Lachlan Werner: Wondertwunk

If you have been keeping an eye on the comedy scene in Brighton lately, you might have noticed that Lachlan Werner is bringing his show, Wondertwunk, to the Komedia on April 9th. It is a bit of a departure from standard stand-up, blending elements of circus, science fiction, and puppetry. Werner is known for his ventriloquism, and this production focuses on minimal lip movement, which has been a point of interest in reviews from outlets like The Guardian and Lost in Theatreland, where it was described as a meta-theatrical production.

The central character of the show is Jack Hammer, who is presented as the strongest boy in the world. The narrative plays with this concept, claiming he can lift a ten-tonne truck and crush steel, though the management team behind the show includes a specific safety warning: while you can look at him, you are advised not to touch. It is an interesting follow-up to Werner’s previous work, Voices Of Evil, and maintains that genre-bending approach, incorporating stunts and even sea-lions into the mix.

For those planning to head down to the Komedia, it is worth noting that the venue is hosting this as part of their current comedy programming. The show is structured as a mix of secrets and stunts, and if you are familiar with the venue, you know the layout allows for a fairly intimate experience with the performer. It is a specific type of performance that relies heavily on the technical skill of the ventriloquism, and it seems to be aimed at those who enjoy theatre that doesn't quite fit into a single category. Whether you are a fan of puppetry or just looking for something a bit different for a Wednesday evening, this is what is on the schedule at the Komedia.