Hosted by George Dimarelos, A bookish comedy show is a showcase with a theme that you'll get no prizes for guessing based on the title. You may, however, get prizes during one of the entertaining interludes by guessing the book based on its weird cover.
Image courtesy of George Dimarelos
Dimarelos’ jittery, nervous energy suits the show; he's clearly more than a little bookish and very skilled at crowd work. No matter your preferred genre of reading material, from biblical elves to overwrought nostalgic Australiana, this is a show that will suit.
Opening night featured Kyle Legacy, Kate Smurthwaite, and Gillian English—all great comedians in their own right.
Legacy is first up and if you're familiar with his work you may be wondering how he'll fit. He certainly leans into it, basketball jersey-clad scouser that he is, and self-deprecates as much as he good naturedly heckles the audience all the while staying on theme.
Smurthwaite follows, and focuses on language more so than books. It's good material and well delivered, with her etymological breakdown of her own surname a highlight. There’s a distinct lack of Smurthwaite’s usual political subject matter, but all that does is serve to demonstrate her considerable range.
English closed out the show, and her storytelling style and artillery-barrage delivery was as good as ever. She tells tales of growing up in the frozen forest, sneaking a read of forbidden books and betraying her espionage with carelessly discarded root beer, before launching into an entertaining and disturbingly accurate recount of some of the dodgier Bible stories.
Coming up on the rotating bill are Aidan Jones, Michael Shafar, Oliver Coleman and Sam Kissajukian, along with Smurthwaite and English returning.
Naturally, all of the guest comedians are presenting their own shows at FRINGE WORLD, so if you want a sneak peek or just can’t get enough of your favourite, A bookish comedy show is well worth checking out.
Buy tickets from the FRINGE WORLD website.
GLEN SEABROOK-BENSON