I booked this show knowing very little about it, other than it was about classic Penguin books; what a surprise I was in for. One hour of chaotic, crazy, and (most crucially) nude comedy was to follow, and little did I know, this was to be the highlight of my Fringe so far. To understand how good this show was, all you need do is stand outside the theatre as the crowd is coming out and listen to the electric post-show hubbub that always signals a fantastic performance.
Admittedly, I had my fears at first that the show may become too vulgar, or centre too heavily on crude body humour, but this was not the case. While nudity was certainly the butt of many of the jokes (get it?), there were many bits that could have been performed clothed and would have had the same hilarious effect—a testament to Starr’s comedic ability.
But where do classic Penguin books come into this you ask? The performance centres around titles and famous content from well-known classic books. A broad literature knowledge is certainly not required, but some knowledge does make many of the jokes funnier. But let’s just say, you certainly don’t need to be read up on Karl Marx to find his bit on The Communist Manifesto hilarious.
However, this show comes with a fair warning: Classic Penguins is heavy on the audience participation, and the front row certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. Volunteer for jokes at your own risk, because every time you think he won’t do something…he will.
This is the sort of show you have to see to believe, and certainly not the sort of show you want to see with your grandparents, despite the misleadingly wholesome title. Be prepared for an evening of outrageous, unhinged, and uninhibited comedy, with full-scale lighting and sound system. And be ready to see a lot of Garry Starr.
Garry Starr: Classic Penguins is running until 30 August (not 18 or 25) at Grand at Pleasance Courtyard. Buy tickets here.
Image provided as press material.
