Deb Filler

Went last night with an old friend from varsity to a show from Deb Filler, at the Fringe Bar on Cuba Street.

We got there a bit early and nabbed one of the nice big leather couches to have a drink or two on. We then realised one could also view the show from them, so stayed happily ensconced for the evening.

The show lasted for around two hours, and it was a great fun evening.

Filler is born in New Zealand, but has spent much of her life and career in New York, and more recently in Canada. She does a mixture of stand up comedy, story telling and also is a very fine singer and guitar player.

Filler is Jewish, and her parents and grandparents fled the Nazis (as my family did) in 1938. She does Jewish humour as only Jews can do – wonderfully self-deprecating. The laughter was non stop at times.

She also had some great stories to tell – the ones about Leonard Cohen and Leonard Bernstein were especially memorable.

My favourite part of the show was when she went played many of the theme songs of the 1950s and 1960s TV shows. Most of the audience recognised them within a few beats, and many joined in singing the lyrics. It was a great night for audience participation.

She is playing again on Saturday and Sunday night at the Fringe Bar. A very pleasant and enjoyable evening out, if you can make it. It is easy to see how she became such an international success.