Assisted by researcher, camera operator, and friend/doormat Ree (Dax Carney), somewhat self-absorbed presenter Mel (Jess Ciancio) has a youTube channel where she debunks ghost stories.
To celebrate the channel’s second anniversary, Mel intended to book a trip to a homestead known for supernatural events. Her mistake in trip-trapping off to a farm provides the setting for Scary Goat Story.
This work was supposed to appear at MICF 2020. Regrettably, the delay hasn’t encouraged more effort on script polishing. A lack of laughs for most of the audience certainly suggests more editing is necessary. Under the weight of some pointless repetition, unbelievable events, or dumb choices, the show’s initial appeal crumbled like feta.
The lighting operator did a good job of hitting the various cues as mysterious events occurred. Another bright spot was Tess (Dominik Shields), the tour guide, and her range of goat-related puns.
She provided the sort of toothy, manic energy you may have seen from Bob Downe if he was a young woman. Someone should get Tess some attire printed with goats (not leopards!) to more accurately reflect her obsession.
My guest thought this was almost in the “So bad it’s good” category, but not quite. After about 10 minutes, I’m not kidding, I could quite happily have been elsewhere, maybe high on a hill like a lonely goatherd. You can surely find better ways to spend your hard-earned cashmere at MICF 2021.
Scary Goats Tour
The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne
Performance: Wednesday 24 March 2021 – 5.30pm
Season continues to 4 April 2021
Bookings: www.thebutterflyclub.com
For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Dominik Shields, Jess Ciancio and Dax Carney feature in Scary Goats Tour (supplied)
Review: Jason Whyte