Words: Miriam Kirchberger
Image: Jacinta Oaten

3 Stars

The description of Stamptown promises a ‘full-on fever dream’ but this is what I imagine a fever dream prior to the invention of paracetamol to be like. The host character, Jack Tucker, rattles through jokes and noises at an alarming rate. He undoubtedly brings the energy but not the substance, as his routine seems to rely on volume and off-stage antics, which turn into running jokes. 

The show is in its tenth year at the Fringe, and Tucker’s crowd work is enjoyable and the best part of his segments. The audience loves him and the show.

For me, once he finally introduces the first act of the night, the show picks up. The acts are, for the most part, brilliant. There is Pitbull-themed cheerleading, music, fire breathing and more comedy. They’re the fun, sexy and entertaining backbone of this show. 

The highlight is the final act, Donna Carnow’s aerial pole dancing routine, suspended above the stage. It’s awe-inspiring, a true athletic feat that I could have watched forever. The range and calibre of acts is impressive; I just wish other performers had been given more time on stage.  

Stamptown
Palais du Variété at Assembly George Square Gardens 
21:50
6-11, 13-18, 20-29 August