Many of us have some form of a box in which we keep childhood keepsakes and store treasured memories. Henry Paker’s box is in need of a clearout, which is what forms the basis of this show.
The use of the props in the box and onscreen visuals work effectively to add comedic value as well as further enhance the show’s narrative.
Unpacked sees Paker doing a physical and essentially mental declutter as a result of his recent decision to move in with his girlfriend. Throughout the hour, he delves into a box of mementos from his childhood using the items within as a springboard to share entertaining snippets from his past as well as present likes and gripes with us.
Over the course of the show, we learn about his obsession with crisps, his deep dislike for walks and his rules for doing laundry which include a hilarious skit in which he personifies different items of clothing. We also learn about Henryville, a fictional world made out of Lego created by Paker, which is an integral element to the show and what ties everything together.
Paker’s everyday, slice-of-life observations are very relatable and even if you couldn’t relate, his material is still genuinely funny enough to garner the laughs. The use of the props in the box and onscreen visuals work effectively to add comedic value as well as further enhance the show’s narrative.
Unpacked is an entertaining and cleverly written hour of comedy that will ultimately remind us that we should always remember to enjoy the little things in life.
