Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Celia Pacquola - Am I Strange?

2009 - Australia’s very owned Crowned Comedian Princess has return with another span dangle performance.

Celia Pacquola’s accolades are endless. In Melbourne’s 2006 International Comedy Festival she blew away the critics to win ‘Crowned Raw Recruit’ and ‘Best First Time Entrant’. In 2007 she polished her skills performing at The Comedy Zone. In 2008 Celia got busy at The Forum, Festival Club, Comedy Festival Roadshow, helped built the ‘Good News Week’ creed, and won ‘Best Comedy Show at the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Celia Pacquola performs her show Am I Strange in the bowels of the Melbourne town Hall. Initially settling in there is a foreboding sense of claustrophobia. But within moments of the show starting you’re cosily sharing a room among friends. I felt like I was the only one in the room. Like spending time with your BFF laughing your way out of a tragedy.

Oh my gosh! Is it true? No – yes – well either way so very real. What a performer, what a journey, what a great story teller.

The show is a weaving, meandering journey through Celia’s mind. She takes you to places perhaps you’re scared to be. Once you step into the world of Celia Pacquola your reveling in the merry-go-round of what could actually be your world. Celia draws you into her world of tragic past in such a personable and endearing manner that keeps you captivated throughout the entire show.

Celia is definitely funny. Her material is constantly fresh, it switches mood - her character constantly morphing, all skillfully performed and well pronounced by great lighting and props. The show is uniquely fresh in that it is truly her style. She doesn’t rely on puns that require three second pauses to have any effect, nor the common ‘put downs’ used by so many comedians for cheap laughs.

All up if Celia has another story to tell I’ll be the first in line. Only this time I’ll be sure not to wear massacre as I know I’ll be laughing again with tears in my eyes.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Celia Pacquola - Am I Strange?
Date: 2-26 April
Times: Mon-Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm
Duration: 50 minutes
Venue: Melb Town Hall – Lunch Room (Wheelchair Access)
Cnr Swanston & Collins Sts, Melbourne
Prices: Full $20, Concession $18, Group (4 or more) $18, Preview $18, Laugh Pack $18, Tightarse Tuesday $18