MICF: The Kagools – Kula

MICF The Kagools KulaSometimes we all need a change of scene. English mime duo The Kagools have this in mind in their new show Kula. The result is a very funny expedition to the frontiers of physical comedy.

Last in Melbourne with highly memorable 2016 offering Dressed for the British Summerthe pair (Claire Ford and Nicola Wilkinson) were mostly confined to the 18+ nightclub venue Roxanne. I wonder if that imprisonment shaped their latest show? This year they’re free (hurrah!) to share their energetic style with punters of all ages.

Somewhere off the map is Kula, a soothing place where The Kagools can get back to nature. To get there though, they’ll have to escape the grim city. That means having to negotiate some obstacles, revealed by video clips. Some of these are prosaic (at least initially), others more supernatural. Most earned very loud laughs.

The Kagools have retained signature moves that made their last trip so appealing. They still have a lot of snappy music cues, ranging from a rousing AC/DC opening, to 70’s anthems and 90’s club tunes. You have a very good chance of becoming part of the show, whether you’re in the front row or not. You may be pressured to participate in something that would make a germophobe’s skin crawl, or join in on a very nutty challenge.

No-one is forced though, and it’s not mean-spirited, just quite silly. And that’s a large part of the appeal of The Kagools. Whilst the characters are cheeky or rough with each other, underneath it all they’re good friends, and that allows them to explore a little drama along the way.

The unpredictability of various fast-paced sequences was a particular delight, and the crowd at The Butterfly Club ate it up. It seemed that technical difficulties messed up the finale, but you couldn’t be too upset by that after such a good show.

With their attitude, gold hi-tops, and spray-resistant outerwear, you won’t find anything Kula than The Kagools at MICF 2018. We only have until Sunday 8 April before the they escape Melbourne, so Hip-Hop to it. #KagoolsFreed

The Kagools: Kula
The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne
Performance: Monday 2 April 2018 – 8:30pm
Season continues to 8 April 2018
Bookings: www.thebutterflyclub.com

For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.

Image: The Kagools (supplied)

Review: Jason Whyte