Reviewed by: Glam Adelaide
Review by Nicola Woolford | 10 March 2023
Chris Parker is perfectly at home in the Rhino Room, which has been serving comedy gold this Fringe season. He brings a bright, bubbly, queer energy to the stage - full of nervous banter as he recounts stories from his life in New Zealand, loosely following the theme of “Live, Laugh, and Love.” (He points out, the first time this now-tired inspirational quote was said, it would have sounded insightful.) On Tuesday night, the small audience brave enough to fight hoards of Ed Sheeran fans on their way to Pirie Street are rewarded with a unique and somewhat improvised routine. Parker accidentally spills wine on his notes as he walks onto the stage. He regretfully looks at his notebook: "I cannot see a single word, but don't worry, I've got this!" Parker dissects family relationships including the good, the bad, and the bitey. He recounts the Hunger Games style warfare that erupted between his siblings when their mother left them unattended in the car as she dashed into the shops. He debates whether brothers or sisters are more torturous. He discusses both the thrills and awkwardness of newlywed life. In summary, Chris Parker’s exuberance and kinetic energy is irresistible whether following a strict routine or indulging in a few detours. He is your new best friend, entirely relatable and much better at comedy than you are.