Silly, sexy sketch comedy. Okay, what more do you need from a review?
Alright, if you insist, I’ll dive deeper, but really those are the top three things you need to know about the award-winning duo, known as Hot Department, made up of Honor Wolff and Patrick Durnan Silva. Their high-energy offering at this year’s Comedy Festival will give fans of the duo exactly what they want and induct new audience members into the Hot Department way of being.
Early in the show, they deliver the information, via a ridiculously unhinged introductory rap, that they won’t take their clothes off this time. This promise isn’t kept for too long, and by the end of the show, is completely stomped all over, so just a heads up for the more conservative readers who might not be so keen – it’s one of those kinds of shows. For everyone else who is totally fine with that, keep reading – or don’t, and just go buy tickets now!
Honor and Patrick are, as they remind us, classically trained actors and as such, deliver a tightly-scripted and well-delivered show. While the goofy vibe of the show feels loose, you can be confident that you’re dealing with professionals here – very silly professionals, but professionals regardless. The audience was heaving with laughter throughout the hour-long show and while they were probably scratching their heads at the ridiculousness on display, the general joyfulness on offer balanced the weirdness out.
You’ll get bizarre impressions and impersonations – ever wondered what the number eight looks like acted out, and if it is indeed the sexist of numbers? Hot Department have the answer for you.
There’s a bit of singing (or rapping?), some bouncy dancing and even some real proper actor-y style theatre. Yeah, it’s a show that’s got a bit of everything and it’s all a bit wild.
If you’re looking for a change of pace this Comedy Festival, something beyond just a person on stage with a microphone and a winding story, then Hot Department are well worth a look.
