Geraldine Hickey: Plucky (MICF)

Facing your fears is tough enough, but doing it in front of an audience is something else entirely, as Geraldine Hickey shows. Plucky sees the Melbourne comic look back on the last year or so of her life and mirthfully analyses the times in which she's had to take on the things that scare her the most. Dentists, nudity, and even light exercise, Hickey divulges her mild phobias in brilliant and humorous detail, putting her unique semi-deadpan style to excellent use. While Hickey attempts to reveal herself to her audience, it almost feels as if she's holding back - scraping the surface without giving away too much. Then, almost without warning, it becomes clear.

With only 15 minutes to go, Hickey drops the minor fears and delves head first into the bleak and terrifying depths of personal hardship. From her dread as a gay woman leading up to the recent postal vote to dealing with her father's dementia diagnosis, Hickey shifts gears with total, unfaltering ease. It's this change in tone that takes Plucky from great to downright superb. It's the driving kick of heart and sincerity that shows off the comedian's incredible range for finding the funny in even the murkiest of emotional waters. Even the surprise musical number at the end, though cut with earnest affection, is gut-bustingly hilarious. It's early doors for the Comedy Festival, but Hickey firmly has her foot wedged in as an award contender.

Geraldine Hickey presents Plucky at the Imperial Hotel, until Apr 21