Fringe review: Bio-logical
Taking his cues from the natural world, newcomer Zoltan Illes takes audiences on an inventive trek across the globe. ★★★★
On entering the Duke Of York hotel, we’re greeted with a backdrop of jungle leaves and a mosaic of science-related imagery. Behold Mister America, otherwise known as Zoltan Illes, making his Adelaide Fringe debut with stand-up show Bio-logical. He’s a teacher-turned-comedian who’s filled with wacky yet intriguing animal and science facts, but that’s where the classroom innocence ends.
Having travelled to 75 countries, Illes takes audiences on a journey across the globe starting from his Hungarian roots reaching all the way to Myanmar in Southeast Asia. No topic is off-limits as Illes flirts on the borders of the taboo. Introducing jokes by way of educational facts, his punchlines are surprising and can be somewhat shocking, stirring the crowd with an undercurrent of political incorrectness and deliciously dark adult humour. This is where he thrives, with a warm and friendly nature belying the cutting rawness of his jokes. He exudes charisma and his love for the craft is palpable. The content is creative, with each segment rhythmically proceeding the last, pulling the audience on a rollercoaster between laughter and cautious acknowledgement in a witty, wild and worldly show.
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Seemingly still testing the waters, Illes’ material is sometimes crude, but the shock-value set-ups and pay-offs work well. Despite some jokes landing predictably, his natural curiosity for the smallest facets of worldly cultures and deep knowledge of all things biological makes for a zany and tantalising experience. Class dismissed.
Bio-Logical is playing at the Duke of York Hotel from February 20 – March 7
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