Sexy Ghost Boy is immersive comedy, and a challenge from the performer to allow the audience in on the fun.
The distinctions between observer and performer are blurred. George Fenn, a Christchurch domiciled comedian, stage actor and performer has been taking their one-man show around the country since 2018, gaining accolades and awards along the way.
Immediately makes for a warm environment and an effective acoustic space. More on that later.
What is the best description of the show?
It has been described as mime, clowning, Mister Bean but sexy. They do touch on the legacy of the great silent comedian era of Chaplin, Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, Langdon.
This evening, we are all seated in a large circle, so it is like a therapy session. I sense we are about to have to contribute.
In saying that, some of the funniest therapy sessions I have attended have been at mental health institution. (I was part of the therapeutic team). Simultaneously it can be like pulling teeth.
Past descriptions of the show have also covered the spectrum of don’t pick me to why wasn’t I picked.
The psychology of Sexy Ghost Boy. Fenn was identified as a pretty boy, sexy in a baby-faced way. You could think of Justin Bieber, but he was a mere kid.
Boomers (of which there were present none save myself) would opt for Davy Jones of the Monkees (but not David Jones of the Bowie), or even more so Marc Bolan of T-Rex.
On stage a few nights later doing stand-up, he would suggest Rob Schneider, or Johnny Depp in his younger days.
Deconstructing sex and expectation into a playbook of set pieces is hilarious depending on the audience/marks willingness to actively participate.
It is mostly silent, so the audience need direction. On a sheet of paper, we are given an invocation.
Madonna, Clooney, Idris Elba. Come back to mine, Sexy Ghost.
The best lubricant is alcohol. Ghost Boy makes a point of salaciously drinking a glass of promiscuous red wine.
A banana is inserted halfway through the set. The full Warhol Velvet Underground and more. The ice is broken, and a curious phenomenon occurs.
This is an art installation piece where we instinctively know what to do, once we have started.
Objects like cans of shaving cream, condoms, marmite jars, lots of towels, suddenly have their function and are there for a purpose.
Just like sex. Tentative at first but you soon get the hang of it.
At least half the time Sexy Ghost is down to his underwear.
Surprising things happen. There is a ritualised sense to sex. Is Ghostie a sacrifice? Like Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut.
Eventually you might find yourself shedding layers too, and surprising yourself.
I spoke to Kevin Passmore, a curator of the space and a partner in management along with his spouse.
The Cardboard Comedy Club is a not-for-profit space on New North Road, Auckland, there to nurture and foster home-grown stand-up comedy.
They feature open mike nights Friday to Sunday. Many well-known comedians mixing it up with newcomers.
Passmore is originally from Louisiana, America. One of the heartlands of Americana, which took over the world. Possibly the greatest contribution to the soul of the Planet of the Humans.
Sexy Ghost Boy needs to be experienced. You can talk all you want after your first time and maybe have a smoke or two.
Rev. Orange Peel
Sexy Ghost Boy plays at the Cardboard Comedy Club on the 20th and 21st of August 2025. Tickets available HERE.
