WORDS BY LLEWELLYN HORGAN

USYD AF is a name that promises a show that would be more USYD than any other show in existence, past, present or future. Does it live up to its name? How can the amount of USYD be measured? And is it funny at all? The only way to find an answer to these questions was to go and watch the show, which consists of skits, musical numbers, voiceovers and a couple of videos. After attending the dress rehearsal, the verdict is clear: the show is indeed quite USYD-y, as well as very, very funny, so no one could say that it didn’t live up to its good but also arguably unimaginative name.

All of the material of USYD AF was cherry picked from the 2017 USYD revue season, but there was still a strong sense of thematic consistency throughout the show. The gags often dealt with millennial experiences, such as becoming vegetarian, the angst that comes from spending all your time studying, deciding which clubs on campus to join, as well as jokes about puberty and goon. A number of jokes did a good job of capturing the glorious highs and sickening lows of life here at USYD. There was also one incredibly bizarre and very funny skit involving rice.

Most of the skits were self-contained but the click-baiting town crier was a welcome reoccurring gag, steadily building in hilarity with each return. Most of the jokes were pretty light, staying away from any sort of darker or edgier material, and therefore able to be enjoyed by everyone.

The music was great, and deserves a special mention, with the parody songs being some of the highlights of the show. The live band, seated on stage throughout the show, was able to handle whatever was thrown at them, playing everything from classic musicals tunes to a thrilling rendition of Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda. Marlowe Fitzpatrick should be commended for his top-notch music directing skills.

Although a few of the more throwaway skits could have been stood to be trimmed, the show never really seemed to drag or lose energy, with a great cast, and great direction and production that verges on the professional level. Director Edan Lacey, Assistant Director Clare Cavanagh, Producer Aaron Cornelius, and indeed the whole cast, crew and band should be very proud of the show that they have created. Really, anyone who wants to have a night of fun should go see USYD AF. If you hate fun, you should go see the show anyway, because it will probably change your mind re: fun. Also why do you hate fun? That’s sad and weird.

SYDNEY UNI REVUE: USYD AF is on the 15th & 16th of March, with tickets available from this link.

Sydney Uni Revue: "USYD AF"

WORDS BY LLEWELLYN HORGAN