Simon Taylor: Funny

7 April 2014 | 2:21 pm | Marty Shlansky

"Despite his best efforts, by the end the show essentially folds in on itself."

Funny doesn't quite live up to the title. Structurally, the first half is stronger;Taylor's observational savvy comes to bear against drug-addled youths, drug-addled seniors, and Qantas' vintage fleet of decrepit flight attendants. His persona is imbued with something in the ballpark of charisma. He waits, even prompts, for applause, but beyond fulfilling his need for approval ,Taylor doesn't hold great value for his audience. The momentum eventually drags and Taylor deviates into a 20-plus minute anecdote that borders on shaggy dog story. Despite his best efforts, by the end the show essentially folds in on itself.

Imperial Hotel to 20 Apr