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MICHAEL CHAMBERLIN - JOY & DESPAIR
2012 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Review





























A well-accustomed performer, Chamberlin rides the highs of his routines and moderates the rest of the dialogue, seeing the show through a smooth ride that never hits any real lows.
In an hour of stand-up based on Chamberlin's life, he talks about the joys and despairs he's faced with recent lifestyle changes - such as moving to Sydney and living with other people.
One of his best talents is being able to break down complicated scenarios and interactions to the base-level emotional reactions we have, at times ramping up his energy or aggression to create some memorable routines we can all relate to.
You could almost claim his skill is partly in acting, as he uses his energy, pacing and volume to add drama and make the routines punchier. But at times, the payoff in his punchlines aren't quite enough to raise the audience's energy as high as he would hope.
The show is quite personal, filled with funny anecdotes about beautiful people, the dilemmas of having room-mates and how running over a dog can make you more cynical of other people that would, under normal circumstances, appear to be the victim.
The laughs are more frequent than they are large, but it's a solid show from a solid performer.

VENUE: Victoria Hotel - Acacia Room, 215 Little Collins St, Melbourne
WHEN: 29/3/12 - 22/4/12, Tue-Sat 9:45pm, Sun 8:45 (60 mins)
PRICES: Full $23, Concession $20 (N/A Sat), Preview (29/3 - 1/4) $20, Laugh Pack $20 (N/A Fri & Sat), Tightarse Tuesday $20
BOOKINGS: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 and at the door
WEB: Michael Chamberlin

Reviewed 3 April by Chris Dewberry




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