Internationally renowned for strange and wonderful performances of every kind, the Speigeltent provides the perfect backdrop for Putz. An interesting character, Putz plays many roles throughout his show. Part ghostbuster and part mad-scientist, his voice grabs everyone’s attention as it bounces around the wood-panelled space. Within minutes of Putz’s entry on stage, there is little mistaking that he is in fact the biggest kid in the room.
Putz makes an audience feel as if they have sneaked into his bedroom on a rainy day and the performer is only too happy to show them the secret contents of his toy box. Seemingly endless supplies of props begin to appear from nowhere and are proudly shown off.
The show is an accentuated version of the primary school ritual of show and tell. It moves along at an enjoyable pace. The format makes as much sense or follows the same kind of pattern as kids high on sugar, but that is precisely the point. The gags lasting only as long as the average childs’ attention span, before the next tangent is embarked on and the punch line delivered. Siblings, family pets and even the humble marshmallow are all encouraged as sources of amusement.
This is a show heavy on audience interaction and involvement. Putz takes turns in aiming fun at the kids, then the adults and so it continues; the performer and the audience simultaneously goading one another on. This leads to some of the funnier off-the-cuff moments in the show, with Putz bringing his experience as a comedian to the fore with some quality improvisation.
Putz ensures that the audience will always get out what they put in. The success of the show is ultimately dependent on how easily and willingly Putz can convince the audience to join in the mischief.
Putz’s comedy style is rare and zany. The slapstick brand of humour and infectious enthusiasm creates an appeal for an audience of all ages. It is impossible to be bored at a Putz show. A ‘jackass for seven year olds,’ the props and gags get bigger and louder with every segment. The audience is on the edge of their seats for the grand finale and it’s one that should not be missed.
A little gross, a good deal cheeky, entertaining – if not a little contrived – this is an enjoyable hour which will have the kid in all of us barracking for the guy with the toilet paper gun.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Very Weird and Slightly Dangerous
By Marty Putz
Speigeltent, Federation Square
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
www.comedyfestival.com.au
Until 19 April
