The king of comedy

Robin Williams decided to add an extra Sydney show (at the Entertainment Centre) to his first Australian tour, Weapons of Self Destruction. This was announced five days before it occurred – cheap tix were on offer and snapped up quickly. We were lucky enough to get our hands on some.

Performance day – Tuesday: so my Tuesday afternoon started by flying back from Bris Vegas (was there for work) and included a delayed flight. Once I made it back to Sydney I swung by the office, dropped the bags off then headed down to Chinatown to Dixon St food court. I was disappointed after my long journey, our favourite place was closed (perhaps they were going to Robin Williams too!). Other food was sought and stomach was happy.

Myself, two of my regular partners in crime (Danny and Jorge) + one of Danny’s work mates made it in time with a few minutes to spare before the support act came on - the Umbilical Brothers. I have never seen them live before and they were impressive. They are a unique team that really do know what the other person is doing (or going to do). The majority of the performance was obviously rehearsed but there were some improv moments which flowed just as well as the practiced material. They are amazing – like two peas in a pod.

Action shot of the Umbilical Brothers

The boys did their thing, including the glass wall, guns, horses, some spectacular tap dancing moves and finished it all off with some interesting Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonations.

As soon as the Umbilical Brothers went off stage, the man of the moment, Mr Robin Williams made his entrance on stage (after an announcement that no photos were allowed to be taken...so I chickened out and didn’t take any of him).

Within the first five minutes I had tears from laughing so much. Robin was amazing! He took us all on a very interesting journey and pretty much had a go at everyone – his no-holds-barred approach I love and I think is part of what makes him so engaging!

It was just Robin in this nonstop performance. He chatted to us for about an hour and a half. His ‘props’ included grabbing his crotch on numerous occasions, swiping his hair back and his all important water bottles which he used to rehydrate (he openly admitted he is a recovered alcoholic) or to demonstrate numerous activities...or should I say, demonstrate various fluids which can be emitted from, well, let’s say, various body parts! 

No one was untouchable – there was Barrack and Michelle Obama, where he commented on her very impressive guns; Jack Nicholson for president as there is no one he hasn’t slept with or no drug he has not taken (so no risk of any future scandals); Lindsay Lohan and her uncanny resemblance to Koalas (who tend to be comatosed from their eucalyptus intake); Bill and Hillary Clinton; Bill’s girlfriend, Monica Lewinsky; Julia Gillard; George W and Dick Cheney (do I need to say anything); Osama Bin Laden; Saddam Hussein; Jersey Shore; and Bono - just to name a few.

The audience got a very important education on the invention of the male and female reproductive system plus how they work and the implications on the male system after heart surgery and little blue pills are digested.

His movies were referenced – when he came on stage initially it was Good Morning Sydney (from Good Morning Vietnam); Patch Adams was discussed as well as its spin off porn movie Snatch Adams; and even Mrs Doubtfire made an appearance!

Some star spotting occurred (if you can call it that) – George Miller in the front Row, former Aussie soccer star Robbie Slater and the always lovely Marcia Hines. No doubt there would have been more names around, though we didn’t see (or recognise) anyone else.

As Robin finished his show, he promised he would be back. Many a performer come to Sydney and make this promise, but here’s hoping that Robin does fulfil it, because next time I would be more than happy to pay the full price for a ticket!

Having said all this, I should put a caveat on his performance – if you are someone who takes offence to use of colourful language, then perhaps seeing Robin Williams live is not quite your thing (if you haven’t gathered already, sorry mum). Though if you don’t mind it, be prepared for tears and sore cheeks...I’m sure Tena Lady would have loved it!

BTW - I also promised Danny and Jorge that I would let people know NOT to park at the Seasons Darling Harbour. Despite a flat rate for parking after 6pm, you can’t prepay your ticket and exit. You have to join the massive queues when it is time to go and pay then. So you can’t say I didn’t warn you!