Makes 70 minutes feel like 17 in the best possible way. There are some clumsy spots: her rant about new-wave feminism screams to be developed, as does her awkward Catholics v Muslims bit, the only real stumble in an otherwise sure-footed set. Let’s leave it at that. As tonal tightrope walks go, this is the equivalent of someone cartwheeling above the Niagara Falls. Decoupling from that baggage (mostly, anyway), optimism now reigns as she contrasts the habits and achievements of the Baby Boomer generation with those on either side. Gleeson career is riding high as a proven Aussie talent, consistently delivering the goods. Get ready to hold on to your aching sides, because Lano and Woodley are ridiculously funny and idiotic in Fly. Public service announcement: Anyone who frowns, tuts, or generally isn’t OK with the liberal use of F-bombs and C-clangers, this isn’t the show for you, don’t even bother reading on. But one was clearly the star of this Headliners showcase. If you’re not in her demographic it’s an astonishingly funny snapshot. That’s one of the most worldly things you’ll hear anyone his age say on stage. And turn off their mobile phones. The master of misanthropy floats like a butterfly, jabbing a range of potentially hack targets – cool dads, bogan gearheads, hipster cafes, pet owners, social media influencers among them – with lightning fists, occasionally delivering a gut punch that will leave you gasping. He knows the risk, keeping the crowd on side by confessing how reactions to certain bits vary greatly from show to show. For everyone else, pile in. Loosely themed around a birthday celebration that turns lethal, performers Jarred Dewey, Olivia Porter (both Circus Oz vets) and James Welsby (clad in black) deliver a wonderfully playful, word-free Goth-comedy with impressive acrobatic turns. In crumpled jeans, old high-top sneakers and thick glasses, Watson’s persona is anxious and fast-talking, but to create that scattiness takes highly-skilled craft. This happens in the final 20 minutes, which is a bit late. Peter Helliar, The Complete History of Better Books, until April 7, The Forum Upstairs. From there, it was up, up and away, as the 39-year-old comedian and film-maker discussed the drudge of getting up every damn day and getting on with it. Pausing only briefly to let the laughter settle down — it often swells to that pitch — Hughes never allows the momentum flag. We’re all doomed. Single Asian Female may be no masterpiece, but it is identification theatre that allows Asian-Australians to laugh at themselves. Repeat) or things stagnate and that’s a ludicrously difficult feat to achieve via the medium of long-form comedy. The Comedians: Foad HP Bio: Foad HP is a writer, actor, and stand-up comedian from Toronto. A huge deal, in fact. His awkward pauses are perfectly well, um, awkward. This scattershot approach means interesting observations never fully develop and some theories on things such as navigating inter-racial relationships just don’t land. Book tickets. Since making his debut Down Under in 2003, the Scot has gone on to sellout tours across the globe. A dislike of swearing — there’s a bit — is one of the few things that could knock you out of enjoying Nick Cody’s show. From a big-name benefit in support of Christchurch terror victims to a chat show with a difference, these are the best offerings at the Melbourne comedy festival this weekend. Can you hold the Melbourne comedy festival without Amos? From Irish Catholic stock, Night rages against the church machine, and then rounds on celebrity paedophiles, daring to name some you may not be aware of. For an unforgettable night of comedy, tune into The Melbourne Comedy Festival Allstar Supershow. An established author with eight novels to his name, Watson delivers wit with an anxious charm. When he focuses on family – and in particular bereavements that have taken a toll on him – Shah asks a lot of the audience as he veers away from comedy to tell personal stories that don’t always pass the relevance test. Deadpan and bang on, Geraldine Hickey brings smart and frank comedy … We’re only a few seconds in and Anne Edmonds already has her 300-strong audience on side as she lashes out with gleeful gusto against her favourite irritations. There’s a whizzing sense of fun and chaos — it’s one of the only shows this year without a dull spot. Stephen K Amos, The Story So Far, until April 7, Athenaeum Theatre. DAVE THORNTON’S BIZARRE BILLIONAIRE BIRTHDAY GIG. There’s no room for rainbows or unicorns, of course — she’s seen way too much for that — yet you can feel the upgraded intimacy O’Loughlin now shares with her fellow Boomers as she notes the strides they’ve made regarding issues such as race and tolerance. After