Bar Bodega, Transmission Room
May 17-20, 30-June 3 | Reviewed by Melody Nixon

Rhys Darby is known as ‘the master of making stuff up’. An actor as much as a stand-up comedian, Darby has performed one-man plays, BBC Radio plays and has recently been chosen to star in a BBC2 children’s TV show. His ability to impersonate a plethora of character types and realistically recreate dialogue is what shines through most noticeably in the stand-up show he is performing for the ODDFELLOWS NZ International Comedy Festival.

Based on Actual Events really is based on actual life events of the comedian. Darby re-enacts mortifyingly embarrassing scenes from his life with his usual physical comedy and ‘self-generated sound effects’. From his first date to unexpected stories of life on the steeps of Waiuru; from his first encounter with police to a playful bagging of ‘Rainbow’s End’ Darby provides unique and often hilarious entertainment.

On opening night however, Darby was breathless and rushed. He looked a bit, well, buggered, like he needed a good lie down. Perhaps his comedy show with Dai Henwood performed just one hour before had satiated his appetite for laughter.

Even so, it was disappointing to see that at times energy and enthusiasm were simply lacking from the performance. Many of his jokes were recycled from previous comedy festival shows. And there were even moments when that bane of stand-up comedy watching – embarrassment – raised its dutiful head and stalked the audience.

Perhaps this had something to do with his state of sexual semi-desperation. No opportunity for sexual innuendo was left untaken. Even as a very young teenager, Darby liked the word ‘fucking’ a lot. He still likes it, very much. He also enjoys demonstrating different ‘fucking’ postures, complaining that ‘this one’ (meaning the girl) ‘doesn’t work.’

Nonetheless, most of the audience found most of his performance very funny. What comedy act would be complete without sexual references? And what comedy act doesn’t overdo sexual references? (Incidentally, if you know of one please let me know.)

As a final one liner, and as if to reaffirm his place as a manly man, Darby states “Just so you know; I do go home with the odd girl after my shows.” He repeats “the odd girl” and then launches into an impersonation of a gorilla-like, severely disabled girl, whilst screaming “Get in the car!” As with several other points in the show, mixed in with our laughter is slight pity and embarrassment. But perhaps this is Darby’s aim: as he himself says, he likes “to do comedy and make it awkward for everyone.”

For full programme, venue and show details on this and other Comedy Festival events, visit comedyfestival.co.nz.