By Jennifer Beasley.
Murphy slays with a rollicking, frantic ode to 90’s pop iconic show Buffy.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer. 90’s television series that launched a few Hollywood careers.
Never heard of it? Or Super Hard Core Fan Numero Uno?
If you identify with either of the above, or floating somewhere in between, then grab a stake and let Spike (aka Murphy) do the rundown on the 144 episodes in 70. Action. Packed. Minutes!
Woo Wee! Strap in, bring those grins as we jump on Murphy’s roller coaster through all seven seasons.
Through an eerie haze, a recreation of Mr. Giles library office at Sunnydale High sets the scene. A black tablecloth embellished with a pentagram, along with flickering candles adds that sinister touch. Accompanied by a killer sound and light system, the audience is primed to meet leather coated, blond-haired Spike!
Vampire/Rock Demon in the making, Murphy never lets this get too serious, or silly for that matter. Running through at breakneck speed, we get the lowdown on the characters: Willow, Xander, Kendral and – my fave, Angel. (sigh. Sorry, must reminisce for a bit here…right, all good so back to it).
Sure, I’m a fan, but haven’t thought of Buffy for an age. Now, I’m a fan of Murphy!
Interspersed with other characters, Murphy is the consummate performer, segueing from character to character, singing parodies of classic 90’s pop and gently chastising the audience members in the front row.
Hailing from the UK, this show won the best one-person comedy show at DarkChat 2022. The rapid-fire pace can get a little overwhelming at times, and the segment on Whistler took me out of the show. However, the joy of watching Murphy, who wrote the show as well, fill the stage, making use of every prop and showcasing his considerable talent more than makes up for this.
Those of us not armed with our own stakes were privy to a set of chop sticks to impale anything vampiric as, after a slideshow recap of the entire show, Murphy cements his Rock God status by singing ‘It’s the End of the World’ with the audience enthusiastically screaming out the words as well – settle down Melbourne!
Totally great fun. It you are still in the groove after the show there’s also a bar upstairs with a gallery or the rooftop bar, and of course the Winesmith on the corner if you want to continue the theme and slay a red!
Go see this, tickets selling fast and you’ll laugh your heart out (not literally.)
Brendan Murphy: Buffy Revamped now playing at Fortyfive Downstairs at 6:15 pm (5:00pm on a Sunday) until 20th of April.
