The live comedy variety showcase 'Stamptown' has arrived on Netflix, offering a performance described as a condensed, wild circus act. The show, filmed during the Netflix Is A Joke festival in Los Angeles, is built on a foundation of 21st-century clowning, drawing inspiration from the École Philippe Gaulier, a French school that resurrected old-school clown sensibilities. Étampes, the commune where the school is located, gives the show its name.
'Stamptown' is characterized by its unpredictability, with the lineup of performers often varying from one show to the next. At its center is Zach Zucker, performing as the alter-ego 'Jack Tucker,' a fast-talking comedian from New York. He is supported by co-producers Jonny Woolley, who handles sound effects, and Dylan Woodley, who engages in physical comedy and stage photography. The ensemble has grown from a duo into a larger group, expanding their performances from smaller venues at festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe and in New York City to larger theaters in Los Angeles, London, and internationally. The Netflix special occurred during what the show's creators have referred to as its "Neil Patrick Harris Era."
The show is known for its eclectic mix of talent, including clowns, circus performers, stand-up comedians, musicians, and surprise celebrity guests. The Netflix taping featured performances by the quick-change duo Daredevil Chicken, Erin Farrington as the stage manager laying out house rules, and a cameo from Neil Patrick Harris. Viggo Venn performed his signature high-visibility vest routine, while The Sklar Brothers delivered a land acknowledgment. Martin Urbano appeared as a real-time reviewer for the "New York Times," and Cory Peter Lane performed a beer-chugging stunt. Comedian Courtney Pauroso, as the sex robot Vanessa 5000, was also featured, alongside stand-up from Ike Ufomadu. In a notable segment, Riki Lindhome "gave birth" to Natalie Palamides, who then delivered jokes as a newborn. The BriTANicK comedy duo attempted to promote their Pizza Movie on Hulu, and Jordan Gray, a semifinalist from The Voice UK, performed a nude song about their experiences as a trans person.
Adapting to the Netflix platform required some adjustments. For instance, Viggo Venn's routine, which previously used Daft Punk's "One More Time," was set to a chorus of "Let's Do It Again" to avoid copyright issues. The show’s creators have found ways to make these alterations work, with altered music for dance routines sometimes enhancing the comedic effect. The absence of a live audience allowed for quicker edits and multiple camera angles, which creators used to heighten the comedic impact.
Zucker, as Tucker, is quoted exclaiming, "Can you believe they let us do this?" The show aims for a ride-along experience for viewers, encouraging them to go with the flow rather than try to dissect every element. The performance by Jordan Gray, stripping naked to sing about the contrasting reactions from conservatives and liberals to their identity as a trans person, adds a poignant and striking dimension to the show's chaotic energy. As the show's stage manager notes, "I’m standing over there and I’m understanding some of that," reflecting the audience's potential experience of the show's dense, layered humor and performance art.
"Stamptown" is recommended for viewers willing to embrace its unconventional and unpredictable nature. The review concludes, "STREAM IT!" suggesting that the show offers a unique and memorable viewing experience precisely because of its willingness to defy easy categorization.