I’ve been on quite a few walking tours around Perth and have always learnt something new about my local neighbourhood. Until know I’ve lived in relatively ignorant bliss about the crimes within our city, so I was looking forward to this tour. Only problem is, would it make me scared in my own backyard?
It was a very hot February night so the thought of getting off the couch and venturing outside wasn’t pleasant. At least I had the benefit of being on my trike, which meant I’d be able to ride between stops and had a seat.
The True Crime Comedy Walking Tour started outside The Mint where we met our guide, Shayne Hunter, a well-known comedian who’s performed across Australia and Asia.
As we waited for the other patrons to arrive, Hunter warmed up his audience interaction skills, no doubt honed from years of standup heckles. When we had about 15 people, I thought we’d probably be underway but no, 46 people had booked for the tour! Forty-six Perth residents getting out of the house on a Wednesday. It was a weird feeling watching such a disparate group of strangers amass.
The ninety-minute tour took us to three pit stops, the Mint, the Law Courts and Government House. At each stop we huddled together to hear the crime story along with Hunters’ comedic take of the events.
At the end of the evening as we bid farewell to the strangers who’d become friends I pondered:
- The fact that 46 people signed on to a walking tour says a lot about our fascination with true crime;
- Given our obesity problem, a walking tour is much better idea than sitting on the couch listening to a podcast;
- Two of the three stories were well known to the audience, which may have been a bit disappointing for some, however, the audience interaction and Hunters’ unique perspectives were enough to make the evening worthwhile;
- It was weird just turning and walking away, from the group after spending time with them;
- A night walking tour is a great way to spend a summers evening. I’ll definitely be looking out for more.
True Crime Comedy Walking Tour
11, 18 FEB @ 03:00 pm · 90 MINS
8, 18 FEB @ 07:00 pm · 90 MINS
10, 17 FEB @ 04:00 pm · 90 MINS
19-20, 24-27, 31 JAN, 1, 3, 7, 10, 14-15, 17 FEB @ 07:30 pm · 90 MINS
For more information go to Fringe World.
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