Dr. Brown Returns (USA)

Phil Burgers has created the somewhat controversial character, Dr Brown, and has wowed audiences across various international comedy festival stages. It is not the least bit surprising that his unique talent translates well to the small and big screen where Burgers has created some very successful short sketches. On the surface Dr Brown appears as a somewhat crude slothful being but, actually, this character has a great deal of heart (literally and metaphorically). This is a show that goes well beyond comedy; it is part mime, part deadpan clowning, combined with an astute social and psychological experiment.  

Burgers is outstanding in his rendition of this highly subversive persona. He is hilarious, shocking, offensive, and endearing all at the same time. The appreciation of his stage presence is almost inexplicable but incredibly captivating. Burgers’s use of facial expression and micro gestures are so communicative that he almost sets up a dialogue with his audience without ever uttering a word. There are occasional grunts and sighs but otherwise Dr Brown is able to convey almost every impish thought that passes through his head. The emotions he conveys are also incredibly genuine and deep, despite the low-key register. 

Burgers also has a remarkable ability to read his audience. At times he taunts or goads them, at times he bonds with them, other times he just plays with them and even simply exploits them. This gives the show quite an edge and there is a sense that almost anything can happen. Dr Brown Returns is a show that pushes various boundaries, including the notions of theatre and comedy, but the experience has much more to say about humanity than can ever be put into words. 

Patricia Di Risio