MARK BANKS ON ICE! REVIEW. With Mark Banks. Theatre on the Bay.
KAREN RUTTER reviews
First off – there is no ice. Just so we’ve got that out the way. But there is Mark Banks. In all his stream-of-consciousness-as-comedy glory. One man and his mouth. From his opening riff about the resplendent scene changes we could expect, to his performance resolution, it was all completely and deliciously random. The best of Banks, as we know him.
Of course, it’s not really off-the-cuff, just-thought-of-this material – but such is the style of this veteran comedian that it feels that way. As though one found oneself sitting at a dinner party in say, Calitzdorp, and one’s host just happened to be the funniest person at the table. In reality, it’s been nearly 40 years of experience that have honed Banks’ delivery (and he probably is the most humorous host in Calitzdorp, where he lives).
Mark Banks on Ice! coincides with the comedian’s 60th birthday year, and such it’s a celebration of a long and successful career in a pretty cut-throat business. Stand-ups often become sit-downs, and it takes a certain kind of stamina – and the honing of one’s particular spiel – to keep going. Banks’ approach has always been wickedly abrasive, and he hold short shrift for people, political positions and popular beliefs that he deems stupid. Or at least worthy of sending up. But there’s also always been a softer edge, too – when he gently pokes fun at friends, funders or fellow performers. Take his dig at Pieter Toerien’s supposed obsession with saving money. He’s dissing the guy who’s given him a job! But it’s done so charmingly, you can’t help smiling.
Skilful flow of material
There’s also a unexpectedly whimsical approach to the absolutely mundane, be it the sound of a Kenwood mixer (you have to be there) or the Afrikaans translation of a popular magazine. This stuff sounds simple, but it’s all in the delivery. And what appears to be an arbitrary flow of anecdotes is revealed as a skilful flow of material that winds up perfectly within time, and on point.
If you haven’t seen Mark Banks perform before, this is a production which perfectly showcases the man’s inimical way of making us laugh. If you have watched him – then you’ll understand it’s an excellent reason to see him again.
What: Mark Banks on Ice! review
Where and when: Theatre on the Bay from 23 October to 2 November 2019
Book: Computicket
WS
