What Would Spock Do?

Sam Donnelly brightly portrays no fewer than seven larger-than-life characters in this celebration of the quirky secrets hidden, and not so hidden, in all of us.

There is a lot to like about this intimate, look-straight-in-your-eyes comedic monologue. Star Trek fans will relish the detailed references to the original series, movies, memorabilia, and social-suicide moments, not to mention the topical, undisguised barbs made about Star Wars.

The narrative traverses the past and present with neat symmetry and resolution. There are plenty of laughs (more for Star Trek fans than others). Fun interplay with the movie soundtrack, detailed interactions with an office chair and almost constant movement construct a well-paced hour of entertainment.

This show deserves more support than the small group who responded warmly on opening night. It is one of those rare comedy events you can take your older child to without anxiety.  Thank Spock we don’t need to lapse into the lazy trend of excessive expletives for a cheap laugh. There is no need for that here because the material is enough.

All who have secretly harbour passions, collected memorabilia, admired from afar, or obsessively made scrap books will resonate with the sweet story told with big-hearted energy.

Warmly recommended as a first stop on your comedy festival journey.

Lucy Graham