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Fringe Review: 2014 – When We Were Idiots (A comedy walking tour hosted by Xavier Toby)

Xavier Toby in 2014 - When We Were Idiots

Xavier Toby’s fun thinking-man’s tour of Adelaide is full of history, quirky facts and food for thought about the environment, consumerism, compassion & art.

 

Xavier Toby in 2014 - When We Were IdiotsPresented by Showdown Productions
Reviewed 1 March 2014

As an illegal immigrant, penguin Xavier Toby explains how the ice caps melted and penguins were forced to swim to Australia without valid visas – whereby it was discovered they make good tour guides.

So begins writer and comedian Xavier Toby’s outrageously fun thinking-man’s tour of Adelaide. Resplendent in a penguin suit, he leads the enthusiastic crowd (equally resplendent in fluorescent coloured safety jackets) through the streets and side streets of Adelaide. He’s full of history and quirky facts, but coming from the future, he’s also all-too-aware of mankind’s impending downfall. Without lecturing, he implants food for thought about the environment, consumerism, compassion, art and architecture.

The tour is interactive, filled with quick games, the sharing of ideas, and cheering passers-by if they interact with the group.

Despite the traffic and other noise, Toby ensures he is heard at all times; quite a rarity for an outdoor event, least of all a mobile outdoor event. The pace of the tour is relaxed, making it ideal for people of most fitness levels, with the 90-minute duration perhaps being the only challenge for some.

The only sour note of last weekend’s tour was the Store Manager of the Rundle Mall Optus shop, who took the opportunity to be unwelcoming instead of joining in the fun and seizing the opportunity for some free publicity, unlike other friendly store owners who greeted the tour with a wave and a smile.

Toby interacts affably with everyone, whether it be tour members, strangers on the street or even, yes, grumpy store managers. He never challenges, but engages with a spirit of fun and frivolity regardless of the important life lessons he’s delivery at the time. He’s a master of education wrapped safely in a cloud of comedy.

There’s more knowledge and entertainment here than the cheap ticket price suggest, making 2014 – When We Were Idiots undoubtedly one of the best value shows this Fringe.

Reviewed by Rod Lewis

Venue: Meet FringeTix Box Office, Rymill Park, Adelaide (outside Gluttony)
Season: 1 – 16 March 2014
Duration: 90 minutes
Tickets: $10 – $15
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or phone 1300 621 255

Xavier Toby is also presenting ‘Mining’ My Own Business at the 2014 Adelaide Fringe.

 

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