Puddles’ show at Fringe is a pity party you can really indulge in.
Puddles the Clown has been called ‘the sad clown with the golden voice’ by his many fans around the world. Throughout the past 15 years he’s performed at countless festivals, supported touring bands, and been invited personally by both Neil Patrick Harris and Jack Black to perform at their curated shows at different occasions. This year he is back in Adelaide following a sold-out season in 2015.
Standing at almost 7ft tall, clad in black and white with a sad painted face, Puddles is an imposing figure - coulrophobics, this may not be the show for you. As soon as he starts singing though, you’ll want to join the pity party with him. Puddles’ silky baritone voice is so unexpected, and his soulfully arranged pop ballads are irresistible, tackling everything from ABBA to Sia.
Without a word between songs, he uses physical comedy, visual cues and audience interaction to draw the crowd in. He is like a classic, archetypal sad clown, but so engaged and involved with the modern audience and music it ensures the character is current and affable. With each number he tips a strange balance between melancholy and hilarity, with a soulful version of Coldplay’s 'Fix Yo'u accompanied by a montage of failing robots, live pie eating during 'Under Pressure', and Tina Turner’s 'We Don’t Need Another Hero' backed by footage of Kevin Costner at his best.
'Puddles Pity Party' is such a wonderful mixture of comedy, tragedy, silliness and catharsis. We all know the best fell-good pop songs are the sad ones, and when they’re performed with a voice that sounds like a long, firm hug feels; it makes one heck of a show.
Written by Jade Cornish
'Puddles Pity Party - Potluck' performs The Garden of Unearthly Delights until 13 March as part of Adelaide Fringe Festival.