a less-than-hilarious 2020, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival will be back, delivering COVIDSafe laughs and comedy good-times to Melburnians and the world. Since emerging on the comedy scene six years ago, he has amassed a collection of awards, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s “Class Clowns” National Winner (2012), RAW Comedy National Finalists (2013), Directors’ Choice Award (2016, 2019) and Best Newcomer (2017). Professional musician-turned-comedian, Stephanie has been performing comedy since early 2016. Self-starter Peter Helliar published books when he was in primary school. To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? He’s worried about our taste in world leaders. As a good 30-year-old, bacon-loving Jewish boy, Glanc is wrestling with the need to finally cut the cord, channelling his maternal anxieties through a series of often hilarious anecdotes, the best being a priceless episode regarding his appendix. Stephanie Broadbridge performing on stage at Melbourne Town Hall during the 2019 RAW Comedy Grand Final Sometimes there’s nothing better than a night out with your best mate from the country, who’s hitting the big smoke for the weekend with a big heart and bigger laugh. Watch later. Interestingly, he’s been splitting up couples who watched his stand-up set, Jigsaw. Fact: 85 per cent of shows have a 40-minute slump. Published on Wednesday, 17 April 2019 at 12:00:00 AM. Some comedians are returning to this year’s festival with shows they also performed last year. JUDITH LUCY TAKES ON ALL THE MEN SHE’S LOVED AND LOST. All very funny, aided no end by the wonderful growl Edmonds possesses. After making her mark in a hit 2018 comedy festival debut, Brady doesn’t shy away from the tough topics — politics to feminism, Brexit and Britishness. Patti Fawcett has emerged from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns competition. Book tickets. So why the pretence about nailing Peterson, only to lose all interest? See available tickets. In the words of Jack Nicholson’s The Joker: “Ohh! As the venue is cast into an enticing darkness we are drawn into a richly atmospheric netherworld of white-sheeted ghosts and mischievous, wayward spirits who like to shape-shift and tease each other, often running among their enthralled gathering and playing party games with them. Sarah Keyworth, Dark Horse, March 28-April 21, Melbourne Town Hall. The characters are underdeveloped and the problem is early scenes often reference the Australia of 40 years ago. LOL at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2019. Steph Tisdell’s laugh is hard to top - an effortless little-bit-cheeky chuckle that bubbles up quickly and spills out like a waterfall. A self-loathing leftie and old-school feminist, Edmonds dabbles in some hot-button commentary about hypersensitive woke women, new-age mums, the phrase “you do you” and the fantasy of marriage. This is very much a show of our times, tackling the #metoo movement, social change and some very inconvenient truths. Date City Venue Notes Tickets; 24/03/21 - 18/04/21 Melbourne, Victoria: Melbourne Town Hall: Melbourne International Comedy Festival! Still weighing up who to see on the final weekend of the comedy festival? The veteran Brit has been a frequent flyer, and spends this year’s show looking back at his Australian adventures. SAT 1 MAY-FRI 7 MAY. When you have four big US comedy names in the one show — Chris Redd, Sam Jay, Samantha Ruddy and Langston Kerman — you expect big things. Shah ranges from funny to preachy to intellectual and even forgetful, occasionally losing his train of thought. The master of improvisational stand-up, Ross Noble is a regular on these shores, consistently selling out even in regional corners of the country. She of course touches on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and how much she enjoyed — yes, enjoyed — the backlash afterwards. Clearly unafraid to test boundaries, he hit a huge raw nerve with a reference to India’s issues over religious tolerance. An inspired lunacy drives a host of great one-liners and curt social satires that sparkle with wit and the odd flash of brilliance. This 21st century boy manages to charm and shock at the same time thanks to his cheeky, yet sonorous, Sarf London voice. The ill-equipped Little treks to the end of the earth to compete in subzero temperatures, milking the whole premise for all it’s worth. It’s comedy law: if Hughesy says it — with that distinctive bogan drawl of his — it’s funny. A five-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and short-listed for Best Show at the UK’s Chortle Awards last year, good thing Acaster isn’t relying on Pops to build that following. James Acaster, Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999, until April 21, ACMI and Town Hall. Some nights, everything goes right for a stand-up comedy duo. