Garry Starr: Classic Penguins ★★★★★

International sell-out and professional fool Garry Starr brings classic humour to classic novels, putting the ‘dumb’ in dumbfounding. Rest assured, this is not just another Fringe comic who enjoys walking around in the buff; he is a Gaulier-trained performer who has mastered the art of being ridiculous. In Classic Penguins, he somehow performs a range of classics in 70 minutes, wearing flippers, a ruff, and almost nothing else. With the set including a bookshelf, overhead projector, treasure chest, and a bare chest, Starr showcases his intellect and comedic genius in this immersive, laugh-out-loud show.

The nature of Starr’s comedy relies on the element of surprise, so going into detail about his jokes here isn’t necessary. The show is just funny. There is no linear plot, and you do not need to know classic literature to get it. Everybody is put on a level playing field when reduced to such a voyeuristic position in the first 5 minutes. No need to actually know the plot of Moby Dick.

Garry Starr owns the stage completely. He puts full trust in his viewers, and you are bound to trust him back. Despite the jaw-dropping nudity, Starr is very clever with the way he has organised this production. Basically laid out like a sketch show, each book was the beginning of a new ‘bit’, or an addition to an ongoing joke in the script. Starr’s entire layout of the sketches was clearly thought through, hilariously complemented by the sound and lighting team. Who knew you could make The Handmaid’s Tale funny? The Grapes of Wrath turns into a food fight, then War and Peace creates a truce, then War of the Worlds starts it all up again! Despite his physical hilarity and incredible knowledge of old-school clowning, his witty writing and comic timing ensure the laughs keep coming.

It was weirdly empowering to see so many members on stage, as well as audience participants. The interactive nature of the show was what makes this production so refreshing. Yes, the man is totally naked on stage and throwing oranges around, but that actually lowers everyone’s guards (bar the stage management team maybe) by plunging everybody into shocking realness.

It also gives the feeling that everyone seems to be laughing with each other, including the actor. Starr has created some kind of bewildering comedy masterpiece that leaves you completely puzzled. You may not know what you just saw, but you will know you’ve seen something clever and worthwhile. His comedy is not just a perversion of slapstick and self-awareness but something rooted in serious vulnerability and humanity that makes you feel happy! He can only be applauded.

By the end of the performance, his lack of clothing is probably the least interesting or important thing about the show. Starr physically pushes himself to some nauseating limits and truly gives his talent to the audience. An astounding display of professional tomfoolery.

At a time when the TV seems to be showing the most brutal of humanity’s actions, this play is a stark reminder of the importance of going out and having a laugh. You will not regret it.