Critically acclaimed comedian Huge Davies has released his latest version of 'The Carpark' - his deadpan delivery now being available to wider audiences as the stand up show can be found across various streaming platforms, including YouTube.
Using a fresh creativity to ensure uniqueness in an industry where it's easy to fall into similar work as others, Huge arrives with a Yamaha keyboard around his neck; a blatant contrast to his spoken appearance, immediately presenting as an intriguing, mystery of a character. Playing on this notion, he starts by mocking the audience energy, encouraging them to join in with none other than the familiar tune, head, shoulders, knees and toes. Swiftly turning into an existential crisis (and the itinerary for a murderer), Huge points out the gaps in the song... where actually is the mention of the torso? Generating his own slightly more anatomically accurate rendition, you'll never hear it normally again.
With several long-running jokes throughout the show, the title did get a mention, with no real relevance to the current staging of the piece, but in reference of the original version from Edinburgh previously, which is said to have taken place in a carpark, with a Solero ice cream as a sweetener and audience bonding point. With bitter disappointment to be inside a theatre this time, Huge's blunt storytelling skills - particularly a dubious story about a man and a van - are put to the test instead, describing what would have been if circumstances were different.
Deciphering a whole host of pop culture and musical tropes - from Wallace and Gromit to Gladiator; Daft Punk to Adele - Huge's repertoire is stretched to cover a bit of everything, exploring their nuances and undertones through his serious persona, with even some Titanic, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Busted's 'Year 3000' dissected. His sweary and passionate approach provides laughs, and wrapped in dark humour, Huge's experimental style gives him an edge in comparison to others in the industry.
The keyboard successfully enhances the act with the added hilarity it brings, especially when the various different sounds are used to create the noises of an evil ice cream man of sorts. Another highlight is the parodies of dance music - the profound yet random messages before the beat drops are just a further observation for audience enjoyment.
Having no clue where Huge is from, his backstory, or what you've spent your time witnessing for the duration of the gig, it has to be said, the ending is a genius reflection on music, and another memorable moment to take away from the set. Overall, it's clear that Huge Davies is beginning to make his mark as a comedian, and has got the skills to progress this further every time he is on stage.
