Review by Steve Bennett

There is an old Australian saying: If you see a man with a rubber chicken on a stick, follow him.

Well, there isn’t, but there should be. For chances are that man is stand-up legend Rod Quantock, on an irreverent tour of Melbourne.

After 90 minutes on the streets of the suburb of Fitzroy, you’ll learn about three facts about the origins of the city’s stand-up scene – the alleged purpose of the trip – while having wreaked benign chaos among the baffled locals.

It started reasonably sensibly. Our group of 50 assembled in the pub, and given plastic Groucho glasses, à la Chortle logo, for identification. Then across the road – stopping traffic and wiping one driver’s windscreen with the rubber chook in return for a $2 tip – to see the room where Melbourne’s comedy scene started with a venue called the Flying Trapeze, now a Japanese restaurant. But since it’s closed, Quantock’s ‘lecture’ was delivered in the women’s accessories store next door.

Onwards through the streets of the suburb, chatting to community gardeners, mischievous kids and home-renovators. All of us piled into one unsuspecting man’s house, because he had the poor judgement to have left his front door open. But he was friendly and welcoming, unlike the Buddhist centre who threw us out, declaring tersely: ‘This is not a public place.’ All that spirituality clearly makes you grumpy, Quantock quipped.

On to the tram, where the passengers were ‘treated’ to a rendition of Jingle Bells; more busking in the street elicits another $2 from a confused couple, while Quantock’s impromptu ‘dance with a stranger’ stunt elicits more bewilderment. Being perplexed is an acceptable response, only grouchiness is a sin.

For those of us taking part, strength in numbers is hugely liberating, allowing us to prank around with shenanigans few would dare otherwise. It’s a bit of a mess, as the only truly unpredictable can be, but thanks to the impish Mr Q, this is an unmissable festival experience.

Review date: 11 Apr 2010
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett