Iconic branding? Tick. International appeal? Yep. That inimitable x-factor? No doubt. Stand-up superstar Gabriel Iglesias is taking his winning comedy formula around the globe yet again. As the house lights go dim in Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, the crowd of 6,000 begin to chant Iglesias’ affectionate nickname “Fluffy”. The anticipation grows as the stage lights start twirling and the introduction music blares from the sound system like it would at a wrestling match.
The Hawaiian-shirt-wearing Mexican-American Michelin Man grins his way onto stage. Within a few minutes he’s imitated three variations of the Australian accent. From the get-go the audience heave in hysterics; a state that last the duration of the show. Iglesias starts with observations about Australia and his experiences of doing comedy over the last 17 years. With his dynamic array of voices and spot-on sound effects, these feel less like stand-up routines and more like hilarious lyrics to an unpredictable song.
Iglesias spends the show reciting a symphony of stories. The ones about his 17-year-old son, Frankie, are highlights. Then of course there are the classic tales of getting drunk with his best friend Martin. The flipping between family man and party boy makes Fluffy just that bit more endearing. Full of warm and cheeky honesty.
What is most impressive about this show, however, is how much material he has about Australia and New Zealand. You think it would take a lifetime to collect funny tales about a place. The fact is, Iglesias seems to be able to channel a regular experience into a captivating story with countless laughs along the way.
At the very end of the performance, Iglesias asks the audience if they want to hear a few old jokes. What ensues is a kind of “comedy karaoke” where the fans say the jokes along with him. It confirms the analogy to music: Gabriel Iglesias is a pop comedy sensation.
Some may be offended by the crass opening acts. Though they’re done quick enough before the man himself appears on stage for the night. Sure you can watch some of his clips online but this gut-busting storyteller is well worth seeing live.
BY SIMON TAYLOR
