Chris Parker’s latest Fringe show is a riotous, high-energy exploration of what it truly means to be a drama queen. From the moment he steps on stage, he commands the room with his signature mix of feverish storytelling, expressive comedy, and razor-sharp wit. Performing in the aptly named 'Drama Llama' in the Rhino Room, the venue lends itself to an intimate, quirky night of laughs. I actually first learned of Chris Parker from his appearance on the Hobba and Hing Silver Bullet podcast, in which he had me in 45 minutes of non-stop stitches - his latest stand-up is exactly what I had anticipated in the best way possible, yet unexpected in its relatability and cleverness.
At 34, Parker is ready to face the allegations head-on - yes, he’s cried in every public speech, and yes, he once bought himself a completely unnecessary neck brace. But through it all, he’s determined to prove that he’s actually very chill (spoiler: he’s not). What unfolds is a gloriously unhinged one-man variety hour where stand-up meets spectacle, complete with Parker’s expressive, borderline operatic delivery.
His ability to take the mundane and escalate it into pure comedy gold is unmatched, and the pace never lets up. One minute, he’s dissecting the absurdity of his own overreactions, the next, he’s taking the audience on an unexpectedly heartfelt detour. It’s chaotic, theatrical, and irresistibly funny. Chris tackles the tough subjects, like croissants, and dance schools in Christchurch, but ultimately, the show affirms the need to embrace your identity - the good, the bad and the cringe - it's a wholesome way to wrap up the hour of joy.
If you love comedy that feels like a fever dream of fun, self-deprecation, and emotional whiplash, Parker’s show is unmissable.
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