An empty stage, except for a microphone, a stand, and a chair. Enough to strike fear into theatre goers who prefer to watch only, those who are terrified of being called on by a comedian and their dreaded crowd work.
While waiting for it to begin, the title of the show comes to life for audience members whose reason for choosing a theatre show over a comedy gig is to avoid being engaged with and to avoid the feeling of seeing crashing, burning failure. Fortunately, the scenario is completely avoided, and not a single member of the crowd need feel apprehension as we all remain in a single set of safe and capable hands through this tight, tidy, and enthralling piece of theatre.
‘Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen’ injects a gentle feeling of anxiety into the environment, but somehow we feel held and comfortable – despite anxiety being an underlying theme and feeling of the show, throughout the short 70 minute performance. We meet an unnamed comedian, as neurotic and chaotic as any comedian can be scripted to be, performed expertly and flawlessly by Samuel Barnett. He is dating – or hooking up – a lot. He jumps about, telling sordid tales, one after another, some jarring, some entertaining, all hitting different notes at different points for various audience members – there’s a little something to relate to for anyone who has ever experienced all that the world of hook-up culture has had to offer, regardless of preference or leaning.
Image © Mark Gambino
As our unnamed comedian shares his tale it feels as if you’re sitting in a bar with one of your best friends, the kind who is very good at telling a story, the kind who is always getting up to some kind of antics and the kind who you’re willing to let go on and on because what they’ve got to say is actually pretty good. And because they’re funny too, really bloody funny. And you want to hug them as well, because something makes you feel like they need it, and while there are moments when you’re a little apprehensive that there will be a horrific twist and that your friend might just betray you – because it’s implied in the title and there are some moments of darkness – actually, in the end, it’s not so bad.
‘Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen’ is kind of beautiful, in a simple way. There is a clever and gentle unpacking of the comedy genre, there is a light nod to the problematic nature of hook-up culture and a few moments of breath-holding, waiting for a theatrical jump scare. But don’t worry, I promise you’ll be safe. This is a lovely show, a fun ride that is excellently performed, wonderfully scripted, and clever enough to keep you guessing with a payoff that won’t leave you feeling terrible – rather, that things will be surprisingly fine.
'Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen' plays Arts Centre Melbourne from until 1 February, followed by seasons at the Sydney Opera House from 5-23 February and Adelaide Festival from 26 February-2 March.
