Casey Filips’ Virtuoso is a masterclass in comic catastrophe. Embodying Tobias Finlay-Fraser, an actor who is equal parts delusional and dedicated to his craft performs an audition that’s so over the top it’s cringe-inducingly brilliant. At the Courtyard of Curiosities in the Migration Museum, Adelaide Fringe audiences were treated to 60 minutes of theatrical absurdity, as Filips’ character, Tobias, bumbled, blustered, and bravely battled his way through the most spectacularly doomed audition in history.

Dressed in a black turtleneck and tights (because what else would a serious actors wear?) Tobias is convinced he’s destined for Hollywood greatness. The only problem? He’s terrible. From forgetting his lines to showcasing a bizarre, yet unintentionally hilarious self-written manatee monologue a la David Attenborough, every moment is a glorious train wreck, and Filips plays it with breathtaking precision.

Filips is a comedic alchemist, turning second-hand embarrassment into pure gold. His physical comedy is impeccable, his expressions elastic, and his ability to stretch a moment of failure into an extended punchline is nothing short of genius. Whether he’s flipping through his array of “reviews”, executing overt physical and vocal warmups, or swooning over his own headshots, every second is thoroughly crafted chaos.

The audience were in stitches and got involved in the action as well. From melodramatically dislocated shoulders to literal pregnant pauses and a delivery of hot chips to the audience – you never knew where Tobias was going to go next.

By the end, you’re left wondering: is Tobias Finlay-Fraser completely delulu, or is he actually… kind of great? Either way, Virtuoso is a wild tale of a hopeful performer who dared to dream and failed spectacularly in the process.

Casey Filips isn’t just a performer; he’s a virtuoso of disaster.

Casey Filips’ Virtuoso is showing at the Courtyard of Curiosities, Migration Museum until Sunday, March 9. Get your tickets here.

**** Four stars