The problem with prawns, well in fact with most crustaceans, is that once you’ve battled past the carapace you are left with a disappointing amount of meat. Which is amazingly similar to this year’s offering from Raw Prawns, but at least real seafood is damn tasty.
To be honest, comedy showcases are always a bit of a mixed bag, but when one is advertised as being the best of new Australian comedy you go in with certain expectations.
Besides the ubiquitous PHOM digs and finding Edinburgh temporarily short of bar staff, you’d be justified in expecting to encounter the fire of Burns, the intensity of Bana and the intelligence of Little, but Raw Prawns fails to even deliver a hint of Michaleff.
There are occasional funny moments in the show, but they are far too few and far between to warrant any real mention. Instead we are presented with an hour of nervous and stilted performances, well worn material and uncomfortable silence.
It is hard to believe that this quartet beat off another 700 entrants in order to get here, as the same effect could have been achieved by coercing a handful of the mainly Aussie audience to tell a few jokes. Over all, it’s best to heed health warnings – make sure food is well cooked before serving.
1/5
Richard Biggs
