“witty in its dialogue and lyrics, and expertly performed“
Beth Spencer
4 out of 5 billionaires’ fortunes
Festival Hub: Trades Hall – Music Room
Melbourne
16-20 October 2024
While the name of this show would imply a liberal sugar-coating of everything that was to come, this was definitely not the case in this funny, topical, and thought-provoking show by Emerson Brophy.
Best known for his witty musical videos that have garnered a substantial following on social media platforms, Brophy began the show with a song that celebrated the fact that all the world’s problems had already been fixed through his viral messaging and charisma. Quickly
returning to reality, Brophy admitted that, unsurprisingly, there’s still a lot of work to do to make the world a better place.
I must admit I wasn’t fully aware of Emerson Brophy’s online profile before going to this Melbourne Fringe Festival show, but it was clear that this wasn’t true of many in the audience. While I had wondered if someone so well known for his short satirical songs
delivered on YouTube or TikTok would be able to maintain an hour’s long set, it was clear from the first few minutes that he was a seasoned performer (in fact, a WAAPA graduate).
He demonstrated not only an ability to engage an audience, but an impressive range of musical ability as he switched between his signature ukulele, the piano, and the saxophone. The show was made up of mostly new material to critique and satirise some of the biggest issues facing the world today. From global warming, to abortion rights, to hunger, to wealth inequality, Brophy presented an intelligent and well-rhymed perspective on each issue, supported by visuals displaying facts to illustrate how much more work there is to do to fix
today’s society.
Promotion for the show said it would be a “cathartic spiral into some of the biggest frustrations of the modern world” and that was certainly true when the musical tone shifted from the catchy tunes commenting on corporate life and Boomers, to the darker question of what we all get out of bed for each day. I was impressed by the bravery of Brophy in taking the audience into such an uncomfortable space while doing so with such an intricate and impressive use of musical loops and emotion.
The call to action that resolved the piece was a fitting end to a very clever commentary on life – witty in its dialogue and lyrics, and expertly performed by Brophy who in a very self- aware manner made us all think about what we can do to make a difference. If you’re after a show to make you laugh, then stop and truly reflect on an important call to action – this is it.
Beth Spencer, Theatre Now
