Bec Hill Didn't Want To Play Your Stupid Game Anyway
Note: This review is from 2012
The childlike obstinacy in the title of Bec Hill’s show is echoed in its content. She has decided that she doesn’t want to be an adult – and she’s going to tell you why.
She thus touches on responsibility, babies, bullying, jobs, leaving home, horoscopes and the internet. While she uses these topics to expand upon the main theme it’s pretty obvious that many of the routines have been shoehorned into an idea. That’s fine, but when it doesn’t work it can be obvious and distracting.
That said, the quality of the components here is better than average, demonstrating Hill’s ability to find a unique take on common themes. Her delivery, though patchy, frequently sparkles with moments of delight. However, she plays the cultural reference card harder than suits her naturally alternative outlook, even though her treatment holds enough originality to win over the audience.
Hill is known for her command of the low tech, which she employs here with neat audio tricks and lighting – and she excels with her sketchbook, with her interactive drawings providing some of the highlights.
While the ideas and sentiments underpinning this show are good fun, Hill invests them with a significant amount of insight, which not really deserved. The notion that she is bringing some unique vision is unfounded and detracts from her natural acumen for silliness.
I can’t help but wonder if this show would exist more successfully as an hour of un-themed stand up. As it is, it is enjoyable, but needs a level of crafting to match the superior material.
Reviewed at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, April 2011
Review date: 1 Jan 2012
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett