Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

In the guise of his playful alter-ego Garry Elizabeth Starr, Damien Warren-Smith is a fabulous kids’ entertainer, engaging the youngsters with his mucking about and energetic, acrobatic physicality.

But what sets Monkeys Everywhere apart is a theatrical ambition beyond silly diversion. The modern-day clown is upfront about the metaphor at the heart of the show, and even if that sails above the youngster’s heads, it provides a purpose that adults will appreciate. 

In fact, this should rightly be seen as a  show for all ages, rather than ‘just’ a kids’ one. How many children’s shows, for example, ask their audience if their shenanigans involving ever-growing stuffed primates make sense ‘dramaturgically’? Just one of the many asides adding depth.

The premise is that Starr – in doublet and hose and his trademark Elizabethan ruff – hasn’t written the end of the show yet and, limited to only one typewriter rather than an infinite number, must focus on bashing out the script – if only the Mental Health Metaphor monkeys would let him.

They’re everywhere, mischievous and distracting, far more fun than boring old work. Phone calls from The Prime Minister of Theatre, the kindly authority/parent  figure, try to keep him on track but it’s difficult.

All manner of set pieces let the kids get involved, from chaotically throwing inflatable balls or lobbing grapes for Starr to try to catch in his mouth, to hollering out advice – ‘he’s behind you’ style – as to how the performer can make it to his bed, atop a clever jungle gym-style stage set. And, of course, there are disgusting poo and fart gags to appeal to the youngsters’ baser instincts. They love it all.

Yet it keeps swinging back the concepts of a restless ‘monkey mind’  that’s a monkey on Starr’s back to mix simian metaphors. ‘I couldn’t do what I do without them,’ acknowledges the performer. ‘But sometimes they get too much.’

They’ve certainly helped him create a family show that stands out from the crowd – even if the probably hindered the process of getting here.

Review date: 10 Apr 2025
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Melbourne International Comedy Festival