A highlight on the cultural capital’s artistic calendar, the beloved Melbourne International Comedy Festival is back for another year with an opprtunity to indulge on performances from seasoned veterans to up-and-coming performers.
Making her Comedy Festival debut in the intimate surrounds of the Black Box at The Motley Bauhaus, Olivia McLeod delivers a fresh take on the phenomenon of first kisses with PASH.
Written after a year without intimacy and in a world where a hookup is only a few swipes away, PASH tells the tale of Max and her mission, through a series of encounters, to be kissed before her 25th Birthday.
Bringing Max and an assortment of characters to life in a whip-smart hour long monologue on a journey of self-discovery, McLeod’s writing is on point and concise. Not only a wonderful performer, PASH showcases her ability as a consumate storyteller.
Featuring an assortment of props and strategically placed furniture, PASH is simply staged. Miranda Middleton’s direction is slick and rhythmic, featuring a roll-call of encounters from work-place infatuations, through to awkward dates and a high-energy aerobics class, whilst tackling the subjects of sibling rivalry and consent.
Be quick, this short season at The Motley Bauhaus has only one performance left – one can only hope that McLeod will present PASH again in the not-so-distant future. McLeod is certainly a performer to look out for.
Olivia McLeod: Pash
Black Box – The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin Street, Carlton
Performance: Tuesday 29 March 2022
Season continues to 3 April 2022
Information and Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au
Image: Olivia McLeod as Max in PASH (supplied)
Review: Rohan Shearn