Review /// Idiots of Ants, The Axis of Awesome and Stephen K Amos

Idiots of Ants

April 28 - May 5 2012

Herald Theatre

As soon as I entered the Herald Theatre, I got the sense this show would walk all over boundaries of taste and decency. Two members of Idiots of Ants (aka Idiots Savants) were already on stage; one dressed as a Nazi, the other a British soldier, the pair silently rocking in their chairs as they stared into space. As the audience hushed, two more military men appeared. You could have been forgiven for thinking something more sinister was about to occur but within minutes they were in strip tease mode, revealing comedians in a white shirt and black tie combo.

These four young Brits have made a name for themselves with their modern day Monty Python style sketch comedy. With lightning-fast wardrobe changes, they create a multitude of characters and scenarios while references to Auckland landmarks fix the show firmly in a time and place. Sketch topics range from cringeworthy 'Dad jokes' to toilet humour, online gaming, a hen's party gone very wrong, an angry honey bee and a swingers' party featuring hand puppet wives. There is a theme that vaguely connects the various parts of the performance - but it might not be what you expect.

The sketches are quick-witted and clever. Unfortunately though, the visual projection and music that support the show and help transition from one scenario to another was being a bit temperamental on opening night. At one point, the four of them stared up at a blank screen just long enough for the audience to realise there had been yet another glitch. No matter, it was great seeing how relaxed these pros were, running backstage to manually make changes and rolling their eyes as they yelled out "ta daa!" when they finally got it to work.

The Ants' interaction with the audience was also highly entertaining to watch and a couple in the front row copped rather a lot of flak. At one point an imaginary gaming console was thrust into audience member Flynn's hand with rather unexpected results and soon after the quartet were serenading his girlfriend, much to her amusement / embarrassment.

The group ad-libbed a surprising amount for such a tightly-scripted show and their performance was all the more interesting for it. At one point during a fart sketch, James Wrighton pretty much lost it and was called a "giggly fuck" by Elliot Tiney. James then turned to the audience and once he got his breath back, offered us the explanation that James "really did fart". Sure it's juvenile but I love the fact these guys don't take themselves too seriously.  If you want to see something other than musical acts or stand up this festival, check these guys out; they're slick, fun and just the right amount of loose.

The Axis of Awesome

Auckland Town Hall

April 30 - May 5 2012

They call themselves "the world's most awesomemest" comedy rock band and yes it's true The Axis of Awesome did pack out the caberet-style round table seating of Auckland Town Hall's Concert Chamber with punters keen to experience the high energy Australian band first hand.

Vocalist Jordan Raskopoulos is quick to establish himself as the band's lead. In the first song Jordan rides a fire-breathing dragon while Benny Davis on keyboard and vocals is told he has to ride a chicken. Benny cops a whole lot of flak for his small statue from Benny and the slightly dim-witted third band member, Lee Naimo. Lee plays guitar and does a great impression of a rapper with a low down deep voice.

Several of the band's songs make fun of the unoriginality of commerical music; This is how you write a love song is hilarious as is their huge youtube hit Four Chords, which illustrates how so many popular songs essentially sound the same. A few of their songs are a bit hit and miss though. Song for the Elderly in which a senile old man ends up living in Jordan's house is more sad than funny.

They save the best till last with Can you hear the fucking music coming out of my car? There's something hugely therapeutic about watching these "boys" jump up and down on stage mocking boyracers and their ridiculously loud stereos. "It's Friday night, it's party night..bitches in the front seat, crumping, humping" - these lines could come straight out a generic hip hop song but then Lee goes, "all you other MCs, you ain't got nothing, my rhymes so tight yeah, something something."

When these guys get it right their songs which parody youth culture are tightly orchestrated and hugely witty. The banter they have with each other, unfortunately, is just as scripted. I would've liked to have seen a bit more improv and audience interaction from the band which boasts two National Theatre Sports Champs. Overall though, an entertaining show; very tongue in cheek, clever and dynamic.

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Stephen K Amos

May 1-2 2012

Sky City Theatre

‘Laughter is my Agenda’ - does what it says on the tin, and does it well. According to the festival guide "Stephen K Amos really is as good as everyone says" and after seeing him for the first time at Sky City Theatre, I’d be inclined to agree. A seasoned British comedian with over ten years of shows under his belt, he confidently breezed through his one hour show, skipping between amusing observations and anecdotes, peppered with lots of chats to the audience. There isn’t any real narrative running through it, and at times it feels like a pleasant yet aimless wander down memory lane. But the audience input keeps it fresh - you know you're getting a genuine one-off show when so much of the interaction is woven into his routine. These playful and cheeky exchanges influence the flow of the whole show in a way that very much depends on the crowd.

Which brings me to my next point - don't mess with Stephen K Amos, he knows how to deal with hecklers. Not that there was much heckling, but there was one audience member who chose not to play along. "What do you do?" Amos asked him. The guy replied, "well right now I’m watching you on stage.” Oh dear. Amos took a moment to put him in his place for being a “smartass”. “See, what you’ve done there is create an atmosphere. You’re what is known in the industry as a cockblock."

The audience participation starts right from the get go. There happens to be a dozen free seats in the second and third rows, so Amos invites a family he’d spotted before the show to come and sit down the front. He then invites anyone else to fill the remaining seats, and has a wee chat to them all. The family consists of Mum and Dad and their two teenage sons, who get a few risque punchlines aimed at them, just to really embarrass them in front of their parents.

Amos regales us with stories from his life which helped shape his "agenda", such as growing up with a dual heritage - Nigerian and British - and coming from a family with seven children. "Why!?" he shouts. "Seven children!! All in one house! I didn't even know I could have my own thoughts!" He might be lying about what his parents named his twin sister, but I'll leave you to decide. (No spoilers here!) There are hilarious impressions of his parents’ strong Nigerian accents and he talks about their use of old school discipline. Apparently his Mum addressed him as “bastaad”, and told him he was adopted to shut him up. He also pokes fun at racism. During a story about a holiday in Thailand he says “Sorry, I can’t do a Thai accent so I'll just do a generic Asian accent." The joke has us in stitches anyway, so he asks, "Did anyone think that was racist? No? Well how about this.." He points out that his comedy is meant to make you think as well as laugh, and he’s not out to offend anyone.

He has a clipboard of new jokes to test out, indicating that this show is still a work in progress. One that definitely worked was his killer farewell punchline for those teenagers down the front. “Boys, you’re at the age.. where you sometimes touch yourselves. In a special way. And now whenever you do… you’ll always remember my face.” he says, beaming down at them. Pure comedy evil, what a way to finish. I’m pretty sure it’s a show they won’t soon forget, but they might think twice about going to a stand up show with their parents next time.

Stephen K Amos reviewed by Dedee W.