Scum Nation
Rod Quantock @ Nova 1
7:00pm, Wed 27 Feb 2002
Score: 8
Short Review: Conspiratorial
Yay! The return of my favourite Lefty comedian. And after last Fringe’s slightly disappointing show, this one was back to the Quantock I know and love. Greeting the audience at the door (as usual), his quick wit provided many laughs before the show even started.
Complete with the requisite world map, Quantock lacked his usual blackboard – but was accompanied by a white-board and several “felt-tipped white board marker pens” (a subject of much derision). His act this time did not focus so much on politics – although the Liberals, as expected, copped a bit of flak, and the Prime Prick was mentioned quiet a bit. Instead, Quantock focussed on corporate conspiracy theories that would stump Jello Biafra.
The Internet being used as a consumer tracking tool; Hills hoists being used as mobile phone towers; the Melbourne TOLLway being responsible for the transposition of entire suburbs. And, of course, the Teddy Bear biscuit conspiracy. Best of all, however, was his plan to join the axis of evil, on the premise that his house would be bombed, then summarily rebuilt and a McDonalds installed.
Yup, the man is back. While some of the material was old (the history of the universe timeline, the “Teddy Bear mardis gras” biscuits), it was given a wonderfully fresh touch-up. Go see Rod – just don’t mention you’re a commerce student (especially if it’s O-Week in your first year). And don’t roll up late.