Whatever Comes Next

Carl Barron’s appeal has always rested on his ability to make a crowded theatre look at him like they are catching up with an old mate at a pub. He does not rely on high-energy theatricality or elaborate storytelling; instead, he paces the stage, tilts his head, and asks simple questions about things we all do but rarely think about. This 2005 special, his second major release, relies on that same relaxed, quiet delivery to find the absurdity in everyday interactions, turning trivial topics like the logistics of buying a DVD, speaking foreign languages, and his father’s blunt advice into extended physical routines.<br><br>Filmed during his massive national tour following the runaway success of his debut, the special captures Barron at a point where his style was fully formed and immensely popular across Australia. While his previous release established his reputation, this show solidified his status as a mainstream powerhouse, eventually earning an ARIA Award nomination and spending over a year at the top of the Australian comedy charts. Highlights of the performance include his physical mimes about the trials of taking piano lessons, his memories of working as a roof tiler, and his signature deadpan impressions of how people handle minor social embarrassments.