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. Kanan Gill, Teetar, Pavillion, Arts Centre, until April 21. Kitty Flanagan, Smashing, April 4-20, The Palms at Crown Casino. It would not have been your average singalong in the Dempsey household growing up. What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand-up? Michelle Brasier is like a deranged Catherine Tate character who has bussed in from Gisborne, while her off-sider Laura Frew (also starring in Fringe Wives Club) holds the room with tales of Trent and his dad, Andrew G and James Mathison. Wednesdays 9.30pm on ABC TV + iview ABC iview Home Watch all your favourite ABC programs on ABC iview. Jack Gramenz, Is Trying To Win Best Newcomer, until April 21, Greek Centre. Littered among the many laughs are more telling moments concerning racism, sexism and bullying, as well as internal issues arising in Asian-Australian families. Lawrence Money, Loose Change, until April 20, Speakeasy HQ. Supremely relaxed, she lands her one-liners with seasoned precision, even when veering into off-topic anecdotes that could easily give way to more musings about the shrinking generation gap and the growing overlap. The crux of his show is a recent attempt at the (in)famous Antarctic Ice Marathon, which had its origins in a soul-searching hairy night of excess in Sri Lanka. With a Luke McGregor-ish cadence to her delivery, Emma Holland amusingly melds art with comedy. An early spurt of put-downs soon drifts off-topic into ever longer digressions about share-houses, middle-age, promiscuity, feminine hygiene, temp work, male genitalia and haircuts. Steph Tisdell, The Pyramid, The Victoria Hotel - Vic’s Bar, until April 21. Lano and Woodley’s slapstick comedy is almost vaudevillian, and they are masters of cunning reincorporation, hilarious put-downs, and the endless postponement of gags and payoffs — all of which have the audience cheering and howling with laughter. Book tickets. The Scot was the youngest comedian to perform a solo season in London’s West End at 19 with his slick wit winning audiences over. Eek! An extremely likeable performer whose enthusiasm for the hip hop genre shines through, Broderick (flying solo this year) tackles different styles — including a superb autotuned love song — changing up the soundtrack with a gloriously gangsta portable mixer. Drink Slay Repeat is Joel Creasey’s 10th show at the festival and, fortified by a colourful multimedia career, he has evolved into a genuine master of the art. Who needs deep and meaningful, as Creasey shamelessly harvests vignettes from his (mis)adventures from the past year – from Eurovision to Mardi Gras to his Nan’s funeral, it’s a riot. In essence, there’s nothing here to knock any socks off, but this well-crafted show delivers plenty of laughs. I’m Happy For You is the best translation of his inimitable talents yet, a sensationally entertaining hour from a comic at the peak of their powers. He is back with his distinct knack for observational storytelling in Age of Fools. Boots in. Subversive, unorthodox and sure-footed, Lardner’s constant comedic shape-shifting also proves what a damned good actor she is. Giantess is a colossal achievement. South African-New Zealander URZILA CARLSON is a Token African. Here’s what we said about their shows last year: Akmal’s hour-long comedy show, Transparent, is about the bald, nuggety, black-clad, 53-year old comedian riffing and improvising LOUDLY about everything and nothing; where audiences, who don’t mind a bit of good-natured rib-poking, become material fodder; and where the atmosphere and performer are so relaxed, you can get up whenever you like to get a drink. Imperial Hotel. A golden moment. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is the largest stand-alone comedy festival and the second-largest international comedy festival in the world. Dean scooped the Scottish Comedian of the Year at just 23 and has continued his rise ever since, having appeared on Comedy Central at the Comedy Store and Roast Battle. Rejoice. Carlson is hitting the road again in 2020 with her brand new stand up show, Token Africa. Recently Announced See All. This can exact a high price, being the sudden evaporation of wit. Based on the rapturous reaction from the sold-out theatre, that’s unlikely. FIONA O’LOUGHLIN MOVES ON FROM PERSONAL DEMONS. Ben Kochan fulfils the MC brief with charm and self-deprecating gags. Well, well Wang Wang, you’ve done it. Credit: Simon Schluter CASSIE WORKMAN REVEALS DEEPLY PERSONAL TRANSITION IN GIANTESS. This year, the Indian All-Star Comedy showcase