OK, let’s start by saying that Tim Minchin, the weirdy little guy with a grand piano and no shoes, is a fucking genius.
Even without the music, his sharp observational wit runs rings around the Jerry Seinfelds of this world, with a hilarious self-depreciating twist running through this captivating two hour solo performance.
His choice of subject matter is sublime, going beyond simply discussing how people react in everyday situations, instead tackling weightier issues such as Islam, death, sex, war, fatherhood and mental illness. He does so with an incredibly articulate approach, utilizing his natural awkwardness to great effect, while avoiding cheesy puns and cheap gags.
In a world of grammatical indifference, Minchin’s grasp of the English language comes like a breath of fresh air, as he ponders its use and abuse in the hands of the great unwashed. What constitutes a swear word? Does an asterisk help? Can finger be a ‘doing’ word?
But there is music. Lots and lots of brilliant music underpinning Minchin’s insightful tangents. Not just a few chords to give the joke a bit of momentum, but exceptionally well crafted scores touching on classical, jazz, boogie and truckloads of soul.
Michin’s musicianship is beyond anything you are likely to see watching your favourite band (or a classical recital for that matter) and Idol contestants would kill for his multi-octave voice.
(I bet Tim Friedman must be crying into his Sydney schooner whenever he hears Minchin perform his yarns with more depth and emotion than a Whitlams album ever could. The fact that he’s only joking must make it even worse)
Without comedy, Minchin would have no trouble carving out a career as a professional pianist, singer, writer or kooky eccentric. As a comedian, he’s obviously destined for very big things.
So for now forget Justin Timberlake. Tim Minchin is bringing back ‘intelligent’.
5 guffaws out of 5
'So Live' is released on November 7 through Madman Entertainment. RRP $29.95.
Click here to view the Tim Minchin interview.
