On Tuesday I found out that I won tickets to Tony Woods at the Comedy Store. Being on such short notice, it was very unlikely that someone else could join me, so I would venture out on my own. I don't mind, too much. It does get a bit lonely, especially traveling and waiting for the shows, but I couldn't pass up free tickets. Plus I wanted to book tickets to see David O'Doherty for the next day, who I've really been wanting to see for ages, so I was definitely decided on going.
After accessing McDonald's free wifi (absolute gold), I received confirmation that I had also won tickets to Die Roten Punkte for that night. I was ecstatic when I got the email. Two comedy shows in one night. And free at that. Score.
In order to save cash, I decided to walk to the Comedy Store. Google Maps told me it was 3.2km from Town Hall. My TYSIC mind kicked in and put any thoughts of catching a taxi to rest. 3.2km, not much, plus the exercise is always beneficial. On second thoughts, after reaching the Comedy Store, it was quite long (seeming even longer as I was constantly looking out for road signs to find my way there instead of already knowing where to go and just walking, leaving the issue of time and distance out of the equation), and mostly on a slope - but not too bad in the end.
50 minutes of solid walking later and I was waiting inside, seated to see Tony Woods. I had only seen him on Good News Week and had looked up a couple of his YouTube videos, but liked his humor, so was pleasantly keen.
I actually really enjoyed Tony's set. The first ten or so minutes were a bit timid and reserved, but once he got further into the set, Tony became really animated, having a stronger, louder voice with amazing facial expressions to boot. Tony commented about his travel experiences, cultures and people, and drinking. Observational humor is definitely my favourite brand of comedy, and Woods certainly had the audience entertained throughout; a really enjoyable performance.
I considered getting a taxi back to Town Hall, but decided against spending money. After missing the street I was supposed to turn, doubling back and on the final stretch, it's fair to say that my feet were becoming increasingly sore. Although, if I hadn't walked back and missed the turn off street, I would have missed the loud spectacle that occurred right in front of me. I was walking along the footpath, when 10 police cars, sirens blaring, screech in front of the house that I was passing, all got out and just stormed the place. I hurriedly picked up the pace after which I saw 3 ambulances and 2 firetrucks speed past. A small incidence which livened up the walk back. I made it back just in time to chug back a large lemonade and step into the Metro for the next comedy installment.
The room in the Metro for Die Roten Punkte's performance was The Lair, a smaller room off to the side of the larger venue space. I liked this little room - and quaintly fitted DRP's set up - miniature guitars and drums. Too cool. I sat front row center, took a few snaps before they arrived on stage, and waited to begin.
I just LOVED the entire set! Die Roten Punkte (The Red Dots) are made up of Otto and Astrid Rot, dysfunctionally anarchic siblings from Berlin, Germany. Think Jack and Meg from The White Stripes, however more lipstick-smeared and have far greater enthusiasm, slamming rock's pretensions. The duo give an outlandish performance in a rock concert setting. They are just phenomenal. Part musical comedy, part sketch comedy, DRP blend the two with precision.
I'd heard and seen the two stand out songs, "Ich Bin Nicht Ein Roboter (I Am a Lion)" and "Rock Bang!" before and utterly loved them, even more so now. "Ich Bin Nicht Ein Roboter" witnessed a very elaborate dance sequence which was spectacular. Plus another favourite thing about that song is the cowbell. Die Roten Punkte use only miniature instruments to create wonderful rock sounds - their music could easily be fitted into a non-comedy setting with ease.
Another important part of Die Roten Punkte's performance is interaction with the audience. Obviously we were a bit hesitant at first, but gradually became comfortable and happily participated. I think the actions displayed in "Rock Bang!" should be universally adopted. So simple yet oddly empowering. See for yourself.
I enjoyed Die Roten Punkte so much that I decided that I would see them the next night again. I had to come back, if not solely for the performance, but also to snare some of the merchandise; I had to have an 'Ich Bin Nicht Ein Roboter' t-shirt - didn't have enough cash that night.
This would have been the perfect night, minus the non-companionship, if it weren't for what I am going to call, the Train Saga.
Start Train Saga.
11:36PM - Arrive at Auburn. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Do do do."Attention passengers, this train will be delayed. We have no overhead power." The response from a bunch of drunk passengers who had just been to a Deep Purple concert seemed to be the consensus of the entire train: "GET FUCKED!" Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Do do do. "Attention ladies and gentlemen, this train will be delayed. We have no overhead power and have no information on why." That's fantastic. Waiting. Waiting. Do do do. "Attention all passengers, due to a police operation at Westmead, this train will be delayed." Eeehhhhhhh. Do do do. "Attention all passengers, due to a police operation atWestmead where a woman is threatening self harm, this train will be delayed. Sorry for any inconvenience." Waiting. Waiting. Do do do. "Attention passengers, we've just been giving information that we can move... to Granville." Great, two stations away.
12:44AM - Leave Auburn.
1:00AM - Arrive at Granville. Do do do. "Attention passengers, due to a police operation at Westmead, this train will be delayed indefinitely." Indefinitely - sounds like nothing good can ever come with that word. Oh and get fucked with, "We apologise for any inconvenience." - like that makes us feel any better.
1:20AM - "Attention passengers, this train should be departing in 5 minutes . . . no promises."
1:25AM - Leave Granville.
End Train Saga.
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