Barry Morgan
Was there ever an episode of Blankety Blanks where Graham Kennedy and Liberace donated their DNA for cloning? Because if so, that kid has grown up; and his name is Barry Morgan.
Fresh from Adelaide's Sunnyside Mall, Morgan is a one-man explosion of '70s chic, organ rock songs, and cheese of the highest order. His demeanour is straight out of a Women's Weekly almanac of tinned pineapple and leatherette - and in his golden safari suit and a bouffant that's feathered to the nines; Morgan will never blend into a crowd.
Out Of This World takes Morgan's audience to the interstellar, with plenty of well-chosen tunes to set the mood. Audience participation is non-negotiable, and calculated seating selection doesn't come into it - he will seek you out. "Name That Tune", "Barry-oke" and Morgan just going into the crowd will see every last punter have a chance to get nice and close with the organ man.
Much like a number of festival shows this year, Morgan is relying heavily on the gimmick factor of his persona. There's the tacky, over-the-top facade, but little beneath. Of course, this is an intentional component of Morgan's deportment, but at a certain point the sickly sweet performance does lose a little traction.
Be that as it may, Morgan is an unbelievable talent that makes organ playing look simultaneously simple and dextrous. It's a jaw-dropping experience that engulfs the audience in a pool of synthetic audio, complete with a grin that stretches to the stars.
Any reservations need to be left at the door if a Barry Morgan show is to be totally enjoyed. Abandon any better-than-this hesitation and this will be a throwback show that even Gen-Y and beyond can get behind.
Barry Morgan presents Out Of The World till 23 Apr at Malthouse Theatre, part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
