Australia is known for producing comedy that is easily likable and completely free of pretension.
Some of the best known Australian performers on the live comedy circuit create shows that feel more like annual catch-ups with a friend with the way they deliver material; often conversational and friendly. Judith Lucy is definitely one such comedian, having made audiences laugh with her stories filled with a wit that is drier than the beverages that she enjoys. Despite the title and the poster of her dressed as quite a sad moth, 'Ask No Questions Of The Moth' is not Lucy’s exploration of surrealism, but stories of her escapades filled with sarcastic asides, showcasing why she remains one of the most enjoyable and masterful comics in this country.
The choice of title for the show makes perfect sense upon further explanation, as it is taken from a poem about change and how fleeting life is by 12th Century Sufi poet Attar of Nishapur. Judith Lucy has hit the middle age demographic and begun to experience significant life events that have made her ponder on how they can suddenly surprise her. The theme of the show is immediately understood when Judith Lucy begins interacting with the audience, approaching and asking various people the question, “how was your 2014?” It was a brilliant way to start the show as it eased people into the hour rather than suddenly launch into a story without establishing any rapport. It also showed how she was able to create comedy from these comments with the aid of her wit.
Crowd interaction is usually something to be feared at any comedy show as the subject is usually going to be ridiculed, but Judith has a warmth to her responses that is more sociable than attacking. She was even able to stay completely in her zone when some of the interactions would make a lesser performer freeze up – her responses to a man that dropped a certain curse word within the first few minutes of the show were absolutely hilarious.
Once she felt we were all acquainted, Judith opened up about her 2014. She filmed a wonderful and enlightening television series for the ABC, the critically acclaimed 'Judith Lucy Is All Woman'. Tales from behind the scenes did pop-up throughout the night; never feeling like they would have served better as DVD extras, but this wasn’t the biggest event of the year. Death, new love, cougars, menopause, and her dislike of 'Fifty Shades' all made up part of the bigger picture that was her year.
While there is much laconic sarcasm throughout, the stories she relates are more life-affirming than what many would expect; lifting the show up to a higher brow than what would be expected at a comedy club. Her inclusion of multimedia is also a highlight as they add to the show rather than feel like she’s showing off. A family portrait projected in the background is poignant and purposeful, and she puts Marvin Gaye’s 'Let’s Get It On' to hilarious and much better use than Charlie Puth.
Judith Lucy’s 'Ask No Questions Of The Moth' is a hilarious and human show that shows not only that the good must be taken with the bad, but also one of this country’s greatest comedians in top form.
Four out of five questions to the moth.
Judith Lucy Tour Dates
Tues 26 May - Sun June 7 – Brisbane PowerhouseSat 20 June – Mackay Entertainment Centre
Thurs 2 July – Manning Entertainment Centre (Taree)
Sat 4 July – Glasshouse (Port Macquarie)
Thurs 9 - Fri 10 July – Perth Concert Hall
Sun 12 July – Darwin Entertainment Centre
Sat 18 July – Civic Theatre (Newcastle)
Fri 31 July - Sat 1 Aug – Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
Sun 2 Aug – Concourse Theatre (Sydney)
