Entertainment

Fringe Review: Wil Anderson: Critically Wil

The title of Wil’s show for his 20th year at the Adelaide Fringe is a great explanation of what to expect; hysterically blatant criticism about today’s society and how f****d up it is.

Presented by Token Events
Reviewed 10 March 2017

The title of Wil’s show for his 20th year Anniversary at the Adelaide Fringe is a great explanation of what to expect; Wil’s hysterically blatant criticism about today’s society and how f****d up it all really is.

Let’s be realistic, in the current state of the world there is a whole barrel-full to be critical of, and this truly is the theme of Wil’s current show. Trump, anti-vaxxers, white male privilege, domestic violence, racism, sexism, climate change and capitalism! Nothing and no one is safe with even the dictionary copping Anderson’s satiric criticism and some jabs at the world of panel-based television shows (don’t worry, he acknowledges the hypocrisy).

Really, Anderson conveys every thought you’ve recently had about the state of the world, but in a much more humorous and brilliantly pointed way. As expected, Anderson does also lean into some themes and issues that are discussed on Gruen (capitalism, journalism, marketing and the media industry), but here it’s definitely the grittier, hard-ball analysis that the ABC probably doesn’t allow shown before 10pm.

Anderson’s analytical intelligence shines through as he isn’t just a random Australian complaining about a piece of fake news he saw on Facebook, but he legitimately (and refreshingly!) knows what the f**k he is talking about (and as he claims, knows more than Andrew Bolt).

Despite how serious it all sounds Anderson incorporates ridiculous humour relating to his own personal childhood growing up in a country town and how he would not personally trust his mother to perform surgery on him. As you will also discover, cannibalism also becomes a re-occurring theme throughout the show, an example of how hilariously ridiculous Anderson can get.

Regardless of the oppressive heat, Anderson is enthusiastically entertaining throughout the entire hour and never once lets down the energy he is known for. What’s great about Anderson is that you can tell he loves what he does and his enthusiasm hasn’t diminished over these past 20 years.

Wil Anderson: Critically Wil is already beginning its run of sell-out performances so make sure you get your ticket before they all sell out!

Reviewed by Georgina Smerd
Twitter: @Georgie_xox

Rating out of 5:  4

Venue:  The Vagabond at The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Rundle Park, Adelaide
Season:  March 11 – 19
Duration:  60 mins
Tickets:  $39 – $47
Bookings: https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/wil-anderson-critically-wil

 

 

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