In his debut solo show, 'The Cane Toad Effect', Corey White was both energetic and philosophical as he painted a brilliantly tragicomic portrait of his difficult life to date.
The Melbourne-via-Brisbane comedian used the titular cane toad's ill-judged introduction to Queensland as a metaphor for unintended consequences of well-meant actions, which was the broad theme of his very personal show in the intimate Graffiti Room at the Brisbane Powerhouse (12 March).
With a seamless mix of social commentary, Plato and harrowing personal experiences, it is no surprise 'The Cane Toad Effect' took home the award for best comedy show at the 2014 Sydney Fringe.
White took his audience on a journey through a life of foster care, abuse and addiction, managing to draw hearty laughs from some of his darkest life experiences. It's also no surprise he sold out every one of his festival shows.
There were times the initially quiet audience gave off a prim, hesitant 'Ooh, is it ok if we laugh at this?' vibe during some of the material, but White nonetheless brought the guffaws, especially from an uproarious yet valid argument for legalising drugs.
Corey White is an important and truly unique comedian on the rise and 'The Cane Toad Effect' is a thinking person's comedy show not to be missed.
