Review: ★★★★½ Zoe Coombs Marr: Bossy Bottom (MICF)

9 April 2018 | 4:19 pm | Maxim Boon

"It's somehow incredibly clever and immensely stupid all at the same time"

Zoe Coombs Marr

Zoe Coombs Marr

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After years of character and sketch work, Zoe Coombs Marr has taken the ultimate creative step forward and come out as herself. And while many could be weary as to what the comic could offer out of costume, Coombs Marr alleviates any concerns from minute one of this latest show.

With all guns blazing, the comedian confesses that there will be no political humour or topic jokes, just good old fashioned "dumb shit." Coombs Marr goes on to prove herself right with a barrage of silly yet hilarious material, but as Bossy Bottom progresses, the comic proves she's more than just a barrel of hollow gags.

There are so many things to laugh at in this show that it would well be worth going more than once. The blink-and-you'll-miss-it assault on the senses leaves little breathing rooms for Coombs Marr's audience, which could prove a problem due to how much she makes them chuckle. She works the stage like no one else and hits the mark at every turn. It's almost too much... almost.

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As the show goes on, Coombs Marr creates a monolith of traditional comedy bits before smashing the system to pieces; she's not just a deconstructing stand-up, she's a wrecking ball. Any expectations or preconceptions can be left at the door as Coombs Marr titillates and dazzles with the sheer quantity and quality of what she's doing on stage. It's somehow incredibly clever and immensely stupid all at the same time - a perfect representation of the comedian herself.

Zoe Coombs Marr presents Bossy Bottom until Apr 22 at Melbourne Town Hall, part of the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.