Andy Clay: Comedy Festival Review
Andy Clay's Book Of Love
It's good to see something slightly different in the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.
After 2 weeks of pretty much seeing people doing stand up, I went into Andy Clay's Book Of Love hoping for something slightly different - and with this play (with a proper script and everything) with five people onstage (including Shortland Street's Fleur Saville and Harry McNaughty) it's a slightly different dynamic for a show.
Andy Clay is a regular presence on comedy judging panels and has been in the business for 19 years so it's a guarantee that he'll be a slick performer.
Taking the role of a narrator, Andy (who's not Barry White - clearly) decides he's going to navigate the rocky relationship road complete with scenarios and 4 actors to perform them.
Basing his promotion to advisor on having done no surveys, but having lived a bit, Andy weaves his way through to 10 chapters - from the simple "Pick up" through to the amusing "How To Tell If She's Mental".
Using an up for it 20 year old guy (Dane Dawson), a slightly older guy who's a bit more worldly wise (Harry McNaughty), a woman (Fleur Saville) and an older man who's lost it all (Michael Saccente) we're shown how to make sure we don't cock up our relationship - or any future relationships.
Once you settle into the fact this is a play, there's some pretty hilarious moments - Clay makes a great narrator who interjects at the right moment with some perfectly timed quips - "Smile At them. Not in a weird way."
But Andy is best when he interacts with the audience and the moments when he slightly veers off from the script are the moments which are to be treasured. He works the crowd well; by turns he's mates with members of the cast and then he turns that on its head with a knowing wink/ facial expression to the audience.
Most of the laughs come at the expense of Michael Saccente's Woody Allenesque older character, who's clearly out of touch with the ways of the romantic world.
There are some great insights into relationships - and the scenarios play out well as they explore the gamut of opportunities and neuroses we all find ourselves faced with during our quest for love.
Book of Love is something different and the entire cast give it their all - just don't follow some of the advice you're given too literally - although I guarantee if you do, you may have a fun weekend looking for Mr/Ms Right.
Andy Clay's Book Of Love runs at the Herald Theatre in Auckland until Saturday 23rd May
