OBSERVER: Casey Filips, Virtuoso
Virtuoso stars Casey Filips as the pompous and pretentious British actor, Tobias Finley-Fraser, in this solo comedy master class of a show.
Co-opted as casting directors, the audience reserves its collective judgement on auditionee number 86, Finley-Fraser.
A classically-trained actor and veteran, Finley-Fraser reveals, of 300 similar cattle call auditions.
Like the legendary Alexander Dane from the iconic Galaxy Quest, Finley-Fraser is a graduate of RADA and the National Theatre.
Finley-Fraser has kept up his skill level with numerous short courses in prolonged singing Level 5, dramatic pausing Level 6, and pregnant pausing Level 7, all of which he demonstrates.
Finley-Fraser presents the audience with signed headshots that increase in size until he reveals a giant poster as a backdrop.
Next, he presents his reviews, such as five-star Uber Eats, and a community Neighbourhood Watch, watch and act public notice.
Absurdities abound in this crazy show, where the audience participates in making the improv elements work so well.
Two willing participants join Finley-Fraser onstage and are put through increasingly bizarre paces.
Finley-Fraser deadpans through a spectacularly ridiculous Attenborough-esque skit as a horny manatee with audience member Kevin, enacting his manatee love interest.
Calls from his agent interrupt at awkward moments.
Another audience member is handed the phone as Finley-Fraser sprints to deliver an Uber Eats order.
The ante is upped as the situations get more and more outlandish.
In a finale featuring some optimistic forward-projecting, Finley-Fraser attends the Academy Awards night and follows with his own fragrance, Desperation.
There is nothing desperate about this comedian, though. Casey Filips is desperately good.
Review by Kathryn Keeble