Melbourne International Comedy Festival review by Annette Slattery

Half Gimmick, Half Man is aptly named. Michael Williams is Dr Frankenstein forging his own creation from the skin of pop culture and the ever beating heart of Fruit Roll-Ups. Here, Williams uses live narration over an animated PowerPoint display, standing to the side, out of the spotlight. Unusually for a stand up show, this takes the focus off the comedian himself, although the strength of the material compensates for this absence. There are also joyful moments when William’s pulls the focus back to himself, especially when he sings, or physically interacts with the animation.

Williams deploys a vast array of cultural references, from the legacy of Abraham Lincoln to cult film Sharknado. He examines the minutiae of popular culture from an alternate point of view, using random references, sometimes subtle sometimes overlarge, managing to make oblique couplings, such as Kevin Bacon and graphs, work so naturally.

He only real negative is one that has plagued him throughout his career. There are brief pauses which rupture the energy of the performance. If timing is everything, it only takes a daub of dead air to drag energy out of the room. Unfortunately Williams lacks the natural confidence or improv skills to ad-lib over the gaps. This is something that interrupted his performance in his early years when he worked with easel drawings. His transfer to computers hasn’t helped, as the pre-timed sequences create the same problem.

It’s a stark contrast to the greater energy Williams has injected into the rest of this show. The introduction of original songs is a hit. Michael proves himself a more than capable singer and his songs are unique. Rather than pithy catchphrases, Williams injects a depth of nonsensical humour into the lyrics that guarantee their resonance. His movie raps and Louis Armstrong dedication are standouts.

The shift to PowerPoint has enabled Williams to produce some hilarious animations with a priceless whimsy. The software has also given the comedian access to some super low-tech 3D, down to the old-school cardboard glasses. These sections are woven through the show, deliberately mocking the medium, whilst affecting a super serious attitude.

Beyond the halted, low-fi delivery, Williams displays a genius for reductive absurdism and is unlike any other comedian I’ve seen. His take on the world around him creates joyous results, if you can get on board, it’s a hell of a ride.

Review date: 1 Apr 2014
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett