NZICF14 REVIEW | JOHN GORDILLO

The lights are dim in the intimate space dotted by round tables where strangers sit side by side. I’m right up close and personal by the stage, within spitting distance of the comedian about to give me the funniest hour of my life. It was an apt setting for a show exploring the relationships we have, both real and imitation.

UK comedian John Gordillo is an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee who has written and directed extensively for both television and live comedy, including shows for the legendary Eddie Izzard. A headliner who has been on the NZ International Comedy Festival wishlist for over ten years, he is finally here to perform his celebrated 2013 Edinburgh Fringe Fest show for six nights at The Classic in Auckland.

Cheap Shots at the Defenseless is an intelligent comedy routine that proposes social theories about emotional relationships we take for granted. It contrasts biological relationships with those that we choose for ourselves. But, most importantly, it shatters the invisible efforts by corporations to simulate relationships with us and questions the depth to which branding has infiltrated our existence.

Gordillo’s style is incredibly natural, touching and personable. Many comedians will polish their routine to a fine shine, measuring their tone carefully and never deviating from the script. There is nothing wrong with this, but it can sometimes make the routine seem very contrived, as if the audience is watching through a screen. Not so with Gordillo. The relationship he creates with his audience is anything but fake. His observations and impassioned disposition are relatable and endearing. He pulls the audience in and makes you feel as if you are having a direct conversation with a friend, not simply observing from a distance.

Cheap Shots at the Defenseless is comedy as it was meant to be done. It will have you bent over with laughter in your seat and then walking away pondering the consequences of the social message that Gordillo uses the art form to convey.

Gordillo began his show by pointing out the arbitrary things that receive a five star review and lamenting how hard this is to achieve for even the most brilliant of comedy shows. He needn’t worry, because I will easily give Cheap Shots at the Defenseless the maximum amount of stars possible.

Memorable, sidesplitting and thought provoking, John Gordillo is undoubtedly one of the best comedy acts on tour.

First published for Mac+Mae 2014.