MICF: Oliver Coleman – Poolside

MICF19 Oliver Coleman PoolsideOliver Coleman isn’t a performer on the rise – he is here and now and deserves to be seen… by everyone! Poolside is absurdist comedy at its finest. From the moment you enter the space, Oliver’s energy and presence has you in the palm of his hand. He is cheeky and engaging, disarming and worrying – all contained in an energizer bunny with an impish smile.

What is clear from the start is that this is not the show you were expecting, but it’s the kind of MICF show that you deserve. Oliver is exposed, flawed, funny and exceptionally charismatic. He leads us down the rabbit hole of pool jokes, brash 80s New York comedians, hilariously painful anxiety and very meta story telling. No stone is left unturned during this 50 minutes of delightful chaos.

The work is fast paced but wonderfully detailed. The jokes are clear and crisp, with each given time to land before being whisked away to make room for the next hilarious tangent. One could easily think that Oliver was making it all up on the spot, testimony to his talent and the construction of the narrative.

Unlike other sketch shows, Poolside never becomes tiresome or stale. Oliver is as gentle with his audience as he is unnerving – creating a comfortable space that refuses to allow you to get comfortable. In an over saturated festival like the MICF, shows like Poolside are a rare and very welcome treat!


Oliver Coleman – Poolside
Tasma Terrace, 6 Parliament Place, East Melbourne
Performance: Tuesday 2 April 2019 – 6.15pm
Season continues to 7 April 2019
Information and Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au

Image: Oliver Coleman (supplied)

Review: Gavin Roach