Review by Steve Bennett

In Postcards From Purgatory, the misunderstood muppet tells us through a drink-induced Haze the story of his disastrous life, drifting from job to job while trying to nurture an ill-fated relationship with his lover, Polly.

‘I also do children’s parties’ is the clichéd line for offensive stand-ups, and here it’s true, as the washed-up Randy ekes out a living trying to entertain the neighbourhood brats, whom he clearly despises. But here, as in the rest of the show, there’s no acknowledgment to the fact that he’s a puppet; he’s just a flawed bloke, trying to make the best of a life made miserable, largely by his own hand.

He’s a character with real depth, is Randy. Though made of sponge, he’s been fleshed out with a detailed back story. This could easily be a human stand-up recounting their own self-pitying, self-loathing story in festival-friendly monologue – but because it’s not we’re left guessing how much is invention and how much is McIvor’s own experience.

This is not bang-bang-bang funny, but a grown-up piece of storytelling, often witty but always compelling. Some moments of silliness punctuate the show – the Flashback Yeti being a particular favourite – and there are segments that could be standalone, acerbic stand-up, but this is more about getting laughs from character, not just the simple joys of seeing a puppet swear.

In what must be a physically demanding role, hidden beneath a desk for the entire hour, McIvor proves himself talented puppeteer, infusing his simple creation with real emotion with the slightest of movement. But he also proves himself a master anecdotalist, and it’s the depth of his well-told story that keeps the audience hooked.

Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Melbourne, April 2009

Review date: 1 Jan 2009
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett