Adelaide Fringe: Amos Gill Is Guilty

“Last year my shows sold out, this year I did,” jokes South Australian Comedian Amos Gill when discussing his foray into commercial radio with HIT 107 and his apparent neglect of stand-up comedy.

If you’re of the opinion Amos sold out following his move, let him prove his innocence in the enjoyable and eye-opening Fringe show Amos Gill Is Gillty.

Interstate moves, loneliness and ‘selling out’ provide the framework for his 2015 show. The fallible Gill leads the audience on a manic-paced journey through the perils of his daily existence since undertaking a position on commercial radio and the self-deprecation that follows. Amos bravely, and rather humorously, divulges on such lifestyle change and its resultant identity crises. An admittedly failed bohemian Gill delves into themes including nightlife, drugs and family, each relating to the other in some weird, inseparable way.

Gill unashamedly provides a glimpse into the unique and often awkward upbringing that is partially accountable for the development of such laughter-inducing talent. Crowd work, although performing to an intimate preview night, was faultless. Gill immediately generated an impressive rapport with the audience and maintained it effortlessly throughout.

Critically, the comic lacked continuity at times: forgivable considering Amos’ divergent, riotous and comical ramblings. Impressively, notes were employed minimally in comparison to the page-flicking norm synonymous with the average preview night, proving his nous with his current material. Witnessing the comedic capabilities of the well established youngster gives one the inclination such talent is wasted on commercial radio.

The opportunity to catch Gill at night and let alone at his uncensored and boisterous best is one not to be missed. If Amos Gill is ‘Gillty’ of anything, may he be convicted on multiple counts of repeated hilarity.

Howling Owl, Rhino Room to 7 Mar