Comedy review: Gen Fricker, Forever
★★★★
Gen Fricker is on a mission to discover what her legacy will be in the event of her sudden demise.
Source: Gen Fricker, Forever performed live at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 2024
You may know the sarcastic, sassy, and authentically weird Gen Fricker from her work as a radio presenter on Triple J or her regular TV appearances on Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Project, and Spicks and Specks. Known for her dark and caustic humour, Gen is back in Melbourne to uncover the existential question that’s on every millennial’s mind: what defines a lasting legacy?
Forever is a unique show that will make you second guess what it means to live ‘forever’ – especially in an age where your digital footprint will likely outlast the real fleshy version of you. Yikes! For 60-minutes, Gen navigates relatable topics such as mental health struggles, queerness, and the pitfalls of modern dating (including being ghosted and catfished at the same time), not to forget, recaps a hilarious experience on a Praise Mayonnaise party boat (maybe this one isn’t so relatable but nonetheless will have you cackling in your seat).
Gen isn’t afraid to get real with mental health and reflect upon her traumatic past. In what is a raw, poignant touchpoint of the show, Gen talks about the harrowing on-air assault that took place after a stalker broke into the ABC Sydney Studios – a subtle reminder of the crucial need for more action around women’s safety in Australia.
While this show may not be for everyone, a younger audience will likely find laughs in her dark sardonic humour. Gen’s stand-up persona really does feel like a close friend, she’s down to earth and sweet, but there’s always a bite at the end of every joke – so don’t get too comfortable.
Forever is a must-see comedic gem at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival. You’ll definitely be entertained and once it’s over left to ponder, ‘what will my legacy be?’
Gen Fricker, Forever performed live at QT Melbourne from 28th of March to 7th of April 2024, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
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