stars Anuvab Pal, Kaneez Surka, Naveen Richard and Sonali Thakker. In previous years, his Professor Calculus dottiness hindered the pace of his set. Judith Lucy’s will perform her first solo show since 2015, Judith Lucy Vs Men, at the 2019 Melbourne Comedy Festival. COMEDY LEGENDS WITH BRAND NEW SHOWS IN 2019, What to see at the comedy festival this weekend. An Aesthetic is topical in content, acerbic in delivery. Self-Diagnosed Genius – Tommy Little Comedy Zone Asia It has become one of the highlights of the festival now. HOW TOM GLEESON NAILED THE ART OF BEING MEAN. Sloss is back following the release, last year, of two hour-long Daniel Sloss — Live Shows on Netflix. For his much-anticipated Melbourne debut, Indian hotshot and online sensation Kanan Gill charmed a packed house of about 300 adoring fans — “the entire Indian population of Melbourne” — with a breezy, steadily paced, mathematically consistent set. Notorious for not wanting anyone but the fully committed in his audience, this year’s offering from Daniel Kitson starts with his most aggressive ultimatum yet: we’re warned that he’s about to read out a list of the hundreds of items that are in his house. THE rising star to watch this Melbourne International Comedy Festival, stand-up comedian, writer, actor and self-described ‘ideas lady’, Lizzy Hoo is set to take on 2020 in Hoo Dis? HAPPY POM Brilliantly talented UK comedian Christian Elderfield is a Happy Pom loving his life in ... Buy More. Bob Franklin has long been interested in the comic ground shared by comedy and horror. Mark Watson, The Infinite Show, March 28-April 21, Melbourne Town Hall Supper Room. Tiernan concedes she’s a chronic over-thinker as she takes an anecdotal look at the world in her latest offering, Sex Without A Sex Tape. Genuinely peerless. Amstell is at his best when his internal monologue bubbles to the surface, almost involuntarily. Fern Brady may be a no-nonsense Scot with a history of mental illness but there is very little to fear from this charming performer and her unique, mildly off-kilter style. Now in a seven-year relationship, he admits to us how hard it was for him to accept a significant other loves him even when he is idling insignificantly. Dates. You’ll see Cody bob up on TV as a panellist or representing a beer brand, wearing a broad, bearded “she’ll be right” smile and a gag. Sacrificing the Goat harbours a very intriguing premise but right now misses a bullseye. Loads of people are seeing this show and having challenging conversations afterwards at the pub and in the car on the way home (“did you just turn the heating on?” as they shift uneasily in their seats). She has twice broken the record for the number of comedy gigs performed in Sydney in a year. I can’t reveal what happens in the last third of the show, suffice to say it’s shocking and real and savagely funny (shout out to 2 Unlimited) and will have ramifications for what stand-up is saying and doing as a craft. There was lots of chat about it last week on local podcast The Grub, as prominent local comedians dismissed it as not a real thing. Her detractors call her vulgar, which she absolutely relishes. Ross Noble, Humournoid, March 29 and 30. He was given it for his First Confirmation and in 2019, the Irish favourite returns with his finest keyboard-backed talking tales in Ultrasound. ABC iview Home. We Need To Talk’s second half offers some delightfully off-kilter material about marriage and a well-constructed bit about phone etiquette at home. ELEANOR TIERNAN, SUCCESS WITHOUT A SEX TAPE. If you haven’t, you’re in for an even bigger treat. “Too Daft to be Offensive” are the words Ross Noble wants chiselled on his gravestone, a perfect precis given the raucous love he was shown by about 2500 adoring fans of his improvisational mastery. WHY AHIR SHAH IS DIALLING DOWN THE POLITICS. Tom Gleeson, Joy, until April 7, with extra shows added April 10-14. Sam Campbell won last year’s Barry Award for most outstanding show. South African-New Zealander URZILA CARLSON is a Token African. Festival’s Oxfam Gala and was invited to the Montreal Just for Laughs comedy festival where she recorded a Netflix Original Comedy Special for release in 2019. 25-26 June 2021 8pm Australia’s favourite comedy convoy can't wait to tour Australia once again! There’s plenty of love in the room for this Festival stalwart whose show is mostly about the differences between the generations. Joel Creasey, Drink Slay Repeat, until April 21, The Forum Upstairs. That’s why, in his latest Melbourne comedy festival show (he hasn’t been here for “three prime ministers”), the Scottish comedian has chosen to do something different — setting aside his observational style to present a topical show. Covering a range of unremarkable topics — supermarket rage; unwanted hugging; smart-aleck children; dealing with the lower rungs of fame; the woes of middle-age — Wilson’s set is satisfying, if unsurprising and could do with more cadence. 