“What’s your name?” and “What do you do?”. These were the two questions that led much of the fast and furious improvisation that provided most of the content for Wil Anderson’s latest show, Free Wil.
Throughout the night everyone from a teacher to a bean counter, a draftsman to an 18-year-old VCE student became punch lines in Anderson’s quick thinking, free flowing thought train. The show opened at quick fire pace, Anderson cycling through three audience members in less than five minutes, the speed only intensifying as the night continued. It was a delight to watch Anderson’s mind ticking over at a million miles and hour, his mouth doing its best to keep up.
Between improvised introductions, Anderson kept the show going with tales from the road. From people that come with their own jokes, to sitting near your hero on a long haul flight or even your worst fear being realised. Every story told with the wit and charm that has kept Anderson at the top of his game for the last two decades. Though the night wasn’t all teenage boys crusty socks and gun wielding Uber drivers. Never one to shy away from topics other comedians may do their best to avoid, Anderson was openly critical of racism and homophobia, even throwing in a few political one liners – a small taste of what’s to come in Political Wil, his second show during MICF.
It is the way Anderson seems as at ease and adept with giggle inducing masturbation jokes as he is with condemning rape culture that shines a light on how long he has been standing on this stage. As smart as he is funny, Free Wil is a dynamic, riotous hour. If you can keep up.
BY GLORIA BRANCATISANO
