Con Coutis has once again delivered a hilarious and surprisingly innovative work of sky high comedic prowess, with Con vs Con vs Con treating audiences to 50 minutes of Melbourne’s most endearing performer.
Coutis, as always, is in fine form from the get go, bursting onto the stage with unbridled energy and filling the space with his infectious brand of humour and storytelling. With the first few jokes failing to land, Coutis very rapidly reads the room, pivots and brings the audience back on side – a skill few comedians pull off successfully.
Soon Coutis takes the audience to a play of excitement and wonder – his own mind. This adventure is so perfectly suited to Coutis’ comedic structure – audio gagas and cues keep the story flowing and allow Coutis to bounce and riff with cheeky glee.
Each moment is so well considered and multi-layered but performed with such effortless flair that an audience wouldn’t see the obvious hours of meticulous rehearsal and preparation it would have taken to bring this work to the stage. Again, the sign of a truly talented artist.
There are times however when the story at the core of the work just doesn’t quite hit the mark. For all the perfectly timed moments, there are times when the work is incohesive and shallow, with more than a few jokes needing to be rained in and some stories needing a stronger edit to sharpen the overall work.
Con vs Con vs Con may have a few bumps in the road but it is well worth strapping yourself in and enjoying the ride.
Con vs Con vs Con
The Butterfly Club (Downstairs), 5 Carson Place, Melbourne
Performance: Monday 17 April 2023
Season continues to 23 April 2023
Information and Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au
Image: Con Coutis (supplied)
Review: Gavin Roach