Neanderthal: This Adults-Only Stand-Up Spotlights The Inner Workings Of A Man

It’s said that laughter is the best medicine. If that’s the case, one of the shows on offer at the Sydney Comedy Festival promising some healthy but infectious laughter is adults-only standup comedy Neanderthal, starring Alex Lykos in his first venture on stage.

Lykos has always had a passion for the arts but found success late in life when his first play Alex & Eve became a hit and was eventually produced into a successful film. Other stage shows followed, a comedy flick called Me & My Left Brain and feature documentary Disconnect Me which received much accolade and screened at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

When asked to explain what his show is about Lykos was quick to respond.

“The show is titled Neanderthal – it examines the inner-workings of a male. The idea came to me after I saw yet another incident on the news of men behaving poorly. I thought, ‘why do men keep behaving this way?’ I thought it would be interesting to examine the inner-workings of a male in a forum least expected – stand up.”

This show pulls the curtain on male behaviour especially in relation to our interactions with women in intimate relationships, but are the stories and gags he shares with audiences based on his own experiences?

“Absolutely. I have mixed with a variety of male social cohorts and observed how men of varying social and economic backgrounds behave and act, and I have become interested in how different men act when around their wives/partners and when they are not around them. The show has forced me to look within myself and reflect on my intimate personal relationships.”

Lykos laughs that some men may not be happy with him for breaking the ‘what goes on the road, stays on the road’ bro-code.

“But I like creating pieces which have a social-conscious. I am just trying to have fun with how men “really” think and hopefully people can come along, have a good laugh and perhaps the show can trigger some discussion.”

He explained that working on this show has been a steep learning curve but has enjoyed this form of storytelling.

“It’s very different to writing theatre plays and films and I can feel the wheels grinding inside my head. I love the fluidity of this format. Making a film is very different. Once you start filming, for the most part, you cannot make any wholesale changes.”

The show is presented in a shipping container which is the perfect venue for this style of show. Airconditioned and boasting beautiful interiors, it accommodates 75 people and wherever you sit you’ll be close up and personal to the stage.

Audiences who attend the show should be prepared for a fun-filled and hysterically funny night out. Lykos wants audiences to feel like they’re going into his home, and he wants them to have a drink, sit back, laugh and have a great time. He believes women should also enjoy this show as it provides some insight into how men really think and act.

“Neanderthal is being performed at the Factory Theatre as part of the Sydney Comedy Festival and there is no better place to be in Sydney than the Factory Theatre during the Sydney Comedy Festival. There are so many shows on and there’s just a real great buzz about the place. I am really excited being part of the Sydney Comedy Festival!” concluded Lykos.

April 25-27. Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville.

www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au/event/alex-lykos-neanderthal/