Michael Chamberlin
Things I Haven’t Done
Victoria Hotel
March 21 – April 24
Tickets: $20 – $22

Having been a face on the Melbourne comedy circuit for a decade, Michael Chamberlin is an old hand at the Comedy Festival, so it is a little bit disappointing to see his latest work Things I Haven’t Done so poorly attended.

Chamberlin is not visibly disappointed, though he does spend the first few minutes of the evening rearranging the audience so it all feels a little bit more intimate.

By his own admission, Chamberlin’s 2010 was not a good one. Having moved to his own flat, he found that living on his own left him feeling a little bit like an island that boats struggle to reach. So, in order to pick himself up and get back on the map, Chamberlin set about figuring out what he has not done to date.

With the list including dancing in the Mardi Gras and attending, but not partaking, in a swingers event, Chamberlin has assured that his activities have both personal meaning and comedy potential. However, it is when Chamberlin speaks about the more personal aspects of his journey, notably his lisp and his nephew, that his comedy timing really comes to the fore.

Though he keeps the fourth wall up at all times during the performance, Chamberlin is an engaging presence. His slightly camp demeanor and undeniable likeability put him in a league of his own. While many a comedian will have cramped up at the thought of performing a routine to a handful of people, Chamberlin courageously came up trumps.

Here is a sample of Chamberlin’s comedy, live from Rove.

Things I Haven’t Done is occasionally dark, but by taking comedy to its borders, Chamberlin could be crowned this year’s fringe king.

For more info on the MICF, hit their website.

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