Outsiders

If you asked a Melbournian to list the things they love about their city, ‘off-beat festivals held in barely-discoverable venues’ would surely be right up there. And Melbourne is certainly known for throwing a festival to celebrate almost anything… horses, wine, begonias, ukuleles, and of course, up-and-coming artists. As part of this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival, which “develops, champions and celebrates the independent arts”, Michael Shafar and David Rose (of Melbourne Comedy’s Rising Stars) are performing a show called Outsiders.

So naturally, the show is being held at ‘The Improv Conspiracy’, one of those ‘hole-in-the-wall, down a laneway, past an odd-looking bouncer, up some omnious sets of stairs, round the corner, into an office’-type spaces that Melbournians love so much. Outsiders is to be held in the room aptly labeled “Office”, and as later remarked, probably because that’s where the lawyers feel most comfortable. The room is bare, but the show is a sell-out and the audience is ‘wooing’ and clapping before the lights are even dimmed.

Shafar and Rose tell the audience upfront, “This show is called Outsiders because we took our photos outside. That’s literally the reason. It sounded like a vague enough title to include all the things we wanted to talk about.” With such a broad range of skills and attributes between them (Shafar completed a double-degree in Biomedical Science and Law, tutors VCE students in English and is an avid traveller, whilst Rose studies Law full-time, interns at a technology law firm, and dedicates plenty of time to trying to put on weight), it’s no wonder the two comedians needed such a comprehensive title in order to cover the breadth of material.

David and Michael work well off each other, finishing each other’s sentences with quick-wittedness and comicalness. It’s easy to see the respect between these two friends, as well as how seamlessly their personalities meld with each other. Both have their halves of the show performing stand-up comedy in their own styles; Shafar delivering anecdotes of travel and childhood in his easy, confident, cheeky way, Rose relaying stories of personal struggles with weight and being partially deaf, as well as with women (he’s single, ladies!) with an intellectual flair and in his charmingly-awkward demeanor. Roses’ stories of University life and coming-of-age are relatable and happily comedic, and Shafar’s slapstick tales have the audience snorting with laughter.

Current, relatable and on-topic, Outsiders brings everything one could expect from stand-up delivered by two emerging comedians. The pair aren’t afraid to interact with the audience, bouncing off their responses and engaging members in the show. The material is fresh, witty and intelligent, and often reminds the audience of just how silly life can be. Outsiders is running until October 4; otherwise, watch this space for more news of two of Melbourne’s brightest young comedic stars.

Outsiders
The Improv Conspiracy – The Office, Level 1, 19 Meyers Place, Melbourne
Saturday September 26 – Saturday October 3
melbournefringe.com.au/program/event/view/9c931786-e45c-4576-8eaa-9a766bdf320b