Review – Heckle!

In approaching a comedy show, you are aware of the risks in speaking out from the crowd. You also hold an expectation that a comedy show should be delivered in a certain format; you’re warmed up by a host, find a jovial mood, and relax as performers get into their routine.

The premise of Heckle! is indeed a good one. You get to break those established rules. You’re empowered to be involved. Encouraged to yell, distract, and shout whatever you please to the comedian on stage.

Breaking these conventions is unnerving at first, but thanks to its charming and honest hosting by comedian Harley Breen, you’re made aware of the few ground rules (no racism, homophobia or sexism) and the risks of speaking out. You then expect a new format of talented comedians being thrown off their game, and hilarity to ensue.

For all it’s promise though, Heckle! failed to deliver. Put simply, a good idea but poorly executed.

Harley was engaging and hilarious, building and setting the tone. Initially, performances by Heath Franklin and Demi Lardner worked well, and the crowd started to get involved, due largely to Harley’s tutelage.

However it was soon clear there were no new comedians. Instead, the different characters played by the same comedians coming on-and-off stage managed to kill the vibe they created, as the crowd seemed reluctant to heckle the same comedians in a different costume. This dampened the whole experience and Harley continued valiantly to salvage the evening.

A structural issue or first night blues, Heckle! didn’t meet the high expectations they set for the evening. The comedians are talented, just a few more of them wouldn’t be a bad idea.