Melbourne International Comedy Festival
My mission was to review the Gigalees show at the Trades Hall New Ballroom for the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Now as a 42-year-old, I was not sure the best way of approaching this. How do I know if this kids' show was any good? What do I look for? Moreover, would I look out of place if I didn't have any kids there with me? Therefore, I decided to take my trump card to the show, my 5-year-old son Liam. If his non-stop giggling and dancing is any indication, then the Gigalees are a hit.
For a full 50 minutes, Wilma & Daisy bring to life a mixture of toe tapping music and circus acrobatics that keep the kids and their chaperones on the edges of their seats. Daisy is the 'smart one' who keeps the show on track while Wilma is the 'mischievous one', telling bum jokes that keep the kids howling with laughter.
The show moves along at a rapid paced with loud music, lots of colour and endless action. The kids and adults are constantly up and down in their seats partaking in the songs and dances and even, from time to time, hauled up on stage to help Daisy and Wilma.
One of the parents described the show as a bit like Benny Hill for kids and in some ways she was right. The show is right out of the 1920's vaudeville with lots of slapstick humour and silly jokes. However, that is what makes this work so well. We forget that sometimes the simplest things in life are often the best.
Neither Liam nor I looked at our watches once during the show and the 50 minutes flew past. Looking around the audience, I reckon all the kids and even the adults had a great time. What made it all the more fun for the kids was that they could meet Daisy & Wilma after the show.