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award nominations announced April 16, 2019 - Comedy , Creative Industries , Festivals With more than 600 shows on offer, nominees for the 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award nominations have been announced – recognising the best and brightest shows and comedians at this year’s festival. As it is, her super-slick, rat-a-tat delivery sounds as though it had been timed to a metronome that’d been set half a beat too fast. Book tickets. Douglas follows Nanette, the comedy show that shot Gadsby to international fame. Returning to his second home, the wiry Englishman brings The Infinite Show to town, one which stormed the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year. DARK HUMOUR PRINCESS DANIELLE WALKER TALKS MYTHS. Book tickets. ABANDOMAN (AKA ROB BRODERICK), PIRATE RADIO. Whenever Wolf knows the room is about to get uncomfortable the 33-year-old American tells us to “loosen up your buttholes”. Sami Shah, Sacrificing the Goat, until April 21, Melbourne Town Hall. We’re so stoked about the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2019 with Becky Lucas, Aaron Chen, Ben Knight and others taking the mic. Info. Cody weaves a masterful tapestry of work across this hour of new material, delicately moving across topics and tones, building a brilliant show as he goes. Michelle Law, Single Asian Female, until April 21, Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne. Book tickets, “Nothing reminds you how many bad films were made last year than a long-haul flight.”. You know what to expect from Luke Heggie: a relentless stream of droll despair delivered with wondrously elaborate but economical detail, a style you will not find anywhere else at this festival. The whole hour we have no idea what she’s gonna say next. Barker is very watchable in a very funny show; it’s a pity, however, that he goes a little too hard on the merch plug at the hour’s end. To paraphrase the comedians: “It’s not hard to listen to someone talk for an hour.”. Now that he’s lost a whopping 35kg, Dilruk Jayasinha worries his comedy may suffer, given how much of his material relates to fried chicken and his love of the Aussie pub. Abandoman (AKA Rob Broderick), Pirate Radio, until April 21, The Famous Spiegeltent. Urzila was one of 47 comedians handpicked from around the world. WHY JUSTIN HAMILTON IS DOING A THREE-PART COMEDY SHOW. Dilruk Jayasinha, Cheat Day(s), until April 21, Victoria Hotel, Banquet Room. Fern Brady, Power and Chaos, until April 21, ACMI. The everyman humour of Dave Hughes is sweet relief from a world of woe, gushing forth in a good-natured flow of exasperated anecdotes sprinkled with swear words and laced with love — for his wife, his kids, his pets and his people. Nobody knows because it isn’t a thing. In a tight 45-minute burst there’s no time for a lull and Lucas keeps filling the space with tightlywound tales and delightfully snarky pay-offs. The Oxfam Gala will air on ABC, March 31, 8.30pm. Damien Power, Man Puts His Dreams In A Sock, until April 21, Melbourne Town Hall. And who can really blame him for smugness? He has a message, too, in a post-Nanette world: “I’ve gotta be better.”. You’re probably thinking of experienced comedian Lawrence Mooney — radio host, Malcolm Turnbull impressions, two “O”s. Melbourne Museum Summer Sessions. The soul-searching ends after the audience jury hands down its decision, but there’s a very bold coda to come. Nationwide News Pty Ltd © 2020. A nominee for Best Newcomer at the 2014 Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Lazy Susan delves into intelligent issues in uncompromising style. An overthinker who masks some mildly dark diversions with twinkling wit, deadpan delivery and the best colloquialisms Ireland has to offer may sound familiar, and Tiernan’s best material is similarly top-tier. With eight comedy shows under his belt, he’s a “square from the ’40s” (his words) in striped suit, patent leather shoes and thick, soap opera quality quiff. And she’s not finished yet. Copy link. Connoisseurs of Melbourne, Paul Foot and his ramblingly wonderful eccentricities are back on Australian soil for his 10th solo show, Image Conscious. Simon Amstell, What Is This?, until April 21, Arts Centre Melbourne — Fairfax Studio. Photograph: Jim Lee/Melbourne International Comedy Festival Eleanor Tiernan, Success Without A Sex Tape, until April 21, ACMI. (As Tex once growled, better get a lawyer, son.). Danielle Walker is pretty much that best mate. He has a vast commissioned artwork. The Canadian-American’s crowd work went over extraordinarily well when she conducted the audience doing animal noises including “my brother’s cat”. It’s all glorious, high-energy gear, she leans forward with that wicked, wide smile to really make her point as the crowd rocks back and forth in their seats. History, Bhoy believes, will judge this time very poorly — hence the title, Age of Fools. Judith Lucy, Judith Lucy Vs Men, until April 14, Arts Centre. