MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ENTERS WEEK THREE WITH NEW SHOWS STARTING – MORE BIG NAMES, BIG NIGHTS AND BIG LAUGHS
Week three of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is here, and the laughs are only getting louder. With the school holidays in full swing, new headline acts arriving, major national competitions reaching their grand finals and a stacked line-up of one-time-only events, there’s never been a better time to dive into the Festival.
This week sees a fresh wave of acclaimed international artists joining the program, with new shows opening from Connor Burns (Scotland), Most Outstanding Show winner Sarah Keyworth (UK), Jason Leong (Malaysia), Joanne McNally (Ireland), Mike Rice (Ireland) and Emmanuel Sonubi (UK). Also hitting Melbourne this week is beloved UK favourite Mark Watson, celebrating twenty years at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. In addition to his solo show, Watson is holding a one-off celebration of the Festival’s 40th anniversary with Mark Watson Vs 40, a typically over-ambitious and inevitably riotous Watson attempt to capture four decades of the Festival in 75 minutes.
Yet more fresh shows opening from comedy heavyweights and rising stars alike, include Demi Adejuyigbe (USA), Urzila Carlson (NZ/Sth Africa), Sharul Channa (Singapore), Sean Diao, Sonia Di Iorio, Tom Gleeson, Chelsea Heaney, Geraldine Hickey, Annie Louey & Miranda Hill, Tarsh Jago, Kuah Jenhan (Malaysia), Reuben Kaye, Lloyd Langford, AJ Lamarque, Tommy Little, Dave O’Neil, Matt Okine, Blake Pavey, Hayley Sproull (NZ), Dane Simpson, Kirsty Webeck, Felicity Ward, Jay Wymarra and more.
On Saturday 11 April, making it’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut, is Better Off Said. From the team behind Women of Letters comes a one-off special event featuring a specially curated line-up of local and international comics with special guest host Michelle Brasier. Join Anisa Nandaula, Chloe Petts (UK), Christopher Macarthur-Boyd (UK), Ian Smith (UK) and Takashi Wakasugi (Japan) as they share the words they wish they’d said. While Sam Nicoresti (UK) will deliver a living eulogy.
THE FUTURE OF COMEDY TAKES CENTRE STAGE WITH DEADLY FUNNY AND RAW COMEDY
This week also shines a spotlight on the next generation of comedic talent, with two of the Festival’s most iconic and influential development programs reaching their climactic finales. On Saturday 11 April, the Deadly Funny National Grand Final, hosted by Ghenoa Gala,will showcase the country’s finest and funniest First Nations comedians featuring finalists; Arika Appleby (QLD), Cagney Ah-Mat (QLD), Daisian Taylor- Milera (VIC),Diat Alferink (QLD), Eisha Anderson (SA), Gary Hamaguchi (WA), Jannice Luland (NSW), Kamahi-Djordon King (NT), Pearl Smith (WA), Rene Simpson (QLD) and Sermash Bin Saad (VIC).
On Sunday 12 April, the RAW Comedy National Grand Final, hosted by Luke McGregor,will crown Australia’s next breakout comedy star. The line up features 13 finalists from every state and territory; Aidan Mungai (ACT), Antoine Basseto (QLD), Brandon Duffy (NSW), Effie Tan (NSW), Elias Jambula (ACT), Jack Russell (NT), Jake Zukerman (VIC), Jorgia Rice (VIC), Joshua Khoury (NSW), Joshua Pilley (TAS), Lachlan Skinner (WA), Mae McCubbin (VIC) and Tilly Harrison (SA). These landmark events have launched some of the biggest names in Australian comedy and remain must-see moments on the Festival calendar.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS = FAMILY FUNNY BUSINESS
The Festival’s hugely popular Kids and Family program continues, bringing big laughs to little comedy fans and their grown-ups. Families can catch the joyful chaos of over 40 family friendly shows including renowned First Nations circus and cabaret performer Dale Woodbridge Brown’s Camp Culture, Estonian Clowns Piip and Tuut, a mini-gala programmed specifically for kids aged 6+ Comedy Club for Kids, and the hilarious Aboriginal Comedy Allstars for Kids. Or grab the family and head to City Square for The (Very) Big Laugh Out, delivering free entertainment in the heart of the city on Friday and Saturdays until the end of the Festival.
FESTIVAL CLUB TURNS IT UP AFTER DARK
When the theatre lights go down, Festival Club keeps the party going with a huge week of late-night special events:
A special edition of Comedy Bonanza with Blak ‘N’ Delicious, hosted by Jay Wymarra on Wednesday 8 April – a one-night-only celebration of Black excellence, bringing together some of the most brilliant, daring and hilarious talents in the game.
Not On Your Rider, hosted by Aimon Clark on Thursday 9 April is the cult music quiz panel show where the audience plays along.
Michelle Brasier’s Comedians On Stage Auditioning For Musicals – hosted by Michelle Brasier and Ben Russell – on Saturday 11 April is sure to be a highlight. Witness the Festival favourites bring the jazz hands, belt the high notes and audition for their dream musical roles in this gloriously chaotic night.
On Sunday 12 April Backyard Stories – hosted by Lola Nankervis– returns to the Club with their much-loved storytelling night: one topic, five comedians and infinite possibilities.
With hundreds of shows still to see, fresh performers arriving this week and major Festival events, there are heaps of reasons to head into the city and get amongst it. Free public transport makes the trip even easier!
For more information about the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and to browse the program visit comedyfestival.com.au.
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