Wait, which one is it? Tragedy plus time equals comedy? Comedy minus time equals tragedy? Tragedy divided by comedy equals time? That last one makes slim to zero sense, but we all know that most of the best laughs can come from low points in life.
Melbourne comedian and podcaster Karl Chandler is all too aware of how horrible moments are ripe with humour and the power of hindsight. Using an attempted appearance on a televised talent show as the crux of his hour – he won’t mention which one for fear of legal reprisal, but you don’t need to be Poirot to figure it out – Chandler charts his experience with a rollercoaster pace.
The hows and whys of wanting to get onto TV are particularly honest and engaging, dating back to an early fascination with TV variety shows. He doubles back sometimes and drags out a few bits longer than required, but the result is more of a realistic conversation than a glistening comedic bit, and the performance is better for it. Even with the musty Portland Hotel’s Pool Room bringing on some heinous hayfever, I was still drawn into Chandler’s windy tale and a finale that, while not exactly a happy ending, still made for a great story.
BY MITCH ALEXANDER
