Slow Clap's Truth epitomises the power of independent comedy. Vachel Spirason and Stephanie Brotchie have a surreal and impressive show, written by the two of them and performed by the former. After their great success last year with The Hermitude of Angus, Ecstatic, Slow Clap are going from strength to strength and should definitely not be missed. Spirason gives every ounce of himself in this performance and it is impossible to drag your eyes away from the stage; it's not even worth blinking just in case you miss one of his witty asides. This show will make your belly ache from laughing, yet manages to combine its absurdity with moments of real pathos; it's abstract yet accessible, bizarre but brilliant.
Spirason announces early on that he is a storyteller and he launches with gusto into a yarn about a naked man he once came across in New Zealand and how he came to acquire a rather magical object. This in itself is hilarious; Spirason is bursting with flamboyant charm and has an exceptional presence on stage. As the story develops the audience is introduced to a number of individually ridiculous and wonderful characters. Each is very distinctive and has their own dance; we meet the flamenco dancing Juan who loves name-based wordplay, the cross-eyed Russian chess champion who tries to make everyone join in with his 'chessecise'-chess based exercise and a variety of others. It is remarkable with what ease Spirason moves between personalities, each as convincing as the last yet utterly unique. His command of different accents is extensive, but something all the characters share is his same unflinching confidence; he launches himself into the audience on various occasions and ecstatically stands over a member of the front row, gyrating right into their face.
There are twists and turns throughout the story; expect the unexpected and don't be surprised if you find your mouth hanging open aghast at the end. Spirason gives the performance of a lifetime; the success of Truth hangs on his immaculate timing and inexhaustible charisma. The energy output of this show could power a small nation; forget renewable energy, just hook your television up to Spirason. Go and see this show, it is truly original, intelligently written and showcases a powerful performance.
