Melbourne comedy festival review by Steve Bennett

Dressed as outsize babies, Korea's four-man Ongals troupe bring an imaginative twist to some classic circus and steet skills.

Their personas are the key. They plunder their toy box with a mix of wonder, trepidation and jealosy. As one Ongal starts playing with whatever tool of the trade is next, the others look on with confusion  turning to covetousness when its purpose is revealed. The childishness is extended by their performing in an international language of, well, babbling - which again endears.

Such faux-naivety is a joy, delighting the audience. It's a family friendly show - for which read 'lots of fart gags' - but never feels patronising to adults. In fact, it rekindles a youthful sense of play.

Juggling, mime, balloon animals, even bellringing and whip stunts are all bought into play - and that's before we get to the expert beatboxing. It's all done with a remarkable skill, and in a way just different enough from what you may have witnessed before.

We are invited to do our part, too, clapping and encouraging  - with the threat of a mime arrow though the juggular if we don't join in, though little encouragement is needed to join in the fun.
 

Review date: 17 Apr 2016
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett