Tom Green is crazy, crass and pretty funny too. I have to say I had no expectations upon seeing his only show in Wellington, having not seen his self proclaimed “most critically reviled film of all time, Freddy Got Fingered” which Green wrote, directed and starred in. Nor had I seen his TV shows or any of his live stand-up comedy previously. Yet I find[JS1]  myself having a rather good time.

The audience, in a surprisingly empty Wellington Opera House, consists of a range of ages – from teens to the elderly – and shows that whatever Green has done before, he has certainly gained a broad following from it.

During the course of his one hour set, he interacts with members of the front few rows (how terrified I would be sitting up that close), gives his opinion on the technology take-over of social networking (urging us to ‘cancel our Facebook accounts’, despite plugging his own Twitter account!), and makes a couple of thought-provoking statements, which is surprising considering how much of his show is angrily-shouted and quite ridiculous comedy.

Despite feeling slightly uncomfortable in the presence of a comic who admits his own craziness, I enjoy his unique style of comedy. His constant enthusiasm and zany outbursts are nothing but remarkable. And while loud may not always equal funny, and at times his content drifts into the area of ‘very awkward’, he has the unfailing ability to get a loud, rowdy response even by just making eye contact with his audience.

It truly is a show for his fans, and by closing the night acting out lines from his aforementioned film, I don’t believe any of his most devoted fans would have left disappointed.

For me, I can’t say I am a fan yet. However, I now feel inspired to see the film which has received such a cult following and dedicated fan-base.

For a fan in New Zealand, it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see his brand of comedy on the stage. And while his comedy is certainly not for everyone – with swear-words littering every sentence and jokes where nothing is taboo – if you can withstand it you should find yourself having a good time. Just one word of warning: avoid the front row.

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In the sea of people in the foyer of SkyCity Theatre, there’s a buzz of anticipation as everyone gathers for one purpose – to see Tom Green.

Green has many strings to his bow: actor, director, producer, composer, and reality TV star. But it’s his film Freddy got Fingered that Green is perhaps best known for, especially with the crowd here tonight.

Green enters the stage to the song ‘Helter Skelter’, with a Steinlarger and an air of confidence, and is met with rapturous applause.  His comedy throughout the night comments on technology, TV, education and growing up.

There are smatterings of his signature crass jokes (that are not for the faint of heart) throughout, to the delight of the majority of the audience. At times the set loses its way as he riffs around things that seems insignificant, but the crowd love him and he is most relatable when he talks about his own experiences.

The show closes with the audience shouting out their favourite lines from Freddy Got Fingered, and Green acting them out.  Tom Green seems to really know who he is and what he likes, and I don’t think he cares if you like his stuff or not, as long as some people do.

The people in the audience tonight are there because they do, so if you love Tom Green, you’ll love seeing him live.

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