Words: Caitlin Finnerty

4 stars

Joe Kent-Walters returns with Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time), and even if you’ve never encountered his devilish alter ego before, it’s a riotous ride from the get-go. Set in the sweaty basement of Cabaret Voltaire, this chaotic hour introduces us to Frankie Monroe (the sleazy, sudacrem-covered Entertainment Officer of Hell) who’s clawing his way from the dead and ready to entertain.

The show kicks off with an animated intro and quickly descends into glorious madness, with Frankie storming onstage in a dishevelled suit, crooning about eternal damnation. With just the right mix of silliness, surrealism, and sweat, Kent-Walters commands the room, bouncing off the crowd with quick-fire riffs, physical comedy, and improvised madness. 

A highlight is how comfortably he dances on the edge of chaos, unafraid to break character, steal a drink, or shove far too much asparagus into his mouth, all while keeping the audience on his side. Some parts feel gloriously unpolished, but that’s half the charm.

It’s silly, loud, unpredictable and very funny, a perfect late-night show if you’re in the mood for something a bit unhinged. If this is what hell looks like, honestly? Sign me up.

Joe Kent-Walters is Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time)
CabVol 1 at Monkey Barrel Comedy
21:30
Aug 7-24