A Modern Deception – Comedy Festival

 If there’s a prize for conquering the worst venue of the Comedy Festival, Vyom, Alex and Luke from A Modern Deception have to win it.

 Melbourne International Comedy FestivalThe Bull and Bear TavernFriday, 1 April 2011
If there’s a prize for conquering the worst venue of the Comedy Festival, Vyom, Alex and Luke from A Modern Deception have to win it.
I don’t care if it’s sleight of hand, illusion or magic, I love a good tick. The deception men are as debonair as their geeky souls allow and they infuse an old-school trick show with enough originality to make it seem brand new. A Modern Deception is a comic cabaret with class, wit and nerdiness that’s worthy of a far better venue.
It’s not The Bull…. Tavern’s fault that the sight lines are so dud that it was a struggle to see many of the tricks, but the ambient noise from the kitchen and staff was so distracting (ie: fucking loud) that I spent too long worrying about the orders at table 17 and whether the Trevally ever made it out of the kitchen. The only people who didn’t seem to want to make the noise disappear were the men on the stage and they drew even the most annoyed audience member back to the show.
A Modern Deception is well on it’s way to being awesome. I’d love to see the onstage characters developed further (don’t worry about being loveable; be odd and extreme and you’ll still be adored). Stay your gorgeous selves for corporate gigs, but for this type of cabaret, you’ll go to a new level with even more story and conflict among the characters.
Apparently the ending is brilliant, but – due to a late start – I had to run or miss my next show.  If it was going the way I think it was, I’m sure I missed something spectacular. 
And to the owners and management of The Bull and Bear Tavern
How wonderful it must be to have over hundreds of people who have never been into your venue, flock in during the laugh fest, willingly give you money in exchange for alcohol and be so impressed that they come back with tables full of their friends to try your food and soak in The Bear ….ing in the Woods ambiance.
How likely are they to come back when your kitchen starts sizzling food about 30 seconds into the show because “they’re hungry now”, and the sizzle continues with plate clanking, order yelling, phone answering (“There’s the comedy on”) and general staff discussion using their outside voices?
I’m guessing… none. 
It would be nice if you respected the artists, but even nicer if you respected the paying punters – and not just the dude who wanted Trevally. Playing until 23 Aprilwww.comedyfestival.com.au