The almost daily battle of wits between parents and children, as one party aims for an early night while the other sets out on a range of strategies to totally avoid that.
It is a scenario explored by The Listies, who are making an appearance in Shepparton at Riverlinks Eastbank on September 17, with their newest show, ROFL.
Richard Higgins and Matthew Kelly have become nationally celebrated performers since the birth of their double act, ‘The Listies’, in 2008.
ROFL, which is an abbreviation for original title ROFLSHALBOWCO (Rolling On the Floor Laughing So Hard A Little Bit Of Wee Comes Out), focuses on the pains of trying to get a good night’s sleep, with an immature companion, Matt, attempting to keep the surrogate parent, Rich, up as long as possible.
The child is certainly trying his hardest to keep the adult from any rest: with the performance set to include “toilet paper cannons, a real life cowasaurus, lullabies of doom, detachable legs, a panoply of puns, and possibly too many Aldi gags”.
Matt and Rich have been commended for their ability to create “unapologetically puerile” comedy that focuses on slapstick and gross-out humour, performed through the standard “straight-guy, funny-guy” set — and still managing to include relatable jokes and bits for the parents of their show’s main audience.
Riverlinks manager Ken Cameron said the show would offer something for everyone.
“While the kids are laughing out loud at the antics of The Listies, the adults will no doubt be grimacing on the inside at all those ‘fun’ parts of being a parent,” he said.
Tickets are available in person, online or through the Riverlinks box office on 03 5832 9511 or the Riverlinks website: www.riverlinksvenues.com.au/whats-on
Angus Shanahan is currently completing work experience with The News