Review – The Yeti

If you came to see the celebrated star of The Late Show and The D Generation you’ll be surprised, and in a good way, by The Yeti. This show speaks nothing of Tony Martin’s glorious comedic career, but is instead a delightful hour of storytelling at its finest.

We learn of a scenario buried some time in Tony’s past in the suburban setting of Ponsonby in New Zealand. We meet the German landlord Gunther and his opinionated and poorly wife Violet, who’s famous for her stew surplus. The pair take no little interest in the lives and activities of their three male tenants: their habits, their attitudes to the news, and their liaisons with the female of the species. Tony leads us through ambling tales of mysterious collections of marmite jars, backyard inventions, and the crazed and crazy intrigues of the three young male drifters and their surveillant hosts. Tony adds colour to his account through a litany of accents, impressions and vivid descriptions, though he himself is a background character to the goings on. The packed Butterfly Club hung on every word of this truly pleasurable account.

Tony’s performance was word perfect and engaging – almost too smooth for opening night at Melbourne Fringe. The characters of his past were brought to life on the stage before us with poetic beauty; their flaws and their foibles amounting to loveable one-of-a-kind personalities. We understood Tony’s mixed feelings about leaving this scene of ludicrousness.

Tony’s fame precedes him – his run has been extended for two shows due to sell outs, so get in quick if you wish to see this masterful orator at work. Get along to this colourful suburban masterpiece celebrating the human condition in all its flaws and fancies.