Barry Morgan: Out Of This World (MICF)

Was there ever an episode of Blankety Blanks where Graham Kennedy and Liberace donated their DNA for cloning? Because if so, that kid has grown up; and his name is Barry Morgan.

Fresh from Adelaide's Sunnyside Mall, Morgan is a one-man explosion of '70s chic, organ rock songs, and cheese of the highest order. His demeanour is straight out of a Women's Weekly almanac of tinned pineapple and leatherette - and in his golden safari suit and a bouffant that's feathered to the nines; Morgan will never blend into a crowd.

Out Of This World takes Morgan's audience to the interstellar, with plenty of well-chosen tunes to set the mood. Audience participation is non-negotiable, and calculated seating selection doesn't come into it - he will seek you out. "Name That Tune", "Barry-oke" and Morgan just going into the crowd will see every last punter have a chance to get nice and close with the organ man.

Much like a number of festival shows this year, Morgan is relying heavily on the gimmick factor of his persona. There's the tacky, over-the-top facade, but little beneath. Of course, this is an intentional component of Morgan's deportment, but at a certain point the sickly sweet performance does lose a little traction.

Be that as it may, Morgan is an unbelievable talent that makes organ playing look simultaneously simple and dextrous. It's a jaw-dropping experience that engulfs the audience in a pool of synthetic audio, complete with a grin that stretches to the stars.

Any reservations need to be left at the door if a Barry Morgan show is to be totally enjoyed. Abandon any better-than-this hesitation and this will be a throwback show that even Gen-Y and beyond can get behind.

Barry Morgan presents Out Of The World till 23 Apr at Malthouse Theatre, part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.