Brief Description
Mime with noise, stand-up with no talking - drama with no acting. This show speaks for itself.

Combine the sheer, childlike absurdness of Vic Reeves with the deft, physical intonation of Hugh Laurie and the genius of Charlie Chaplin and you have Sam Wills: The Boy with Tape on His Face. This exciting one-man show from New Zealand is attracting attention across the globe, 'The Boy With Tape on His Face' has racked up awards for 'Best Show', 'Best Show Concept', 'People's Choice', and a nomination for 'Best Newcomer' at Melbourne Comedy Festival.

Wills' piercing blue eyes stare out over a rectangle of gaffer tape as he holds his audience spell bound, deftly unfolding the tangents of his delightful brain process, deliberately preparing each scene and finally breaking the suspense with each hilarious and unpredictable manoeuvre.

Drawing on a heritage that includes silent film, mime, magic, puppetry, Motown and the films of Patrick Swayze, The Boy With Tape On His Face is a pensive, curious soul approaching every object and audience member as a potential friend - or plaything. Shoes sing, empty dresses dance and electrical tape blossoms into roses. creating a world of possibilities where the only certainty is laughter.

Wordlessly conjuring the heart-rending poignancy of Buster Keaton, he mingles it with mischief and a piercing wit that leaves audiences enraptured.

Wills is a mad scientist of vaudevillian pranks, who reminds us that life is an adventure.

" physical comedy sensation" - Tim Arthur, Time Out, London

“This Boy has to be seen to be believed. ”
- The Advertiser

“If you see one comedian…this is the one! ”
- Adelaide Sunday Mail

"Wills demonstrates trust in his audience and an expansive imagination that soars into the absurd. Grab
your ticket now! ½"
- The AGE

"Clever, alternative and genuinely entertaining"
- nzherald.co.nz

“Astonishingly innovative comedy - I've never seen a comedian have so much success with audience participation. Surreal, charming and absurd"
Tim Richards - The Age

"Strikingly original and an absolute delight to watch"
- thegroggysquirrel.com

"Wonderfully random and playful"
- Australian Stage Online

"Charming, mischievous and engaging... an agreeable series of well-executed set pieces with a touch of vaudeville and a neat gimmick tying them together"
- Chortle

Billy T James Award 2005, NZ Comedy Festival
Best Show Concept 2006, 2007 NZ Comedy Guild
Best Show Auckland 2007 NZ Comedy Festival
Best Show NZ 2005, 2006, 2007 NZ Comedy Guild
Nominated Best Newcomer Melbourne Comedy Festival 2008
Best Established Comedian, Adelaide Fringe 2009
BankSA Support Award, Adelaide Fringe 2009
Advertiser Award, Best Comedy, Adelaide Fringe 2009