Canberra Reviews

My throat hurts, my cheeks are aching and my sides are knotted in a permanent stitch, but I can’t complain. Laughter-related injuries are part of the territory when you get the chance to see Bill Bailey live.

Since his first solo show in 1995, Bailey has been encouraging audiences to question his sanity with eccentric humour and mad musical creations. Many may know him as the hapless Manny from the BBC series Black Books, in which he plays a loud-shirted fall-guy to Dylan Moran’s acerbic Bernard Black. Tinselworm treated the Royal Canberra Theatre audience to a performance at least on par with Bailey’s best moments as Manny and the highlights of his previous solo show, Part Troll.

Like Part Troll, Tinselworm had no discernable theme and progressed much like a wander through the wilder regions of Bailey’s subconscious. While much of the material was pre-planned, Bailey was just as comfortable – and arguably more hilarious – when he simply riffed on comments from the audience or ideas that popped into his head. He balanced his version of traditional stand-up with multimedia interludes and impressive stints on various instruments. Bailey is a classically trained musician, and uses his talents on guitar, keyboard and Theremin to add another layer of enjoyment to his humour. But his comedy skills aren't just musical. He can’t be faulted on pacing or delivery either, and his rapport with the audience was genuine and relaxed. In fact, Tinselworm was more like hanging out with a very funny friend in his lounge room than seeing someone who has become known as ‘that guy from the telly.’

It would be criminal to foreshadow any Tinselworm material, lest it find its way to someone who is yet to see the show. But rest assured, barely a moment passes without something to giggle at and there are many instances when only a loud guffaw will do. At times, the Canberra audience were so enthusiastic that Bailey had to hold us back from premature applause. The only minor complaint was that someone among the Royal Theatre staff forgot to shepherd people back inside in time for the second half. Of course, Bailey only used the stragglers’ entrance as more comedy fodder.

Bailey inspires real affection in his audiences – who else could call a show Tinselworm and be presented with a hand-made, tinsel-clad toy worm at the end of the performance? Needless to say, this adoration is very well-deserved. In short, Bill Bailey is at the top of his game, so do your best to get your hands on one of the few remaining Tinselworm tickets.


Adrian Bohm Presents
Tinselworm
Bill Bailey

AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES

Perth
Burswood Theatre September 8
Book at Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Adelaide
Thebarton Theatre September 11
Book at Venuetix 8225 8888 or www.venuetix.com.au

Canberra
Royal Theatre September 13
Book at Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Sydney
State Theatre September 15 - 19
Book at Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

Brisbane
QPAC, Concert Hall September 22
Book at QTIX 136 246 or www.qtix.com.au

Melbourne
Arts Centre, Hamer Hall September 27
Book at Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

www.billbailey.co.uk