WHO’S YOUR DADDY? Written by Chris Forrest and directed by Bevan Cullinan. With Chris Forrest.
KAREN RUTTER reviews
Chris Forrest is a big cheese on the comedy scene with gigs on stage, on TV, in the movies, and on the corporate circuit to his credit. He’s based up north and it’s not often we get to see him down in Cape Town. But he’s here for a stint at the Kalk Bay Theatre, so if you’re a fan, you know where to find him.
Known for his dry wit and deadpan delivery, in his latest show Forrest tackles a subject which is obviously close to his heart – parenthood. He uses his experiences as a new father to fashion a script which looks at everything from prenatal sex to postnatal nappy-changing. Who’s Your Daddy clearly comes from a very personal parenting space, but such is Forrest’s perspective that he makes it all very accessible, even for the “non-breeders’ (his term) in the audience.
Like a humorous infomercial
It’s a well-thought out production, sectioned into segments that neatly tie in to the various phases of getting pregnant, being pregnant, giving birth and childcare, with clever renaming of the various trimesters. The whole approach is that of a helpful lecture, or maybe a humorous infomercial, with Forrest offering useful tips for parents-to-be. He even writes down the trimesters on a white board, and has a catchy tagline for the audience to repeat.
Forrest has wisely used the expertise of a director for his show (you’d be surprised at the number of comedians and satirists who don’t, and it’s usually obvious). Bevan Cullinan keeps the pace swift – even with Forrest’s measured delivery – and has clearly guided this production with a sharp eye. There’s no repetition, no fumbling, just a straight shot to the end.
And Forrest’s performance is great. The audience clearly loves it, and it appears so does he. It’s always fun to watch a comedian enjoy his own schtick. So if the concept of a stand-up comedy show about parenting, performed by a new father, sounds appealing, this is the one to book.
Test: Do you find jokes about periods funny?
However, if for some weird reason you haven’t found the concept of pregnancy something to laugh about, especially how pregnancy affects women’s bodies, then don’t go. Don’t go if oddly enough, you think that natural bodily functions – like giving birth – are not issues to be feared or ridiculed. Don’t go if you’re sick of jokes about women getting cranky when they’re pregnant (which are like jokes about women getting cranky when they’re menstruating). And don’t go if you’re bored with jokes about women not wanting to give blowjobs. Women acting “irrationally”. Women being perpetual handbrakes.
Instead, I would say stay at home, plug in Netflix and watch an Amy Schumer show. Where a comedian can be really funny things like about sex and cum without one half of the audience feeling they’re the butt of the jokes. Or worrying their vaginas have been stretched too wide. Literally. Also, check out Sarah Silverman get jiggy about gender relations and pubic hair, with a fabby sense of irony and a healthy lack of stereotyped privilege.
In comparison, do you really think jokes about blue rooms for boys and pink bows for girls have any traction? Pah.
I think you’ve probably got the picture.
What: Who’s Your Daddy? – Chris Forrest
Where: The Kalk Bay Theatre
When: Until 6 August
Book: www.kalkbaytheatre.co.za
WS
