If you’re in good need of a belly-laugh, then Abandoman is the comedy show for you.
Rob Broderick, aka Abandoman, is an Irish stand-up comedian who creates hilarious freestyle rap songs based on audience participation. Don’t be put off by the “rap” reference – it’s speed-talking rather than Snoop Dogg.
He is accompanied by side-kick James Hancox on guitar, and the duo is charismatic and engaging.
Broderick bases his songs on mix-tape mash-ups from old-school and current hip-hop, then changes it up using strange suggestions shouted from the audience. He ask audience members to dig through their pockets or bags for strange objects which he then incorporates into his rap. The spontaneous and witty rhymes show off his impressive improvisation skills and his knack for a clever quip.
While Broderick encourages audience participation (it wouldn’t work without it), he doesn’t offend or humiliate people for a cheap laugh. That said, if you don’t like being the centre of attention, then perhaps stay away from the front four rows.
The ab-lib nature of the show means no one show will be the same. I’ll definitely be going back next year (and putting something strange in my handbag!)
Abandoman: Moonrock Boombox is in the Idolize Spiegeltent in the Garden of Unearthly Delights until March 16.
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Click here for all InDaily’s 2014 Adelaide Fringe stories and reviews.
