Laura Davis really does know how to formulate a show that connects with the crowd while also being equally downright funny and thought provoking. ‘Marco. Polo.’ Is this year’s follow up to last year’s Golden Gibbo winning ‘Ghost Machine’, and it is a very smart piece. The ACMI Games Room is a very different and quite intimate space, which makes sense through its utilisation as the show continues.
Davis is already in position as the audience enters, seated on top of a ladder next to a blown up flamingo, wearing a blindfold that remains throughout the course of the show. Starting off with some ‘new style’ type of jokes to warm the crowd in, the show evolves into material that is brave and committed, until the audience themselves are partaking willingly in what becomes a rewarding to and fro of ideas and collective insights through Davis calling out ‘Marco’ to the faceless voices in the audience replying ‘Polo’.
It is artistic, smart, funny, and oddly embracing; a concept well thought out and executed beautifully, and very distinct from the other offerings at the festival. From jokes about hermit crabs reincorporated seamlessly into the ideas of connectivity and socialisation, to plays with the concepts of not being able to see the crowd in front of her, Davis has mastered the art of call-backs and artistic endeavours, and proving she has a fantastic ability to take risks and step outside the normal safe restraints of a standard comedy show.
It is to be also mentioned how much tenacity and dedication Davis offers as a performer, as this particular night had a few uncontrollable contributions that made the show sway away slightly from its normal offering. It was so admirable how Davis kept such a strong handle on the show, and through commitment and perseverance made sure the crowd still got the intended experience.
This is a diligent and grounded performer with a smart and wonderfully diverse show.
– Corey
Corey M. Glamuzina is a Melbourne-based actor, writer, improvisor and comedian with an avid involvement in the art of theatre and film.
‘Laura Davis – Marco. Polo.’ runs from the 24th March – 17th April, (no shows Mondays), at ACMI – Games Room. The venue is accessible.
Check out our guide to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for more great shows.