Paul Richards is an interesting person to talk to, and is known for having a strong mind and a quick wit on stage. The Echo Chamber is his first attempt at standing out from the crowd and turning those conversation starters and intelligent quips into a solo show.
What results is an informative piece that will create some resonance of thought upon exiting the venue, especially regarding what an echo chamber really is, and why it is an intriguing concept.
The audience essentially guide Richards through the show, with content being skewed and delivered to fit the majority of the crowd’s wishes. There is a lot of information here, and successfully, only half of the opinion. The show really finds its beat once a certain ‘decision’ resets the show, and Richards shows true guile in his format-writing skills.
This show is also incredibly tech heavy, which can be a momentous feat at an opening night for a festival show. While slips and errors resulted here and there throughout the debut performance, it was undoubtedly understandable, and Richards was solid enough in composure and with his knowledge of his research that he powered through successfully where a novice performer would have collapsed. A huge acknowledgement must go out to Jaklene Vukasinovic as the unseen voice and tech wizard who also plays a vital role in rolling out the show.
The Echo Chamber is the intellectual pick of the festival, the most researched nugget within a sea of shows, and a debut solo outing that Richards delivers with gusto and insightfulness.
– Corey
Corey M. Glamuzina is a Melbourne-based actor, writer, improvisor and comedian with an avid involvement in the art of theatre and film.
The Echo Chamber runs 3-13 April, 10pm (60mins) at The Butterfly Club, Carson Place. Purchase tickets now.
The venue is not accessible.
Read The Plus Ones’ guide to MICF 2017, and visit often to see all our reviews.
