Some of the world’s greatest physical comedians — from Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd to Jacques Tati and Mr Bean — worked their most mirthful magic without the benefit of words, and Gordon Neill deserves to be mentioned in their company for his semi-silent solo show WINNING: Winning, a show so stupid that it’s genius.
Neil, who looks like an over-the-hill Zach Galifianakis wearing a wrestling singlet and cone of shame, gets laughs with his appearance, even before he starts exercising with an oddly anthropomorphic musical instrument. Mock Tony Robbins motivational videos between bits undermine Neill’s irrationally exuberant self-esteem, as he repeatedly attempts to overcome his personal failings with slapstick results.
Whether bending over backwards trying to eat a cupcake, painfully misinterpreting the concept of personal branding, or hosting a late-night talkless show, Neill’s melange of preposterous prop comedy and pantomime audience participation is incandescent with inspired, unbridled idiocy, that’s secretly an unexpectedly inspiring story about sobriety.
I could continue raving why WINNING: Winning won my heart and funnybone. But I literally hurt myself laughing at Neill’s self-inflicted low blows, and then left the show in tears, so I need to go lie down for a bit. Suffice to say that I believe in Neill, and you will too after seeing this wild, wacky, unexpectedly emotional winner of a show.
WINNING: Winning
Ten10 Brewing (B-Side)
60 minutes; 18 & up
$15
Get tickets
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This article appears in May 14-20, 2025.