Lamesha Ruddock
Stamptown is fast-paced, ridiculous comedy at its best.
Ten years after taking over the Fringe, Zach Zucker as Jack Tucker leads his star-studded ensemble of clowns, misfits and everything in between.
From CC Blooms to Netflix, Stamptown remains joyous and gleefully filthy. Zucker shared at the screening at Assembly’s Palais du Variété how Edinburgh Fringe venues believed in the show over the years. It’s a masterclass in making mayhem look effortless, with fearless performers who get stuck in from performing to clean-up, even Neil Patrick Harris.
Whoever approved this at Netflix has some risk-taking taste. Once it starts, it’s nonstop, so settle into this 60 minutes special.
Zucker conducts the madness with zany, titillating energy. Courtney Pauroso’s deadpan Vanessa 5000 layers in humour and unsuspecting intimacy. Martin Urbano’s ever-present critical lens reads the performers savagely and sharply. Viggo Venn has the audience begging to do it again. Ikechukwu Ufomadu’s dry delivery disarms the room. Chad Damiani, wordless, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, has the whole room willing to wait for it. Wait for it. Wait for it. The gorgeously amusing Jordan Gray’s naked piano rendition celebrates the real boldness of Stamptown.
Stamptown exemplifies audacity, a radical sense of self-love and a curatorial bullseye in the lineup.
Recommended Drink: A pint of Stella.
Stamptown is now streaming on Netflix.
