By Fiona Capp
D.A.A.S. Their Part in My Downfall
Paul Livingston
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
Casting himself as a travelling court jester, Paul Livingston – best known as Flacco, a "fast-talking, Eastern European concoction" with a white face and single curl of hair on his bald pate – chronicles the return of the comedy trio, the Doug Anthony All-Stars. Almost 30 years after he became their regular support act, Livingston is now one of the All-Stars, replacing Richard Fidler, as they head for the Edinburgh Festival where the trio first made their name. Livingston is too smart, however, to present himself as anything more than a sidekick to Paul McDermott and Timothy Ferguson, whose outrageous provocations remain the hallmark of the All-Stars. While careful to never take himself too seriously, Livingston deftly captures the thrill of the comeback as he reflects on the psychological and creative risks that life as a stand-up comedian demands.