Ross Noble - Nonsensory Overload, Thebarton Theatre, March 10

Observation is a curious part of the human condition. We watch and perceive general occurrences, and really, it’s our reaction tthat's what is most fascinating. A sign of true intelligence is the ability to repeat what someone has witnessed, and if this can be performed well, with a comic undertone, this can be an indication of genius. One man who is a prime candidate for this esteemed level of intellect is English-born Ross Noble, and his ‘Nonsensory Overload’ tour for this year’s Adelaide Fringe festival cemented his stature in the elite.

Covering an array of topics (including an impressive amount of improvisation) and working off crowd feedback, Noble was nothing short of remarkable. Beginning with pet echidnas and how to murder them with pills, then somehow finding a pathway into SES counsellors abseiling from the ceiling to help an audience member with their stress before discussing a ‘healing asshole’ is no easy task, but something Mr. Noble somehow did with ease. The comedian left no stone unturned, jumping from topics as broad (and bizarre) as drunken men in wheelchairs fighting on the street below his window to whether you become smarter when you tilt your head on a 45 degree angle. At times the material could have been offensive to some (like the story about how he asked his three-year-old daughter to tell his religious mother that Jesus was nailed to the crucifix for speeding on his donkey), but he managed to pull it off as being nothing more than a funny anecdote.

With some quick questions from the capacity crowd, the two hours of Ross Noble came to an end, and quite sadly, this writer may add. The next opportunity any Australian has to witness the brilliance of this English traveller, I’m sure anyone who was in attendance on this night would recommend it in the highest regard.



WORDS: Will Oakeshott