He is not quite a ‘King of Comedy’, but after his most recent Adelaide Fringe show, I’d classify Garry Star as the Emperor Penguin of Comedy. Here is a man who, dressed only in his penguin suit (coat, hat, flippers and nothing else), attempts to perform every Classic Penguins book in only an hour. Fast, interactive and balls-out fun, you’ve definitely never seen a show like this before!

When you watch a Garry Star performance you know you’ll see something unique, ridiculous and hilariously funny. He is the master of ‘uncomfortable comedy’ and in Classic Penguins he doesn’t just act the fool but makes the whole crowd take part in his shenanigans, baring his soul… and his arse while he’s at it. Re-enacting classic literature on his own is no fun, so volunteers are requested frequently and partake in the madness on stage. I’m not going to give any spoilers in this review but be prepared to see Star’s interpretations of books such as Wind In The Willows, The Little Prince and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, just to name a few. I honestly don’t know how Garry manages to get the energy to perform a show like this every night. I’m guessing a litre of V8 juice must get him going and help deliver sixty minutes of rock-hard comedy without a flaccid joke in sight.

Classic Penguins is the funniest comedic performance I’ve seen at the Fringe in many years. I can understand why it’s sold out almost every night. It’s not mean-spirited, so don’t feel as if you’re going to be picked on or pointed out. Just sit back, enjoy the fun, take in all the book knowledge that Garry Star provides you, and keep your hands and fingers to yourself. Enjoy!

For literature buffs literally.

***** Five Stars