Review – Kel Balnaves: Start Ya Bastard
Kel Balnaves takes us on a journey of his determined struggle to get his frustrating vehicle in a semi-roadworthy state, only to then find himself stranded with it in the washed-out bushland of outback South Australia. Assisted with visual aids and miniature props, Balnaves provides frequent giggles and smiles with a consistent ironic tone.
Performing in the cosy surroundings of the first level in Horner and Pratt, Balnaves is a relaxed and endearing comic. Also one of the stars of the hit local production Wolf Creek The Musical, Balnaves builds this year on his successful showing at the 2013 Fringe where he was nominated for Best Emerging Comedy.
The trials and tribulations of Kel’s DIY adventure make for an enjoyable and entertaining hour. Balnaves is not an in-your-face comic who has to make a song and dance to please the crowd. Rather he presents a dry, sarcastic, ocker tone that will pry smiles from crowds of any disposition. He’s the kind of showman you want to buy a beer after the show, particularly once you learn of his ten-year investment in resurrecting his four-wheel-drive. Balnaves is certainly one worth seeing this season and into the future – provided more oncoming floods don’t wash him away.
