The mention of crowd participation at the average comedy show would spark a trembling fear in most audience members, but at Gillian Cosgriff’s performance of her award-winning show Actually, Good, attendees are quick to eagerly call out when prompted. But this lack of hesitation in a typically intimidating scenario makes sense, as Cosgriff’s show feels more like catching up with a friend than watching a comedy show. That’s essentially the basis of her performance, a conversation between her and the audience. It’s a collaboration that leads to plenty of surprises, many hilarious, and many heartwarming.
The central question that Cosgriff asks audiences is simple: what do you like? Over the course of an hour, the audience collectively makes a ranked list of ten things they like, while Cosgriff shares her own alongside amusing anecdotes. She has an amiable charm that disarms the crowd from the outset – sitting on stage before a sold out audience, she appears authentic and truly sincere. But her show avoids becoming a wholesome cliché, it’s actually refreshingly earnest. Her act centres on admiring the beauty of the human condition, but make no mistake, this is a comedy show and there is plenty of room for laughter. Cosgriff rattles off hilariously niche yet very relatable references and observations about our everyday experiences. There are plenty of witty quips that only Melburnians will find truly funny, and judging by the laughs, they are all crowd pleasers.
Not only is Cosgriff an endearing performer, but she’s also impressive. She live loops her singing vocals (although slightly stalled by minor technical difficulties) to create complex harmonies, and performs six cleverly-written original songs, although at a couple of points her divergence into the musical medium somewhat slows the performance's overall momentum. She adeptly accompanies herself on keyboard and proudly shows off her musical prowess with piano riffs and moments of soaring vocals. She’s a fantastic singer and songwriter – there’s definitely a bit of Tim Minchin about her, with her fast paced lyrics and jazz-styled tone. Not to mention, she’s got comedic chops. Even when some rogue answers from wannabe comedian audience members could have created some awkwardness, she manoeuvres through to keep the laughs coming.
Between seamlessly weaving audience interaction, songs and stories, Cosgriff subtly builds a poignant narrative that packs an emotional punch towards the end of her performance. Her show leaves audiences wandering out of the theatre pensively, probably reflecting on the little things in the minutiae of their own everyday lives that they like. Cosgriff’s unassuming optimism is infectious and inspiring, and alongside the laughter from her comedic quips, leaves a smile on the audience's faces after the show ends.
