The quirkiest of comedians, James Acastar has brought a trilogy of his best-loved shows back to Melbourne. Set to share Recognise (2014), Represent (2015) and Reset (2016) while he is in Melbourne, audiences will be presented with one of the three sets depending on which night they choose to get down to the Melbourne Town Hall.
Last Wednesday, the UK-based entertainer showcased Represent, a one-hour sketch revolving around his experience as part of a jury and the events that came before and after it. An abstract crafted set, Represent was nothing you’d imagine and everything you’d hope for.
In typical Acastar fashion, the night’s show was jam-packed with nonsensical descriptions, epic one-liners, mischievous mannerisms and a left-of-centre performance style. Walking around the stage with his torso tilting behind him, Acastar is immediately alluring to a new audience. Beginning his set by spreading salacious gossip about relatively unknown individuals, the international act made us feel welcome and intrigued in no time at all.
Acastar then went onto set up his entire set by informing us of his recent jury duty stint, after longing for the chance to serve his country for years. Observing his surroundings during his time as a juror, the entertainer shared stories of his interactions with the others and the events leading up to the verdict. Moving from fantasy to reality, Acastar has the innate ability to blend the two seamlessly – leaving his audience wondering which of the two he chose to pinpoint at any given time.
True highlights throughout the hour set included the reference to Christingles (a seriously strange British tradition), the fable of the sloth and the goose and the perils of secret Santa. Somehow bringing the multiple story lines together by the end of the show, Acastar’s technique is not traditional in any sense, however, you have to admire the sheer attention to detail that would be required to pull it off.
Although Represent is now two years old, it has in no way passed it’s used by date. Ultimately, James Acastar proves that a show that is thoughtful, outrageously unique and just a little bit odd will never go out of style.
By Phoebe Robertson
