, Modern World premiered at the 2010 Edinburgh Festival to rave reviews, so it is a treat to see him in the intimate surrounds of the Ballroom at the Lithuanian Club for this year’s Melbourne Fringe.

A gifted storyteller and musician, Sammy J weaves a loose narrative around anecdotes drawn from his own life into a show that covers the full gamut of human experience; from love, death and teenage pranks to dubious bathroom experiences.

I absolutely loved the 2008 Melbourne Comedy Festival hit Sammy J in the Forest of Dreams, created with puppeteer Heath McIvor, so it was a very different experience to see Sammy J all on his own. Sipping on his juice carton between musical numbers and revealing some excruciating and humiliating episodes from his youth, Sammy J revels in his stage persona – all 58kgs of non-fighting, ‘chicken-rib-caged’ glory. It is a well resolved performance which is no less engaging for its lack of puppets.

With a mix of stand-up and songs the show is a well crafted journey through Sammy J’s life with particular resonance for a generation who remember watching Saved by the Bell  and the numerous Disney films that J sites as a strong influence. However, a mermaid inspired fantasy number proved the weak link in a set otherwise quite firmly grounded in reality. Perhaps that one would be better saved for the next puppet show.

With eye-watering moments of candid revelation, a few awkward giggles and some big belly laughs, the evening went quickly in the company of this amicable performer. His clean cut image and boyish looks belie the often crude nature of the comedy, which, for me, is the key to what makes Sammy J so much fun.

The Fringe Festival can be hit and miss, but with shows like this you get the opportunity to see talented performers in smaller venues at great price. Go and see Skinny Man, Modern World now, before the inevitable sell out run of the Comedy Festival next year. 

Booking: www.melbournefringe.com.au

Until Sunday 9 October 2010