Impure Thoughts

Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) is as much about Melbourne and its glorious tucked away theatres as it is about the abundance and variety of talent that comes from all over the world to entertain us for a month in blissful Autumn weather.  It’s madness if you don’t get out and see at least one show, if not ten, there is so much happening.

I had never heard of Tasma Terrace before and I was curious; East Melbourne is probably my favourite part of this city for its grand architecture and beautiful historical and well-preserved buildings. Tasma Terrace is a nineteenth century three storey terrace house that was built in 1879 for wealthy grain merchant George Nipper as a stylish guest house and family home. 

In danger of facing demolition and replacement with hi-rise towers in 1970, the unique building was fortunately saved by the National Trust of Victoria andis now used as their headquarters, with a gallery space and as a venue for hire.  This year it opened its doors to stage MICF shows and in doing so has offered a unique Melbourne experience, live entertainment in a setting that provides a piece of Melbourne antiquity and grandeur.

So in walks Claire Healy through the centre of the splendid lushness of one of the period rooms with its fine chandeliers and classic features, looking equally dazzling herself, in a shiny gown that matches her surroundings.  Taking her seat at a grand piano, starting with a little French tune, the glamour stops there. Impure Thoughts is all about the battle against ‘ladylike’ notions. Nothing typical about Healy; some have called her the ‘anti-diva’ and she’s going to be loud and proud about it.

Healy belts out her original songs, singing and playing with energy and gusto.  There are no ground breaking revelations or messages here, but there is a lot of laughter as she tells the usual tales of creepy internet stalkers and the many restrictions that present themselves in the form of sexism.  She does her bit for feminism whole-heartedly, and through laughter we get the hint that nothing shall stand in her way.  

Apart from the original songs Healy can play and sing excellently; her voice is strong and unique. More fun is had when she gets amongst her audience with her ukulele and unravels many more impure thoughts that once lay beneath the surface. But now she’s getting it all out there, no holding back, and the audience love it.  Impure Thoughts is cheeky, very funny and the lyrics are truly clever; a lot is said in a short space of time and it’s a piece of comedy and cabaret with many twists. It’s a great night out.

Lisa Romeo