Review by Kieran Eaton
Dr. Neal Portenza’s Catchy Show Title is out there Anti-Comedy at its best. It is Anti-Comedy because is not based on traditional jokes, rather humour based on a shambolic character who breaks all the conventions of comedy. The creator of this character being Joshua Ladgrove – a Melbourne University Mechanical Engineering graduate, who gave up $200,000 pa job up in the mines to do this job. Luckily, he has comedic ability to match his academic ability.
Ladgrove appears to be an Introvert that uses character to get out of his shell. He has amazing stage presence, in not starting his show until he got the majority of the audience hugging. This sets the scene for some intense crowd interaction, with the character always looking for validation in the wrong areas. Neal Portenza is an eccentric maniac, who if was a real life person most likely need psychological help. However, this character is created with insight in the audience sensibilities.
This show Portenza, is an expert at creating awkward comedy. For example, he asks an audience member where they come from and just because this member is of Asian ethnicity, he presumes that he would be from an Asian country and with Asian name. This happens to not be true and rather than back away from the situation he uses it for all the comedic value possible, in getting him onstage and saying making insults to him, in his face!
I recommend that you watch this show if you like your comedy a bit on the alternative side. Don’t easily expect to find a box to put this comedy into. Dr. Neal Portenza’s Catchy Show Title is definitely memorable Fringe comedy.
When: 3 – 20 February 2016 (9pm)
Where: Laksa Lounge, Noodle Palace, PERTH
Tickets: $15 -$20
Info: Duration 55 minutes, Suitable 15+
Link: https://fringeworld.com.au:443/program/event/c4aa76c5-e6a0-4da9-a918-3bfa684f0892/