My lack of organisational skills meant I missed Xavier Michelides perform his show The Post Apocalyptic Users’ Guide at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival this year. I wasn’t too impressed with myself, especially with all the rave reviews it received. So, you can imagine my delight to find out he was bringing it to the stage again for the Melbourne Fringe Festival. And this time, I was determined not to miss it.
I arrived at the Lithuanian Club with enough time to take in the interior of hanging tapestries, photos of traditional dances and wooden, wobbly chandeliers. A perfect venue for this show because if it’s apocalypse time people – at least we will go out surrounded by kitsch artefacts. Xavier took to the stage as soon as the crowd settled and started his show with a calm, composed character delivering a meditative speech on have I or haven’t I started the show. Whatever the case, I was under his spell from then.
Like meditation, it was clear there and then that his show was going to take me on a journey; don’t think and just go along with the character ride that is such a distinct part of Xavier’s performances. What evolved was a tale of how to prepare for the end of the world, the end of the world and the aftermath. Just under ten different characters, ranging from an American army sergeant to a polite English housewife (confessing to partaking and enjoying a bit of cannibalism if you please), guide you, lecture you and give you tips on how to survive the apocalypse.
There are zombies, aliens, nuclear bombs, half-men/half-cockroaches to deal with. A cool, collected Jesus makes an appearance and sends all the lost souls to hell, bar from an over-zealous Christian (who was a stand-out character for me – keep an eye out for the chats with God). And the evil doctor who destroys our planet, Dr Doomsday, visits us while he’s orbiting Earth alone… but with a full 1.25 litre bottle of diet coke. The sheer sight of Xavier’s characters coming to life on stage are testament to his talent and skill at this genre of comedy.
What sets him apart is that Xavier stays with his characters – his intonation is spot on, his charm is irresistible, even his eyes take on the character. It’s mind-blowing to watch this comedian delve in and out of characters using facial expressions, gestures and voice alone and to do it in a split-second change over time.
Characters making a repeat performance are pitch-perfect. His character sketches keep the show fresh and the audience on their toes. As a person who for many years believed the world was going to blow up before her 21st birthday, I found Xavier’s ‘what to do in case of’ suggestions to such an unfeasible and hopeless prospect engaging.
There were times I found myself leaning in closer to the stage to take in all the advice that was coming my way… just in case. I fell hook, line and sinker into the despairing situation of all characters. Xavier is a true craftsman whose skills unfold in front of you. A charismatic performer who lures the audience in and makes you feel as though you are in the world of the character he is portraying.