Tag: Marcel Lucont

NZICF 2018: Marcel Lucont Etc. – A Chat Show

Storyteller, singer, poet, host – is there anything Marcel Lucont can’t do? (He will tell you the answer is no.) New Zealand’s favourite haughty French flâneur brings his acclaimed late night chat show to this year’s Festival which features live music and a different guest each night.

We are told at the start that this is a chat and jazz show but BYO energy – those accustomed to Marcel Lucont shows know it is always a low-key affair but one that is certainly not low on entertainment value. Lucont’s saucy tales and witty repartee are fittingly complemented by the jazzy tunes of house band The Marcelites (because of course they would be named after the bon vivant himself).

Lucont kicks off the proceedings with a jazz chat where he gets to know the audience and show off his improvisational rhyming chops in one fell swoop. Kiwi audiences tend to be a lot less forthcoming so most of the dialogue was one-sided but this doesn’t faze him one bit; in keeping with his character, he effortlessly uses it as an opportunity to show you can’t best him.

The chat show portion of the evening sees Lucont settle in for a conversation with an invited guest; in this instance it was musical comedy duo The Fan Brigade. This evening was definitely a treat as when you put a hedonistic Frenchman and two sassy ladies together it’s no surprise the evening takes a brilliantly bawdy turn.

Etc. – A Chat Show is a guaranteed good time which gives Marcel Lucont fans the chance to enjoy his famous sex poetry and hedonistic escapades again as well as introduce first-timers to his deliciously risqué brand of comedy gold. It is the perfect late night rendezvous to start off your weekend.  

Marcel Lucont Etc. – A Chat Show is on tonight and tomorrow at Q Theatre before heading to San Fran in Wellington. For more info and to book tickets, click here.

The Fan Brigade are performing in Wellington 8-12 May at Te Auaha in Wellington. Their Auckland season is the following week however they are all but sold out so they have added an extra show on 19 May at 5:30pm – best book now before you miss out! For more info, click here.

 

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NZICF 2016: Le Comique – A Night of Surprises

Le Comique 2016

For the uninitiated, Le Comique is a raunchy and riotous affair offering a smorgasbord of unconventional delights for those after something a little bit different during the comedy festival. As well as some good ol’ stand up, this year’s eclectic lineup included music, clowning, cabaret and even a spot of dessert.

The fabulously sullen French flâneur Marcel Lucont was the fitting host of the evening’s audacious and outrageous festivities; his misanthropic observations were the perfect accompaniment in between acts. We were also treated to some excellently improvised songs derived from audience requests with the help of the on-stage house band as well as his unashamedly risqué sex poetry.

Rose Matafeo was first up with her usual style of conversational comedy laced with sarcasm. From cat cars to cynical Christmas crackers, her set was easily enjoyable and a great way to kick off the show. Up next was 2015 Billy T award winner Hamish Parkinson whose awkwardly comical though less-than-kosher attempt at seducing an audience member was met with amused trepidation and shock.

Musical duo Fan Brigade was one of my favorites from the night. These talented ladies combined comedy and crooning to fabulous effect with their hilarious tongue-in-cheek song about sexism. Anarchist cook George Egg closed the first half amazing the crowd with his ingenious ways and innovative solutions to whipping up meals using very limited means.

After the interval, the evening revved up with the arrival of the terrifyingly unpredictable comedy-monster, Red Bastard. There was absolutely no barrier between audience and performer as this cult sensation had the audience at the edge of their seats, and at one point even running from them.

The Artist (Formerly Known As Jesse Griffin) was the penultimate act of the evening; his utterly ridiculous entrance revealing the ‘unholy trinity’ was so absurd it was brilliant and had the crowd in hysterics. Welsh comedian Lloyd Langford took to the stage convinced he was there due to a booking error yet his anecdote about a kinky night he spent in a hotel room was an appropriate fit and finale to the evening.

From the eccentrically offbeat to the downright bizarre, Le Comique is a dazzling and scintillating evening which celebrates the weird and wonderful world of alternative comedy. This is the ideal mid-comedy festival treat, particularly for those with a more adventurous palate.

5-stars

Hamish Parkinson, Fan Brigade, George Egg and Red Bastard have solo shows at the festival. Check out comedyfestival.co.nz for dates and to book tickets.

NZICF 2016: Marcel Lucont’s Whine List

Marcel Lucont

After two years away, everyone’s favorite French raconteur and hedonist is back in New Zealand for another ‘cultural exchange’. As with any Marcel Lucont show, it is a low-key affair but one that is dripping with supercilious derision and suggestive repartee.

While away, Lucont has performed in other festivals and during that time he bore witness to a myriad of unsightly and unseemly acts. Subsequently he created the Whine List to provide a means to come together and moan about the annoying, embarrassing and shocking things we have experienced.

This show is slightly different to previous offerings in that there is an interactive element to it with the audience members contributing to said list. From comical first world problems to some truly jaw-dropping outlandish revelations, Lucont plays a quasi ‘agony uncle’ of sorts, responding adeptly to each entry with the perfect blend of mild interest, ridicule and disdain. The cabaret-style seating complements this format brilliantly.

From start to finish Lucont effortlessly had us all in the palm of his hand with his quick wit, sharp tongue and that irresistible French charm. His comedic timing is flawless and there is something oddly captivating about this wonderfully haughty bon vivant’s trademark deadpan delivery of narcissistic humor.

In between whines, we are also educated and entertained in that special Lucont way. We learn things like what happens if you raise your glass incorrectly and how he feels Easter should actually be celebrated. Hilarious videos are played, his saucy memoirs shared and of course no Marcel Lucont show is complete without his signature unabashed provocative sex poetry.

The participatory nature of the show means each one will be a truly unique and unpredictable experience but with Monsieur Lucont at the helm, I have no doubt that the outcome will satisfy each and every time. Whine List is an exceptional and superbly written hour of irreverent comedy that is deliciously audacious, fabulously sardonic and wildly entertaining.

5-stars

Whine List is on at 7pm at the Comedy Chamber in the Auckland Town Hall until April 30th before heading to San Fran for its Wellington season from May 2nd – 7th. For more details and to book tickets, click here.