Professor Andrew McClelland (BA, Dip Ed), pirate expert, part-time DJ and all-round nice guy returns for his 10th Comedy Festival. This year, in his continuing quest for civility, he brings us his ultimate Guide to Being a Modern Gentleman.With his mutton chop side-burns and dressed vaguely like an extra out of a period costume drama, McClelland instructs his audience on the appropriate behaviour for the modern man, and indeed woman - as he points out, he’s opposed to all forms of sexism, ‘especially for the ladies’.
The show covers vitally important topics for creating a nicer, more polite world, including how to speak, what to wear, whether or not to take drugs, and as with his previous works, it takes the form of a sort of Victorian lecture tour, punctuated by ‘intriguing asides’, original songs and a brief appearance from the stoic chicken.
He discusses historical gentlemen of note, amongst them, Beau Brummell, credited with the invention of the modern male suit, notorious wit Oscar Wilde and the philosophies of martial artist and modern gentleman, JVCD (Jean-Claude van Damme).
There’s enough structure in the play to keep the story moving along but is deliberately kept loose, allowing McClelland room to elegantly ramble through his material. He revels in unusual historical facts, such as the first newspaper report of a man wearing a top hat, which resulted in widespread panic - or the hot air balloonists, duelling with rifles as they floated above Paris. He also manages to include plenty of pop references and personal anecdotes, occasionally straying into, well, just plain silliness.
Although Opening Night was a little rough around the edges, McClelland connects well with his audience and his convivial personality carried him through a few technical hitches. Andrew McClelland’s Guide to Being a Modern Gentleman is a terrific show by a very likeable performer, that will only get better as the season progresses. And as an added bonus, there’s a special gift for all those that attend!
Australian Comedy Management presents
Andrew McClelland's Guide to Being a Modern Gentleman
Venue: Trades Hall | 2 Lygon Street, Carlton Sth
Dates: 19th Mar - 13th Apr
Times: Tue - Sun 8pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: Full $22, Conc $17, Tightarse Tuesday $17
Bookings: 03 9659 3569 & at the door