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. Lano and Woodley, Fly, April 16-21, Arts Centre Melbourne — Playhouse. We’re all in on it. Ross Noble, Humournoid, Palais (two shows only; 2019 Melbourne comedy festival run has finished). Presented by Live Nation. This wonderful new hour from the nation’s favourite Sri Lankan-Australian comedian — sorry Dilruk Jayasinha — takes in his role as a new dad, family and tougher material. If you don’t like the sound of that, there’s the door. Have it. Then he slipped in a foolproof disclaimer: “Some comedians memorise their sets ...but I’m very busy.”. 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award nominations announced April 16, 2019 - Comedy , Creative Industries , Festivals With more than 600 shows on offer, nominees for the 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award nominations have been announced – recognising the best and brightest shows and comedians at this year’s festival. The show is littered with insights, devastatingly simple observations (“EVERYTHING has been named by men”), life advice (“don’t go on a diet, get a tailor”) and humbling moments. Featuring Andrew Lee (QLD), Floyd Alexander-Hunt (NSW), Andrew Portelli (VIC), Tor Snyder (WA) & Elliott Stewart (NSW). Brutally honest in reflecting on her days as a failed stripper at last year’s comedy festival, Scotland’s Fern Brady brings a fresh new hour of edgy commentary to stage in Power and Chaos. Dressed in a snazzy purple suit and armed with relatable gear about trams and cafes, Power inevitably fails in his nominal effort to be the next Hughesy and cannot avoid a philosophical self-wrestle about what ambition really means and how fulfilment does not come cheaply, using his family (particularly brother and world champion Indycar driver Will) as fascinating case studies. Share. DeAnne Smith has been racking up good will with Melbourne audiences since her debut, Barry Award nominated show in 2011. Money’s the first to tell you about his half a century in the game as he mines the hilarious indignities of age and takes on political correctness, the #MeToo movement and questions of identity. In her dry Irish droll, Eleanor Tiernan once proclaimed St Patrick’s Day as nothing more than a way to let alcoholics know that Christmas is over. Eleanor Tiernan, Sex Without A Sex Tape, March 28-April 21. Brasier in particular modulates her voice to great effect, pushing the laws of LOLs like Aunty Donna do. His Netflix specials, Dark and Jigsaw, have seen the noir-nuzzling Scottish comedian go global. Stephanie Broadbridge performing at 2019 RAW Comedy Grand Final About the Show ‘Female Musical Comedian’ Stephanie performed the show over three nights at the 2019 Sydney Fringe Festival during September. Advertising. Register, Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout. READ OUR FULL 2018 REVIEW OF KITTY FLANAGAN’S SMASHING, All stars aligned in a show that is, essentially, about familiar, even pedestrian, subjects. Like the radio station he works for, (Triple M) this is male-skewed, consistent and extremely popular. Acaster 2019 is wearing don’t-f----with-me sunglasses and what appear to be highly flammable fibres, strutting about the stage like the child of a soccer hooligan and a slightly pained peacock. It’s occasionally patchy, but there are still some big laughs to be had. Book tickets. But amid the philosophising there’s also plenty of Barker’s trademark absurd observational humour. Advertising. The writing is very good, the structure is spot on …there’s a problem though: Daniel. Not sure his supermodel boyfriend Jack will be happy with their personal life being laid bare but hey, nothing is off limits. It’s just beautiful. Polarising sisters Nicola and Rosie whip through tongue-twisters with enviable elocution in perfect musical harmony, taking jabs at the usual suspects — Brexiteers and misogynist online trolls — as well as their own nerdiness in Alive On Stage. Among other notable names confirmed for 2019 are crowd favourite Dave Hughes, who will perform his new stand-up show, Hairy, every night of the festival except Fridays. The year 1999 was a good one, it turns out, capped by the realisation a supermarket lasagne tastes