Demi Lardner: Ditch Witch 800

Demi Lardner

At one point early in the show, Demi Lardner apologises to those in audience who “didn’t know what they were getting themselves into”. There is no apology necessary. While it’s understandable that some audience members may not be able to tune into Lardner’s absurd clowning, the opening night Basement Theatre crowd are with her every step of the way. Ditch Witch 800 is by far the weirdest comedy show I have ever seen, and I loved every bizarre moment of it.

Not only is Lardner an incredibly charismatic performer with an infectious high-octane energy, her comedy clearly comes from a place of what she finds funny, not what she thinks will be funny for other people. Nothing feels forced or catered to. But her audience is not simply on the receiving end of a tangential brainstorm, as there is a genuine sense of sharing and caring in Lardner’s performance.

She mentions past reviews in which the reviewers have felt “unsafe” and “uncomfortable”, but I simply cannot understand how anyone would feel this way in the hands of a performer who is so clearly in control of her craft. To assume the erratic nature of the structure is simply that, is to undermine the skill Lardner has put into constructing it.

Whether commenting on the millennial zeitgeist, satirising television, or simply reflecting on her childhood, Lardner makes the most of every gag. There is literally never a dull moment. Preview week may be too early to pick a favourite show, but I doubt you’ll see anything that comes close to Ditch Witch 800.