I’ve been to A LOT of live theatre and comedy shows, but none like what I experienced last night. Alarmingly, I wasn’t too familiar with Bridget Everett or Murray Hill‘s work, so I was walking in blind, but I enjoyed the fact they had worked alongside the likes of Amy Schumer and Dita Von Teese. Talk about friends in very high places.
Now, I must admit I was very confused by the fact that I was heading to the Yarraville Club for a show. It’s an RSL. With the smell of $2 pots and an aroma of frankfurter sausages in the air I was getting even more concerned at what I was about to witness. Let’s just say this was one of the weirdest nights out I’ve probably ever had.
The show kicked off with drag king Murray Hill. I’ve been to plenty of drag queen shows but this was a first for me and boy was I intrigued. Hill’s improvisation is what drives his show. It is 45 minutes of banter with the audience so if you don’t enjoy being heckled on, probably best you don’t sit in the front section. Now, Hill is funny don’t get me wrong, but when a comedian asks three times how much longer they have left of their set, I’m sorry you’ve lost me. That’s a disconnect and to me it means you’re not really enjoying your time with us.
Yes I get it, you’re at the Yarraville Club in the burbs of Melbourne (not really the most ideal or appealing setting to travel across the world to), but the audience was entertained so don’t kill the momentum by asking how long you have left. Wear a watch, or perhaps have a digital clock at the back of the room. I don’t know? There are so many options! I didn’t let this define Hill’s show, after all, he is one of New York’s comedy icons – but live up to that hype. Hill is very intelligent and quick on his feet, and that’s the kind of comedy I respect. Keep doing your thing Murray; the people are responding.
Let’s talk Bridget Everett. WOW! She is a whole lotta woman let me tell you! She embraces every part of her being from her saggy tits, to her pussy, to her obvious love of alcohol. She bares all in what is an explicit look into the mind of a rather nutty woman. It’s confronting yes, but I was open to it. There’s no hiding from the crass content and graphic physical imagery, and clearly everyone there knew what was about to ensue; just not me. You know what though, I’m open-minded and I went with it. Honestly, I’ve never been to a show quite like Everett’s and I probably won’t ever again. She is something else; she’s a creature, a goddess, a woman who knows exactly what she wants.
Again, if you’re not into audience participation, or having tits and vagina in your face, might I suggest steering clear of the front section. Everett definitely crosses the line in her cabaret style comedy, but in a way it kind of works because she has this wonderful nurturing nature about her, which allows her audience members to feel comfortable and open to whatever she puts out. While she may not be the next American Idol, the woman has a set of lungs on her and her original songs that colour the show are signature to her schtick.
You won’t experience anything else like this so why not be daring, jump on board and cross the line with Everett and Hill.
Bridget Everett and Murray Hill’s double headliner will be on tonight in Brisbane at the Powerhouse, then feature as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. For tickets and more info, head here.
The reviewer attended the performance at Yarraville Club in Melbourne on 7th June.
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