Magazine sex tips fuel storytelling blast (off)

By Myron My

What becomes of the broken-hearted? In US comedian Ryan Good‘s experience, it becomes a journey of self-discovery through masturbation. This subsequently lead to a comedy show about the ten worst sex tips ever provided by Cosmopolitan magazine and the birth of his highly-acclaimed show COSMOnaut.

While some of the “tips” are pretty tame, there are some that are downright weird and I’m confessedly not sure they how are even remotely sexual but I guess, to each their own. However, this show isn’t a theatrical list-icle, but a witty commentary on relationships, feminism and the pressure in society to be attractive and successful. I feel a bit more clarity for the story Good is trying to tell would work wonders for this show, as this purpose can get lost with the numerous stories and points being raised.

However, Good is highly endearing and personable on stage and his natural goofiness is a major draw-card to COSMOnaut. His storytelling and singing – there’s a lovely little song to the perineum – is shared at the perfect pace and the build-up to the final tip is about as close to foreplay as you can get in a comedy show.

The success of the show does fall partly with the audience member who agrees to come on stage with Good and on the night I attended, Good struck gold because Dave is brilliant. The banter the two share and Dave’s open attitude allows Good to fully explore the themes and ideas raised in COSMOnaut and results in one of the most romantic wedding vows ever. You would almost suspect that Dave is a plant organised by Good with his quick thinking and responses, but it’s just fantastic luck.

Relationships and life can be tough and messy and with so much pressure coming from the media, it can also be very confusing. COSMOnaut is 60 minutes of cheeky entertaining laughs that urges you to question what you see and read around you and act up if you don’t agree.

Venue: Fringe Hub – Arts House, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne, 3051
Season: until 1 October | Tues – Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm
Length: 60 minutes
Tickets: $25 Full | $20 Conc/Cheap Tuesday | $22 Groups 6+
Bookings: MelbourneFringe Festival