A Not So Trivial Pursuit | Adelaide Fringe 2022 review

The likeable and intriguing Hew Parham’s new solo show is an journey of self-discovery that is both bizarre and hilarious.

A Not So Trivial Pursuit

A Not So Trivial Pursuit

Theatre

Rating: ****

The Breakout at The Mill

Until March 20

A regular and popular Fringe performer, Hew Parham’s latest solo show is a whimsical, eclectic and fiercely self-deprecating insight into what maketh the clown.

The not so trivial pursuit turns out to be a journey of self-discovery.

The show features large chunks of Parham’s life: battling dyslexia as a kid, going to clown school in Canada, fleetingly finding love, before learning life skills on an Indian reservation in California with a grumpy, old, wise-owl Shaman.

Maybe he just made it all up – but there is a sense this is as much therapy as entertainment.

In the game Trivial Pursuit, entertainment, the off pink-coloured category, was always the trickiest subject to answer with a mix of bizarre, surprising, hilarious and sometimes underwhelming questions: this show echoes all of that.

It’s a hotchpotch of ideas and thoughts but Parham is such likeable and intriguing company you always know – even in the dull bits – something wonderful is just around the corner.