Review: The Wine Bluffs – Decanted     Sunday 14/3         Queens Theatre - The Chamber

A Beautiful open space building in the Chamber at the Queens, with staggered wine barrels helped to create a suitable ambience.

Damian Callinan and Paul Calleja are expat wine “buffs” (sauvignon blanc savants if you will), making their way back from Bulgaria to remind Australians of our wine pomposity. Dressed in burgundy velour jackets and sheepskin shapkas, they danced their way onto the stage to the accompanying intro music. Damian in particular, showed flair and style, as he gyrated his way around the stage. He is an accomplished actor and comedian, and a helluva dancer (just look up his version of the 80’s dance…he is hilarious).

The ever-grinning Paul provided a satisfactory foil, but struggled to react to Damian’s quick wit and ad libs. He had some funny moments, one in particular involving Greta Thunberg, but it was evident that most of the laughs were coming from Damian, as he dominated the stage with his professionalism and comedic timing. Paul, who is likeable enough, seemed lost on occasions, wondering where to position himself when Damian was doing his thing.

The dick foam noodle visual gag got way more laughs than it deserved; the five criteria elicited some positive responses from a predominantly boomer crowd and the “wine wanker” t-shirt was a hit.

Wine snobbery is a subject that lends itself easily to comedy. Niles and Frasier have been doing it for years with great success. To that extent, much more might have been made of this.

Roy and HG can sleep soundly tonight.
***1/2                 3.5 stars
 

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