NOTE: This review will not contain spoilers

Comedy as sharp as knives.

Chop Shop, a comedy special by Pōneke’s most wholesome company, Monfu Productions, is a variety of both local and exotic comedic produce that flits seamlessly between a wide array of different styles. Five comedians speak, act, joke and even dance throughout the night in a supportive manner that truly feels like you’ve just stumbled into a group of friends’ jamming session.

From the moment the lights go down, there’s a palpable excitement in the audience. Everyone here seems to know someone in the show, either as a friend or as a fan. The performers rush on from all angles and set the energy levels high with a flurry of dance moves that are more suited to a house party than a stage – but that’s exactly the vibe they’re going for.

In fact, the whole show feels like one massive house party where your friends are just jumping up and doing bits for the sole purpose of making you laugh your ass off. They’ll shift around the stage, flitting from one bit to the next, grab the microphone when it’s time for a bit of stand-up and dim the lights when it’s time for something… sexier. There always seems to be one other performer on the stage while another is the focus. They might be sitting off on the couch to the side. Sometimes, they’re leaning on the walls of the stage. My favourite part of the show is when one bit finishes and another comedian runs up to them and grabs their hands, clearly thrilled at the bit they’ve just done. It’s friendly, supportive comedy done right.

The bits are designed to both be varied in pacing, and designed to boost the performers’ specific prowesses

Alayne Dick is a mistress of parody, poking fun at all aspects of her comedic career. She rides the curve up into absurdity and never removes her pedal from the gas. Whether she’s doing stand-up about little men in hats or delivery the pitch-perfect energy of an improvisor who can’t switch off, she’s always in control of her craft, and always a pleasure to watch.

Complementing Alayne in the earlier stages is Viki Moananu, whose sass and flippancy for etiquette carry his performance. Moananu is a comedian who isn’t interested in playing nice, but instead focused on delivering strong opinions that almost nobody agees with.

This is my first time seeing Lily Catastrophe‘s work and my god does she slay. Her comedy comes from a sincere source of truth and a desire to be seen for the absolute hottie she is. There is diligence in her work and her charisma shines through with every move she makes.

Zach Mandeville is a charming comedic talent who plays some really fun tricks on the audience. You think you’re getting a afun little bit out of him, and then he goes and grounds so well that you’re invested in a story that is clearly going nowhere, only to have it ripped out again with an expertly timed gag.

Finally, we have Mog. A goblin let loose on the stage who always has this delightfully wide grin on their face. They are the cheekiest one of the bunch, pulling off some classic Mog moves that are chaotic, endearing, and of course, messy. They are a comedy stalwart and make the audience feel like they’re really part of the show.

At its core, Chop Shop is a continuation of the amazing work that Monfu Productions has been building over many years in Wellington. Director Trent H Baumann and musician Sachie Mikawa are experts in talent curation and have put to together a cast that plays off each other and prioritises support. It feels so safe for the audience watching.

By the end of the night, my mouth is pinned into a grin and I’m gasping to see what’s happening next. Chop Shop has this knack for immediately getting me interested in whatever’s happening on stage and rewarding my faith with a belly full of laughter. There is no ego at play here, just wonderful performers having each other’s backs.

Shop’s open, get chopped.

Chop Shop is running from the 8th to the 10th of November, 8pm at BATS Theatre. Tickets available from the BATS Theatre website.

Disclosure: As a somewhat active member of the Wellington performing arts community, I may be quite familiar with a number of the performers in this show.
Having said that, I am not a liar, and there is zero bias in my reviews, shut up.

Also, tickets were provided to me for free by the production. Literally changes nothing, though.