Robert N EmersonStep Right Up - The Sideshow Debuts
April 23rd 2007 03:31
The latest GNWTV production, The Sideshow, made its debut last Saturday on the ABC. While a tad hit and miss, the new show definitely has a whole heap of promise. I said previously that the show needs to be clever, scathing and have great performers, and the programme certainly seems to have these elements in mind.
The show had a lively and frenetic pace; certainly evocative of its predecessor, The Big Gig. Evermore's opening song only added to this ambiance. Paul McDermott is a great choice as the host and ringmaster, although he did seem a little uncomfortable at times. This really is to be expected when breaking in a new format, and I have no doubt that the former DAAS member will quickly find his niche. Some of his topical jokes fell flat, but McDermott recovered well - probably a throwback to his Strictly Dancing days.
For me, the stand out acts were The Umbilical Brothers, Tripod and Eddie Perfect, with their clever songs and antics winning over the studio audience as well. The Kransky Sisters, The Fondue Set and Flacco were fairly reasonable, summoning a few giggles from me here and there. However, I was quite disappointed in the stand up performers. I tuned out of Ed Byrne's routine half-way through, completely distracted by the fact that he wouldn't stop touching his hair. I didn't find Claire Hooper funny in the slightest, which is a shame as it appears she is a regular part of the show.
Overall, it was an entertaining hour of television. There were problems, but little else can be expected from a fledgling ABC show. My only concern is that the timeslot and intended family audience will result in the acts being safe and sanitised - hopefully the biting edge associated with GNW productions will not be lost. Given time, I think The Sideshow has the potential to become a real cult hit - a fascinating 'freak show' that we viewers cannot take our eyes off.
The Sideshow airs Saturday nights at 7.30pm on the ABC.
The show had a lively and frenetic pace; certainly evocative of its predecessor, The Big Gig. Evermore's opening song only added to this ambiance. Paul McDermott is a great choice as the host and ringmaster, although he did seem a little uncomfortable at times. This really is to be expected when breaking in a new format, and I have no doubt that the former DAAS member will quickly find his niche. Some of his topical jokes fell flat, but McDermott recovered well - probably a throwback to his Strictly Dancing days.
For me, the stand out acts were The Umbilical Brothers, Tripod and Eddie Perfect, with their clever songs and antics winning over the studio audience as well. The Kransky Sisters, The Fondue Set and Flacco were fairly reasonable, summoning a few giggles from me here and there. However, I was quite disappointed in the stand up performers. I tuned out of Ed Byrne's routine half-way through, completely distracted by the fact that he wouldn't stop touching his hair. I didn't find Claire Hooper funny in the slightest, which is a shame as it appears she is a regular part of the show.
Overall, it was an entertaining hour of television. There were problems, but little else can be expected from a fledgling ABC show. My only concern is that the timeslot and intended family audience will result in the acts being safe and sanitised - hopefully the biting edge associated with GNW productions will not be lost. Given time, I think The Sideshow has the potential to become a real cult hit - a fascinating 'freak show' that we viewers cannot take our eyes off.
The Sideshow airs Saturday nights at 7.30pm on the ABC.
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Comment by Jonathon
Anthroblogogy
without a doubt the australian airwaves are in search of a new variety show for this prime time slot. but are gnw productions the one to provide it?
personally, i am a bit tired of that melbourne theartre, balloon falling, at least one pyro explosion style of production. i feel this show has not really progressed on that much from its predecessors. it is a good base to start from, but needs to be improved dramatically from there.
i might add that i am a huge fan of daas, the big gig, and good news week, so i am in favour of this brand of comedy. but paul mcdermott should have stopped when daas did. his style of entertainment is really quite annoying without the other two to maim him a little. and it is only typical that tripod, the umbilical brothers, and claire hooper are used as comedy relief. it reeks of all of their previous productions.
i feel this is a bad move on behalf of the abc, and a very self indulgent production from ted robinson - is he just pissed that he lost 'the glass house?'
Comment by Nina
After all the furore over The Glass House's axing, I would have been surprised if Ted Robinson had not done another show - both to fill the gap left behind and to take advantage of the extra exposure GNWTV has gotten.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I love Paul McDermott, I was a huge DAAS fan. I'll tune in this week to give it a go.
Thanks for the heads up. Great review
Kylie
Comment by Nina
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
My kids thought Flacco was hilarious though!
I'll stay watching.
Comment by Nina
The fact that you watched it with your children shows that families are watching together, as they intended!
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
But it would be good to watch it with the kids.
If they get a bit of feedback, they might work the kinks out.
Comment by Nina
Hopefully they will read this post and comments
For the most part, the show seemed fairly safe for a young audience, though a few references were a little risqué.