Day 6 – Tic Tic

It’s half-way through the Tauranga Arts Fest and I am considering methods of intravenous caffeine input. I have a new found respect for people with kids; all I’m doing is going to a bunch of amazing shows in an 11 day time frame.

Tuesday was a one show special – Tic Tic at my second home, the Pacific Crystal Palace. Mum and I had found two perfectly placed seats and waited two whole minutes for the show to begin. We didn’t know what to expect, a comedy about Tourette's. The only experience I have had with this is when I watch rugby and a slew of obscenities shuffle out of my mouth at quick-fire succession. I have no control over this.

Paul Barrett opened with a piano piece and throughout the show used this as a tool for story telling about growing up with unclassified Tourette’s and being gay. It struck a chord with me because sometimes I would love to just start singing about everyday life as it happens. If I was a busker, I’d probably put a kitty in the hat to begin with so that the innocent listener could take a coin or two away for putting up with my inaudible and tone-deaf melodies.

Moments of laughter cropped up in pockets from the audience. I even heard Mum snort at one stage. Hmmm… there are some things you can’t help but inherit. Paul’s impersonations of people that had affected his life were truly memorable. As the laughter subsided, you realise that there is truth jest and he had taken this all in his stride - A true testament to his character.

As the applause waned and the lights came on, Mum said “That was different.”

I agreed. ‘Different’ is good and I was enlightened by the experience.

The final Tic Tic show is on tonight (Wednesday 26^th) at Te Puke Repertory Theatre.