Squirldog Millionaire

Mischievous, absurd and self-deprecating are some words to describe Squirly and his one-man show, Squirldog Millionaire. Playing at Tasma Terrace till Sunday, 8 April, Squirly has etched a path from humble beginnings in Exmouth, WA, to his first full show of stand-up comedy at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. 

A relative newcomer to stand-up, the chilled-town lad assumes the stage to an intimate yet eager crowd. Relying on his charm and his experiences living in a rural town work to his advantage, but his opening material was wonky at best. Touring in one of the most progressive places in Australia, Squirly’s comments on the same-sex marriage vote and homosexuals felt outdated and confused. No amount of polish and sheen from Squirldog was enough to escape that misstep. 

Squirly excelled when he spoke from the heart. Weaving stories from his childhood living in rural WA, his best moments were the hilarious “trust” game he played with trucks who had failed him before along the freeway, the reverse racism he received at a petrol station, and stories of his mother dressing up as a monster and scaring him. 

Good-natured, hilarious and unassuming, Squirly will quickly rise the ranks of the comedy circuit if he leans on his strengths and brings his country charm to the fore. Squirldog Millionaire is one energetic and honest show you should check out this year. 

Squirldog Millionaire  
Tasma Terrace, 6 Parliament Place, East Melbourne
Till Sunday, 8 April 2018, 6.15pm
comedyfestival.com.au/2018/shows/squirldog-millionaire