What I’m Going For might be a solo act, but from Camilleri’s first lines it’s clear that she won’t be the only one under the spotlight. For her self-referential opening sketch, she calls on a front row attendee to play the other half of a couple who have just suffered through a participation-heavy comedy show. “That poor audience member,” she comments in disapproval, as the one beside her shakes with laughter.
Most of the series of sketches that follow require some degree of crowd engagement. Participants are at no risk of humiliation, however, and need only follow where Camilleri ably leads. As she boldly acknowledges in the opening scene, this level of reliance on the audience is a risk. With too little engagement the scene can struggle to get off the ground, while too much may threaten to derail a sketch or throw off the timing. Camilleri navigates these challenges with a light touch, working in improvised dialogue while steering each scene back on course. Watching the reactions of those on stage is also a significant part of the fun.
Camilleri’s approach to sketch comedy is primarily character-driven. A consummate actor as well as comedian, she has lovingly crafted the voice, posture, gait, and mannerisms of each persona, such that they are a pleasure to watch even in the moments when you aren’t laughing aloud (although these, to be clear, are rare).
This reviewer has fond memories of Camilleri’s 2023 double act with Nat Harris, Pét-Nat + Han ah Chocolat, the highlight of which was their turn as a pair of nobly suffering middle school teachers. Happily, the choppy wig and piercing classroom voice make a return here, as Camilleri invites pairs of audience members onstage for parent-teacher interviews. Her drawling, moustachioed mechanic Frank is another recurring fan favourite.
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Amongst these more developed character pieces, Camilleri throws in a good mix of shorter comic morsels, including some top-notch clowning as a stooped, greying waiter. Sadly, we missed most of a promising musical number after she lost her place in the song and didn’t quite manage to pick it up again.
Camilleri’s work has rightly garnered accolades at local and international festivals, and it’s a joy to have her back in Adelaide with fresh material. She is a must-see for any sketch comedy enthusiast.
Hannah Camilleri – What I’m Going For is playing at The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum until March 9
Read more 2025 Adelaide Fringe coverage here on InReview