Reviewed by: Fringefeed
Review by Nanci Nott | 17 February 2023

Most stand up comedians don’t provide audience members with sketch books; probably for good reasons. But Laugh Mob's most dynamic duo (Ruven Govender and Sean Michaels) bravely rebel against the tradition of not allowing their audience to draw them as semi-nude birds of prey.

Having performed this show over 100 times all around the world, you’d think the energy would be waning by this point, but Ruven and Sean vibrate with palpable enthusiasm and infectious amusement. Together, they create a relaxed environment of upbeat arty comedy.

Every session is unique, with different prompts and poses, increasing the potential for repeated attendance if you have a good enough time. And you will, because Life Drawing With a Comedian is the most (legal) fun you can reasonably expect to have whilst holding a drink in one hand, and a pencil in the other.

Posing a comedian via audience suggestion is just as funny as it sounds, and that’s before you get to witness the sketchy results. The time frame given for each drawing is long enough to become completely immersed in the activity, but short enough that self-consciousness and perfectionism remain firmly out of the equation.

Ruven and Sean keep the vibe high throughout the night with their easy back-and-forth banter. Audience members contribute with unpredictable aplomb. Surrealism - plus a skull - equals visual hilarity, and if you’ve never participated in a speed round of abstract expressionism in graphite, now is your chance.

Life Drawing with a Comedian is revolutionary. It stretches fifteen minutes of stand-up material across the span of an hour, while the audience sits and draws. It’s like daycare for children, but at night, and for adults. Professionals and amateurs alike are sure to adore this novel experience.

This show is highly recommended for humans who like to laugh, people who like to draw, and those who wish they could partake in both, preferably simultaneously.