Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

Josh Glanc’s latest collection of absurd sketches is an enjoyably silly way to spend an hour, even if the fragmented approach might leave you yearning for something to glue it all together

The structure of Vrooom Vrooom involves little more than the comedian building anticipation by carefully emptying his bag full of props, then working his way through them, skit by skit, then packing up. Each character or ridiculous bit of business exists only for the few minutes it’s on stage, then we’re off somewhere else. Occasionally, he reminds us that this is no way for a grown man to earn a living – or what passes for it – but then it’s on to the next bit of business.

Glanc starts as a food vendor at a sporting event, offering up ‘hot chips, potato cakes, dim sim, sausage rolls’ with a patter that morphs into a catchily meaningless song. Most skits have a similar clear central conceit, and don’t outstay their welcome. ‘That escalated quickly,’ could be the watchword for many.

He commits to his portrayal of his alter-egos, whether it’s with the exaggerated silly  voice with which he trills the praises of some classic Christmas hits, or the perfect facial expression, as in his gender-reveal sketch which contains a touch of pathos. There’s a wonderful bit of crowd interaction, which takes an unexpected turn, and forces the selected punter to follow through with the joke too.

It’s a typical offbeat notion, combined with a surprising twist, and individually most sketches are a foolish delight. But with no wider context, the momentum unfortunately ebbs over the hour, rather than builds. And the closing song – a relatable ditty about the troubles finding a file on his computer – is over-long.

But at least half the show is inventive, daft genius that will leave you beaming.

• Josh Glanc: Vrooom Vrooom is on at the Greek Centre at 6pm (5pm Sundays, no show Mondays) until April 24.

Review date: 10 Apr 2022
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett