FRINGE REVIEW: #ObjectifyNeel
Notorious for his innumerable accents, shameless Youtube skits and critical short films, Neel Kolhatkar is a man of 'diverse' talents. The most primordial talent, above all, is his ability to charm a crowd with ease. This comes as no surprise from someone so acquainted in his field – think sold-out Fringe shows around the globe and performance experience dating all the way back to high school – especially since his unparalleled brand of humour holds a history of continuously luring in masses of fans. In fact, this is notably exemplified by the testament of a couple who 'drove 8 hours to see [him]'.
It's always a pleasure to have Neel return each year for the annual Fringe World Festival, but 2017's debut of his new stand up show #ObjectifyNeel deems Perth lucky indeed. Early on in his act it becomes well-established that all dignity is to be cast aside. With jokes spanning across the whole spectrum – regarding race, youth, politics, sex, contemporary culture (and everything else in between) – the comedian's cleverly crafted punchlines are strung together in an unprecedented form, and met with waves of laughter from a boisterous crowd. Neel sees right through the madness of extreme political correctness – and he's not having any of it. All diplomacy is rightfully revoked with such an irrepressibly candid presence. Perhaps the most striking quality of Neel's shows is the confrontational, cynical persona he adopts in order to shed light on the unsaid truths one would commonly refrain from laughing at.
Just as well, it works remarkably well for him. This tongue-in-cheek humour has landed Neel a spot amongst the nation's finest comedy acts – so much so that his #ObjectifyNeel show is taking to new heights with a nationwide tour. Though his stand up repertoire may prove unconventional (to a minority it seems!), there's surely something in his show for everyone.
What are you waiting for? Leave your discretion the door, and allow yourself to laugh like you've never laughed before.
