Surreal Comedic Hybrid

I know it has been a while since I last posted a review here -but I've been busy doing science.
I have been roused from my critical dormancy, however, by the news that an accident involving a teleporter, some ping-pong balls and several cans of energy drink has resulted in the amalgamation of two of Melbourne's freshest faces into one unified example of comedic talent.
Capperjack is the brainchild of comedians Nick Capper - he of the wild hair and wild ideas - and Jack Druce - whose youthful looks and calm demeanour belie the hilarity within.
First and foremost this is a sketch show and perfectly combines the manically bizarre ideas which were so present in Nick's show during the comedy festival with the quieter, more contemplative whimsy of Jack's show.
At the top of the show we are made privy to the moment when Jack was inspected by the Chief of Comedy during a gig and was summarily fired from his chosen profession. Jobless and penniless, Jack must seek alternative employment with the help of the world's worst recruitment consultant, one Nicholas Simon Capper.
What follows is hilarious and very, very strange.
Through the use of some very silly costumes, voice over monologues, great characterisation and denim Capperjack keeps the laughs flowing for the full 50 minutes of its runtime.
Capper and Druce clearly have a good rapport on stage and the smoothness with which the sketches run through the show is testament to their professionalism as entertainers.
So, if you fancy an evening of weird musical numbers and a supporting cast of  talking eggs, car accoutrements, strangely neanderthal shop assistants and ostriches then this is the show for you.
Hilarious and very strange, Capperjack is on at the Imperial Hotel on the corner of Spring and Bourke in the CBD at 6pm until October 2nd.

Nick Capper

Last night I took myself to the Forum on Flinders Street to see Nick Capper's show - Standing Room Only. I was running at a dash, so arrived at the venue hot and bothered and out of breath, but looking for comedy – and comedy was certainly delivered.

Performing in an upstairs room which seems to be a sauna with pews, Capper stands before his packed audience squinting into the stage lights, performing with a style veering from Steven Wright lugubrious torpor to the frantic passion of Billy Connolly.

Seldom cracking a smile and with his halo of tight curly hair, Capper delivers his material with a dry humour which is more slowburn than raucous laughter, which is not to say that there are not moments where the audience is laughing uproariously, just that the predominant reaction is of wry smiles and knowing chuckles.

This is mostly gentle, observational humour with surreal asides and the occasional impassioned rant. Capper quickly establishes a warm rapport with his audience and has already invited us all to become a gang, roaming the streets of Melbourne, within the first five minutes of the act. It is this sort of left-field humour which makes Capper so fresh and interesting and ensures that even though some gags may not quite hit the spot there are plenty which provoke gales of laughter in the room.

His best material comes when he is riffing off observations about the world around him - such as an impromptu Elvis impersonation - rather than some of the longer story segments, and his pitches for musicals and the kids show he has written are just plain bizarre.

If you’re looking for a show which is a bit out-there in its humour and where the gags really seem to come from nowhere to knock you for six with laughter, then this is for you.