Cal Wilson is All Ears, Auckland, 10/5/12

An interesting premise, coupled with some very good reviews (here and here if you want to read real ones) saw us head along to the Basement Theatre tonight to see Cal Wilson perform her first Comedy Festival show in almost 10 years. Despite a small, initially reluctant crowd her bubbly enthusiasm and effortless story-telling provided for a great hour of comedy.

The concept for the show is quite a simple, but also original one; rather than relying on jokes she asks us if we would prefer to hear real stories, before getting members of the audience to share some of theirs for the rest of the crowd. Sprinkled in amongst the audience input, Cal of course has tales of her own to tell but it is her interaction with the group, in an intimate setting where this show comes into its own. Conversing with folk as if they have been friends for years, Cal shows genuine interest and joy in the tales told and, given her unbridled enthusiasm, we all do to.

This isn't the kind of show that will have you doubled over in laughter, gasping for air (depends on the stories I suppose), it is instead something quite different, quite imaginative. It is a risky idea that could go bad in the wrong hands - in Cal Wilson's though, you can't imagine it ever will.

Cal Wilson is All Ears at the Basement Theatre until Saturday May 12th. A friendly 7pm timeslot and some excellent storytelling await.