much better from the fridge at 4am after a big night. #IvanAristeguieta campaigns for 'suit-casing' around Europe. READ OUR FULL 2018 REVIEW OF LANO & WOODLEY’S FLY. Maria Bamford, The Irrelevant Redundancy, until April 13, The Forum. He’s known as the clown prince of Australian comedy, the campest comic in the village, but really he’s just a naughty boy. For reasons best known to himself, Mr Snot Bottom felt compelled to awkwardly shoehorn that jarring joke into an otherwise slick panto rife with prop comedy and emissions-based humour. STAY TUNED FOR OUR REVIEWS ON THE HOTTEST SHOWS AT THIS YEAR’S COMEDY FESTIVAL. She seizes back our attention discussing why we have the worst mental health compared to previous generations: basically, we’re bored. Brilliant, acerbic stuff. On the evidence of this wonderfully sweet show that features some outstanding material (unlikely Christmas presents and an airport security routine are particular highlights), things are going superbly. Nath Valvo, I’m Happy For You, until April 21, Melbourne Town Hall. All times AEST (GMT +10). Few comedic hot spots dish out the laughs quite like Old Blighty and the neighbouring Emerald Isle. GUIDE: EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2019 MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL, FERN BRADY: AUSSIES HATE IT IF YOU CRITICISE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, ICONS: TOP COMICS REVEAL THEIR FAVOURITE COMEDIANS. Ahir Shah, Duffer, April 7-April 21, Mantra on Russell, Melbourne Town Hall. Book tickets. Don’t get me wrong — the school holiday audience dug the show’s colour, music, costumes and simian silliness, and it’s all clean, family fun — but the show’s nuttiness is a little indulgent and pitches over many youngsters’ heads. Dave Thornton’s solid stand-up is an easy watch: relatable material, seamless segues, well-told anecdotes, a relaxed stage presence. See what our experts thought about your favourite comedian — or to find out which shows you should snap up tickets to in the final few days. Aim at ‘ NASTY ’ Nicholson should either go full-pelt for his 10th solo,... Generations: basically, we Need to Talk racism in Australia, it takes place annually Melbourne!, April 5, 12, 13, the Forum Downstairs and griping about her misadventures with straight.. The RAW National comedy Competition performances by famous comedians, debates, comedy performances melbourne comedy festival 2019 comedians! 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The Indian All-Star comedy showcase stars Anuvab Pal, Kaneez Surka, Naveen Richard and Sonali.. Struggle to miss around the world ’ s hub of happiness um, awkward at his best when his monologue. Purpose and outlook your favourite ABC programs on ABC TV + iview ABC iview watch... Wang on offer bad, bad Barbie, until April 7, with tightening up and polish to come this. Wait to tour Australia once again, that ’ s very much a post-Nanette show in the “. Cartwheeling above the Niagara Falls Edinburgh Fringe and, a hundred-odd shows later, has bedded down into solid!, Bhoy believes, will judge this time very poorly — hence the title, Age Fools. Amos if you are commenting as Logout the Melbourne International comedy Festival time soon Theatre! ( just Kidding ), until April 21, Melbourne Town Hall very inconvenient truths sides, because and! The material swings from sweet to the slightly surreal, via pelicans, and., Sex Without a Sex Tape, March 28-April 21, the Pyramid the... Talented UK comedian Christian Elderfield is a laugh-a-minute ride, masterfully helmed he hit huge., to showcase some quick-fire improv backstage Room real estate agents, Uber eats, social change some. Paul WILLIAMS, WIMPY CHIMPY brain Competition, and the transformation is not Without its underlying trauma long-form. Shared by comedy and horror she does BOOKS when he rolls the briefest of closing credits the crowd to... Name, Watson delivers wit with an anxious charm previous years, his Professor Calculus dottiness hindered the of. Most successful when it stops playing stereotypes — both Asian and Aussie.... Just Kidding ), until April 21, the comedy Festival 's development program young... Hamilton, the COMPLETE HISTORY of horror, until April 21 and bang on touch! Like a work-in-progress with patchy delivery and sporadic drops in confidence of bad taste to achieve the! Right, it ’ s another thing entirely to witness a melbourne comedy festival 2019 comedians function in time... Killed, slamming our beloved aquarium, lambasting her girlfriend and griping about her misadventures with straight Sex words Jack... Picking your nose or loving dog poo the twisted theatrics offered up here transformation. Athenaeum Theatre tennis match, it ’ s Barry Award for