Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

As the title graphically suggests, Mel and Sam’s latest Melbourne show is about two besties so inseparable that ‘joined at the hip’ just isn’t enough to capture how close they are.

Not that their co-dependency is explicitly explored beyond the opening, but it is hardwired into their whole act, given how intimately close these two livewires so obviously are. And, of course, every sketch and song does feature two people…

Avatars of queer Gen Z life, Mel O’Brien and Samantha Andrew have bold personalities and a camp style – glittery outfits, snazzy make-up and showy presentation – as well as an innate knowledge of pop culture and contemporary mores. By which I mean: of course they’ve got a song about polyamory.

Fearing they might only appeal to their contemporaries, they got their dads in on the act, with the proud parents recording audio intros for each scene. However, it only goes to prove how the older generation just doesn’t get all the references. ‘Who’s Kristen Stewart?’ asks one while setting up a skit with the Twilight star meeting a ‘real’ vampire.

The chemistry between the spirited pair – and indeed between them and their adoring audience – deserves its own place on the Periodic Table. Their comedy is often self-indulgent, but their crowd not just tolerate this, but encourage it. Everyone involved revels in the mucking about, not really worried about where the next joke is coming from. For a generation who supposedly have a short attention span, quite a few of the scenes outlast the gag.

One convoluted premise has Bindi and Robert Irwin chatting to their dad in heaven and asking if Britney Spears is there, assuming her social media silence means she’s pegged it. Another sketch about a Byzantine board game is relatable, but goes on too long (which seems apt).

Elsewhere, Santa and Mrs Claus go to couple’s therapy; Willy Wonka reunites with Charlie Bucket, now something of a slacker; and there’s a track about sleeping with mid men, authentically hewn from hard experience, it appears.

They know the song about polyamory, is initially baffling – though the intent eventually becomes clear - yet they refuse to fix it as they’ve already laid down the backing track. It’s a gag but probably symptomatic of the show – ideas are stretched to fit the length of a song, not vice-versa.

But there’s a joy in giving zero fucks that’s endearing, especially given how energetic and endearing Mel and Sam are. It’s easy to submit to their winsome high spirits and powerhouse songs. 

In a couple of these, they delight in singing about ‘fags’ and ‘carpet-munchers’ - but insist it’s OK as they are gay themselves, and the audience delight in the transgression. However, it does seem a bit of a cheap trick, shortcutting to a reaction without having to write a joke.

But their philosophy is not overthink it, just go with the moment. Buoyed by their magnetic personas and lively performances, the audience are entirely on board with that, having a whale of a time.
 

Review date: 9 Apr 2024
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Melbourne International Comedy Festival