Phillip Escoffey: where Scully meets Mulder

Friday 24 September 2010, 3:52 PM
By The Team | Posted in Events

Phillip Escoffey is one heck of a showman. He teases. He torments. He troubles our senses of reason and tricks us mercilessly. And we eat it all up with glee, thoroughly entertained as he twists our beliefs and disbeliefs about in confusing combinations.

Escoffey walks a fascinating tightrope as he makes a show of dispelling myths about psychic powers while pulling off all manner of psychic stunts – predictions, mind-reading, tarot cards and more.

He performs with such aplomb we became a little concerned about the welfare of the goats at the nearby Royal Melbourne Show. But it’s okay, Escoffey’s show focuses on the lighter side of psychic phenomena – friendly old playing cards, for example – and steers well clear of spooky ouija boards and unseemly US military activities.

But is he really psychic? Probably not. But see – there’s the word ‘probably’! For most of us in the room, Escoffey did one particular thing that defied explanation – and that made us doubt our doubt. And that’s the beauty of his show.

This is a guy who waves his hands in front of your eyes while telling you to watch closely. Who very helpfully explains how he performs some of his psychic ‘feats’ while simultaneously casting doubt on his own explanations.

Us humans are so good at suspending our disbelief that we’ll do it even when we’re being told not to.

Why? Perhaps for the same reason Scully followed Mulder around all those years – because believing is more fun.

Phillip Escoffey – Six More Impossible Things Before Dinner is at the Arts Centre until Sunday 3 October. Presented as part of Melbourne Fringe

Melbourne, we dare you

Friday 27 August 2010, 9:08 AM
By The Team | Posted in Things

Tired of the grind? Try a little reckless risk-taking – we find it does wonders for the complexion.

We’re not suggesting you do anything that could land your mugshot in MX and your butt in the back of a divvy van – there’s no need to take things that far! In Melbourne you can stick your neck out in the name of fun without disturbing the peace (too much).

Think you’re up to the challenge? Go ahead, Melbourne: we dare you!

Laughter is good for the Spleen

You know, you really are a hoot. Every great comedian has to start somewhere, so why not kick off your career at Spleen’s open mic Mondays? Comedy@Spleen  always includes established acts, so you won’t be cracking jokes just for the bartender and that kanoodling couple in the corner. There’ll be a real audience, and real laughs.

Tai Chi cadets

Too scared to join the zen, hip, seventy-plus super-grans who do perfect Tai Chi in the park? Hone your Tai Chi chops – and entertain a few passing commuters – at Fed Square on Tuesday mornings.  Before you know it, you’ll be grasping the sparrow’s tail and repulsing the monkey with the best of ‘em!

Public piano, please

We don’t care if you wagged every one of those expensive piano classes your parents paid for: we want to hear you tickle the ivories. Wow the crowds with your public piano performance on Wednesdays at Fed Square. Bring a few friends for a guaranteed standing ovation … and break a leg!

Trigger-happy snappers

Secretly fancy yourself as a photographer? Join a Loop photography night walk . Snap happily – with arty advice – while you stroll the most scenic corners of our fine city. Then it’s back to the bar, where, with a stiff drink, you can watch your work screened on the wall for all to see.

80s countdown on ice

Admit it: you can’t ice skate, and you know every word to Footloose. Sounds like you’re the ideal candidate for the 80s countdown on Icehouse’s mega-rink this Friday. Mix a bunch of uncoordinated mates, the Safety Dance and some razor-sharp skate blades for the ultimate in hair-raising hilarity. Don’t forget your leg warmers!

 If, after all this, the daredevil in you is still hungry for adrenalin, these coming events might help you get your thrills:

The St George Melbourne Marathon – but remember to put some training in – or choose a length that’s going to see you finish better in a better state than this distance event’s namesake.

Thrill the World invites Melbourne – and the world – to dance to Thriller in a city-wide flash mob on Saturday 23 October.  

What daring antics have you been up to recently?

Hot Spots: Last Tuesday Society

Friday 16 April 2010, 9:26 AM
By The Team | Posted in Events and Places

We had a few wheezes and giggles on Tuesday evening with Rich and Bron’s Last Tuesday Society, which has been appearing at The Hi Fi Bar on Tuesdays throughout the Comedy Festival.  The Last Tuesday Society allows performers of all persuasions to try out new pieces of work in a gathering of other interested theatre types. They let us take a peek backstage, watch the glee club ‘Oh Choired’ rehearse, and witness the general haphazardary of organising a variety show to make people laugh (a lot).

The comedy festival winds to an end this week, but it’s not over for LTS – they’ll be back again for Next Wave Festival, appearing at Witches in Britches in West Melbourne.

LINKS

Last Tuesday Society