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Montreal Just For Laughs 2011: Maria Bamford - Unwanted Thoughts Syndrome
Live Review

Maria Bamford’s psyche must be like a theme park for therapists; both exciting and terrifying, and packed with far too many bells-and-whistles distractions to properly take in. She’s one-part little girl lost in her own imagination, one part psycho-killer with a schizoid voice to match, flipping from cutesy whimsy to Saw voiceover in the space of a comma.

Rather than try to control or conquer her insecurities, she gives them free reign to take over her comedy act – hence this show’s title, Unwanted Thoughts Syndrome. Her self-esteem, her parent issues, her overactive imagination, her relationship hang-ups, her career doubts – each of the voices in her head is given a platform. In a whiney, distracted half-whisper she lays herself bare.

The depressive undertones, and constant focus on her perceived psychological failings, can get a little too much, despite her attempts to vary the mix with more surreal, or occasionally more observational routines. But she’s not even close to the mainstream ‘What’s the deal with..?’ comic – when she brings up an observation it’s from a point of view no one else will be able to relate to; rather it’s another outlet for her oddness. Never has the phrase ‘Just me, then?’ seemed so apt.

Sometimes her application of those warped sensibilities produces exquisitely silly comedy, such as the ill-informed global geography lesson with which she opens the show, or her vignettes of late-night radio shows. Other times, it seems like we should just humour her til she’s got the stream of consciousness out of her system. After all, she seems like a nice, vulnerable lady in need of our protection, and as the audience indulges such childish nattering, it almost seems to act in loco parentis. Given her issues with a passive-aggressive mother and critical father, this makes for a loaded relationship between performer and viewer. But there’s no denying she gets the laughs – and presumably the validation, however short-lived – that she seeks.

Bamford is certainly a distinctive comedian with a unique voice, both literally and figuratively. The care she demands means the full show requires patience, so even with a jaunty warm-up from Jackie Kashian eating into the time, there’s something of a midway lull. But for a break from the norm, Bamford’s your woman.

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Her voice is extremely irritating, and on the occasions I've seen her, I found that her cariacatures were not being used to tell any particular jokes, they were just there. Having seen her in showcases live and on TV, I have absolutely no interest in seing a full-length show.

Rose, July 2006

One of the the very, VERY few authentically original comics going. I've been telling everyone I know who like me is sick as me of the lousy comic hacks out there now. She's got own style, her own take on things and a totally different perspective on modern times, even if you see them the same way! Man or woman, nobody out there is funnier than her right now, and I can't think of many who are as funny. Guess it comes down to talent. She's got truck loads. I hope you hit the moon Maria

Big ABIII, July 2006

I've been a fan of Maria's since 2001 when she was on Premium Blend. She impressed me so much with her awkward and shy stage presence, yet hilarious and original jokes, that I've been following her career since. I finally got the chance to see her perform live last night and she was awesomely funny. She stole the show, in my opnion. Maria Bamford is definitely NOT to be missed

Carla, April 2006

Mind-blowing. Saw her a couple of years ago at the fringe. One of my all-time comics. Please come back to Britian soon.

Iszi, September 2005

I saw Maria at the Cat Laughs festival in Kilkenny and thought she was hilarious, her actions and her fantastic accents were just brilliant

Alice, June 2005

I love Maria Bamford. I heard her once a few years ago on the Comedy Gala and have followed her work ever since. She is an original and hilarious comic whose talents include fantastic vocal accents. Maria puts on a great show, and never fails to impress

Chris, May 2005

Brilliant, so cute in a strange kinda way. Just saw her in Melbourne at the comedy festival and I hope she gets her own sitcom

Roxy, April 2005

Maria Bamford is absolutely briliant. Saw here in Melbourne and having never heard of her. before can say she is among the best I've ever seen.

Damion, June 2004

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