The show is based around several angry letters that Bhoy had written to corporations, in particular the printer company Epson. From airlines to cosmetic companies, Bhoy’s sarcastic letters added a layer of dynamism that enabled him to branch away from traditional stand-up. Most of us can relate to the shitty services and products these companies provide, and therefore Bhoy acted as a spokesman for the thoughts of many in the audience. This immediately drew the crowd to his side. His personal, friendly audience interaction completed the show. Thus, Dear Epson’s varied structure – observational stand-up, storytelling, reading and audience interaction – kept every joke fresh and interesting. And very, very funny.
The focal point of the stage was a desk holding a burning candle, several letters and a candle snuffer. At first the audience is led to believe this is for decoration. However, much like the literary device known as Chekhov’s gun, a dramatic approach positing that if there’s a gun shown on stage then it must be fired otherwise it shouldn’t be included, each item was eventually discussed and cleverly used in some way.
Apart from a tired Easter joke that I’d heard in several other shows after Easter Monday, there weren’t many faults with the show. If he’d spent more time here, like he used to, the show could’ve been tailored to suit Melbourne more (the place erupted when someone in the audience joked about myki) but with Bhoy’s schedule we’re lucky to have him anyway. A comedian friend told me he looks up to Danny Bhoy as an idol, but after dedicating an entire show to taking on the scams of some major corporations, it’s hard to leave Dear Epson without considering him a bit of a hero.
