Sam Simmons - the Precise History of Things

What makes a good comedian?

Funny? Check.

Truthful and observant? Check.

A little toilet humour? Check. (An oldie but a goodie).

How about one who begins by lecturing you on the rules of the show; namely, no ‘yellow’, no running with scissors and no looking like flight centre attendants; and who ends by forcing you to query the never-ending meaninglessness of this somewhat existential life?

Throw in some unnerving audience participation, sound effects, talking Llamas, lonely pinecones and most importantly – a chubby bald man wearing (rather short) pyjamas and a pair of thick-rimmed glasses, and you have Sam Simmons – The Precise History of Things.

I placed a lot of trust in this bald, sweaty, cursing man as he repeatedly told us there was a point to his random yelling, abnormal props and sing-songs. He asked us to bear with him and that it would all make sense in the end.

And it did.

My thoughts varied from wondering why so many people were laughing at his crude, nonsensical humour when I was about to walk out (no, I probably wouldn’t have for fear he would make a scene!), to cheering, clapping and praising this man – not because he was finished – but because he had me pondering the meaning of 45 minutes of self deprecation, brilliant facial spasms, musings and a shopping trolley full of groceries. And I got it!

Watch it. You won’t be disappointed.

Well, that’s not entirely true, but you won’t leave feeling disappointed by the performance or cheated out of $30 and that’s the most important thing.

Reviewed by Lana Hilton http://thefirsttimer.com