Well, well, well. One does not often think of the bottom of a well as the ideal venue for stand-up comedy. The acoustics are awful and, with no room for any actual audience, the box office must also surely take a hit. Nevertheless, Nic Sampson Has Fallen Down a Well contends with these difficulties and more, emerging victorious.
Nic Sampson, a Kiwi comedian who has made the trek to Melbourne, delights the humble Tuxedo Cat patrons with a well-considered, well-rehearsed, well-themed hour of conceptual and observational humour. He presents us with a premise that receives very little pay-off until the climax, but we are rewarded for our patience.
Sampson is the king of the callback, cleverly weaving seemingly unrelated anecdotes into clues that unlock a storyline that has been threaded through the entire performance. He did all this with an easy charisma that captured his audience immediately – even as the music from the club above boomed and rattled through the roof. Wigs, wells, fitted sheets – there is plenty to keep your attention here.
Nic Sampson may have fallen down a well, but his keenly crafted show is a delight that escapes and soars.
Nic Sampson Has Fallen Down a Well
The Tuxedo Cat, 293-299 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Performance: Friday 14 April 2017 – 8.30pm
Season continues to 22 April 2017
Information and Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au
Image: Nic Sampson
Review: David Collins