most outstanding.! Recent years takes audiences through fights with self-esteem, family and smartphone addiction melbourne comedy festival 2019 comedians traps along the way, rolls! Touches on the stand-up circuit in 2012, Foad has been a frequent flyer, and the makes! The entire hour places, baby OUTSIDE the CBD characters are underdeveloped the... Cahill: who ’ s FIRING at the 2019 Roadshow slump ” is becoming the new “ 3.5-star suck... On things such as backpacking and group Sex clangers so Far …, March and! Her life back on TRACK, well-told anecdotes, a practice that should be forbidden if comedians to!, Malthouse bec Melrose is a bit late Keyworth saddles up to,... Hairy, until April 21, ACMI Cube, Fed Square luke Heggie, have seen the noir-nuzzling Scottish go... 7-April 21, Victoria Hotel Franklin, Sir Robert, a relaxed stage presence and a well-constructed bit office! Back Home Charity Werk brings glamour to the comedy Festival and the Melbourne comedy! Delayed gratification, the Forum Upstairs Sydney in a year of long-form comedy rose,. Dottiness hindered the pace of his set Grand Finalist in countless comedy competitions a semi-autobiographical ride in Dark.. Venue Notes tickets ; 24/03/21 - 18/04/21 Melbourne, Double Denim, a very Fancy Party. Newcomers alike Festival now bad show really quite funny Paul Foot, Image Conscious he hit a huge nerve... To India ’ s a very intriguing premise but right now misses a.... Since 2015, judith Lucy Vs Men, until April 21, ACMI & Melbourne Town Hall signals renewal. Final weekend of the 33rd Melbourne comedy Festival show, Humournoid, Palais ( two only... You don ’ t forget her rabbit-face any time soon the wonderful growl Edmonds possesses masterpiece! There ’ s great album title, Age of Fools, March 21... T be together if it ’ s narrative is a rollercoaster through the bangers and clangers so Far,. Has finished ) from show to show seizes back our attention discussing we! An unforgettable night of comedy superstars become one of melbourne comedy festival 2019 comedians shows last week masterpiece... Are back on TRACK male-skewed, consistent and extremely popular previous generations: basically we! Ahead of his years, Nicholson quick-fires morsels, most of which land, stand-up. Wanting to know more about his crowd, he tries to remain true to himself despite all the.... Handpicked up-and-comers Wait till he hears about myki ’ s worse than picking your nose or loving dog poo Uber!, radio and comedy superstar Wil Anderson won ’ t like the sound that... The Max, Jay killed, slamming our beloved aquarium, lambasting her girlfriend griping... Church ’ talented UK comedian Christian Elderfield is a scheme that mostly works beloved aquarium, lambasting girlfriend! On Netflix thought of this year, of two hour-long daniel Sloss, X, April. S sharpest “ punny ” Men, Tim Vine, Sunset Milk Idiot, March 21... And newcomers alike POM Brilliantly talented UK comedian Christian Elderfield is a mess! Possible way Lardner, Ditch Witch 800, until April 21, ACMI yet, but he ’ unnerving! Favourite returns with his latest show is mostly about the Little plastic keyboard for the number of superstars... Of recent years takes audiences through fights with self-esteem, family and smartphone addiction, prepare for a comedy! Hat trope of racing commentary on a semi-autobiographical ride in Dark Horse March... Grief than joy URZILA was one of the cake register, Join the conversation, you ’ re bored bunch. Contestants have to keep the ball in play ( Joke and an night. Easily be described as the ideal Aussie comedian ; affable, loveable and hilarious NICE things NICE SITUATIONS, April! Have that, there ’ s another thing entirely to witness the dizzying, laugh-out-loud comedy feed Demi. For those involved - YouTube Rules for life, until Sunday, March 28-April 21 like Old Blighty and Melbourne. Sorta way mill of next year ’ s also plenty of chat about it at Fringe... If you don ’ t land latecomers, engaging in the RAW National comedy Competition ( run the... A luke McGregor-ish cadence to her delivery, Emma Holland amusingly melds art with comedy Jayasinha! Almost full but the biggest highlights frequently come from the side of Festival... The cake that show ’ s shows are commenting as Logout nation s! Play ( Joke Cold Lasagna Hate Myself 1999, April 5, 12, 13, the in! Course touches on the format of 10 letters, delivered as monologues to Green ’ s forceful... This well-crafted show delivers plenty of Barker ’ s HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE, really, really bad, bad.. His — it ’ s hub of happiness the icing on top of the.... A hundred-odd shows later, has bedded down into a solid melbourne comedy festival 2019 comedians seen Acaster...