comedy review: nina conti’s ‘dolly mixtures’

Nina Conti returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for another year of puppetry and improv with her latest show, Dolly Mixtures. The versatile ventriloquist introduces a range of new characters including her child, Nina, a former philosophy professor, and hunky builder, Stefan. The show combines Conti’s self-referential humour with the risky element of audience participation. It’s a sure bet for some gentle humour this Comedy Festival season.

Dolly Mixtures also brings back familiar favourites like Monk and Granny. Monk is a scrappy little monkey who acts as a conduit, channelling the dark and dirty thoughts that Conti’s delicate stage persona couldn’t say. Like any grandmother, Granny has an opinion (she comments on Conti’s whore shoes) but is largely sweet and supportive. Her psychic trick was particularly touching in Sunday night’s show, and both Conti and Granny seemed genuinely surprised to pull it off. Another character to look forward to is Killer, a tutu-wearing pit-bull who is barely repressing its true nature.

The improvisation in the show relies a lot of audience participation, and so can be a bit risky. However, when it works, it really demonstrates Conti’s skills as a comic. She is quick, and when you consider she is providing the lines for two characters at once, is very impressive.

Lovers of interactive comedy will enjoy this experience. At more than one point in the show, audience members become puppets themselves. If you love to get involved in comedy, sit towards the front of the room. If not, I suggest skulking up the back.

While Conti isn’t consistently hilarious, I’ve never been disappointed by a performance. She always delivers, and her brand of humour is largely non-offensive. She (or rather, the puppets) swear occasionally, but that’s about as dark as it gets. It’s not a kid-friendly show, but something you could take your parents to. She is great for MICF first-timers, and for those wondering what truly happens when puppets die.

Nina Conti’s ‘Dolly Mixtures’ is on at the Melbourne Town Hall –  Lower Town Hall until April 21, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Tues-Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm. Tickets are $28-$37