Ryan Millar's Roman Around at the Camden Head

Ryan Millar's Roman Around at the Camden Head

23 August, 2010
by: Alicia Adejobi

Ryan Millar takes Alicia Adejobi on a tour of Ancient Rome.

For a moment it feels like I am back at school in a history lesson, listening to my teacher drone on about the Vikings and WW2. But then I realise that my history teacher was never as interesting and dynamic as Ryan Millar, excitedly dashing across the stage. Roman Around is the comic's first solo show and tells the tale of his days as a tour guide in Italy.

Centered on the beautiful city of Rome, Millar enlightens us on the fruity history of Rome by literally taking us on a personal tour of all the attractions. Ok, maybe not literally, but with Millar's skilful knack of pointing to statues and buildings as if they are physically there, it's as good as. From the off-set, the Canadian-born comic oozes with enthusiasm and it is obvious how much he adored his previous job. Millar informs us that while he was in Italy he studied books upon books of Roman history- which explains his incredible knowledge of minute details of the Great Fire of Rome and Nero's persecution of Christians.

Just when you think the show is getting a little too educational, Millar cleverly throws in a modern-day reference to things such as i-Phones and Brad Pitt's abs, the latter of which definitely keeps the women awake. As well as teaching the history of Rome, Millar shares some anecdotes which gives the show another dimension. For example, we learn how the daring comic was constantly cornered by the Swiss guards for showing tourists around the Vatican without a license. When he's not sharing stories of his rebellious nature, Millar effortlessly switches between narrator mode and impersonating characters such as Michaelangelo. His re-enactment  of the Renaissance painter building the Sistine Chapel is not only funny but it is expertly done as we seem to forget that we are being educated.

Initially, it was quite difficult to get to grips with the format of the show, with Millar rapidly dipping in and out of characters, narration and anecdotes. But after a short while, it is impossible not to get drawn into the excitement etched across his face and his desperation for you to step into his world.

While Roman Around mostly lacked the humour factor, it was a perfect way for Millar to share the journey of two of the best years of his life. 

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Alicia Adejobi