| 07 August 2011
Rich Fulcher wants to fiddle with your moral compass. This is not to be a revolutionary recalibration, for poo and wee are still funny, and rape, we are assured, is still bad. It’s messing with the little things that Fulcher enjoys and, with this motivational presentation, he’s here to inspire us to do the same. We’re not going to dissolve any coalitions with these tiny acts, but we can certainly frustrate the idiots of the everyday with greater finesse.
Based on his book of the same name, the show is tightly scripted and, for the most part, well delivered. Regrettably, the performance loses pace around the halfway mark, due to some fluffed dialogue and underwhelming exchanges between Fulcher and his assistant. Nevertheless, Fulcher shines when things go wrong, showing exemplary composure and wit, and these dull spots are forgivable given the surrounding hilarity. A little tweaking will ensure that the initial intensity is sustained throughout future performances, and the dedication to the physical aspects of comedy displayed by both performers soon sees a return to uncontrollable laughter.
Despite the dangerously one-dimensional theme of the show, Fulcher manages to craft several layers of reality within the routine, incorporating them with considerable skill, and to great effect. Alongside some perfectly directed participation from the crowd, such showmanship demonstrates a welcome faith in the intelligence and abilities of his audience, and Fulcher can barely hide his delight at our willing responses. This is a hugely fun hour of colourful, right-on discombobulations, and highly recommended for the thinking comedy fan.
Rich Fulcher: Tiny Acts of Rebellion, Gilded Balloon, Billiard Room, 3-28 Aug (not 15), 8.30pm
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