George Kapiniaris – Malakarama | Adelaide Fringe 2022 review

One for the fans and those unafraid of potential perforated eardrums, Kapiniaris does what he does best in this offering.

George Kapiniaris.

George Kapiniaris – Malakarama

Comedy

Rating: ***1/2

Upstairs at Rhino Room

Until March 13

You know what you’re getting with George Kapiniaris.

An icon of Australian screen from Acropolis Now to a sprinkling of nostalgic local RAA ads, Kapiniaris’ brand of aggressive slapstick and yelling isn’t for everyone.

It’s wildly energetic, very loud and a little on the problematic side (if you’re what people of Kapiniaris’ ilk might call a “millennial snowflake”), but this set wasn’t designed for me.

It’s for his pre-existing fans, and they lapped up every second with glee.

Weaving the tale of a family trip to Greece gone wrong, Kapiniaris’ booming punchlines mocking ethnic stereotypes, the shtick which made him a household name, never fails to get a hefty laugh.

Halfway through, the show darts from straight stand-up to highlight Kapriniaris’ wide range of acting talents, with hilarious montage of TikTok dances, some bang-on impressions and a visit from “Aunty Elly”, the ageing Greek relative who never fails to rouse the crowd.

The closing musical number – a timeline of Covid-19’s two years in the spotlight – is a fun way to involve the punters not already sick of lockdown content.

One for the fans and those unafraid of potential perforated eardrums, Kapiniaris does what he does best in this year’s Fringe offering.