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Review: Wil Anderson - Wil-Informed



The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is back! One of my favourite times of year. It's just cold enough to bring out the cute scarves and jackets, but not so cold that you refuse to leave the house. The streets are full of happy people, and Melbourne seems a little bit more shiny, reminding us why we love it here.


Wil's show last year, I think it's fair to say, was his best show ever (See my review here:


 https://wheretonextblog.blogspot.com/2018/04/review-wil-anderson-wilegal.html ). So I'm sure it would have been hard to create a new show after setting the bar so high for yourself. However, Wil is back in fine form. If you're a long time fan of Wil's you will be familiar with his humourous, yet logical take on political issues. Wil-Informed is in this same style, as he discusses climate change, and touches on the Me Too movement, with his signature style of bewildered mockery. It is a talent to be both entertaining, and make the type of logical arguments I wish my brain would make when I see outrageous statements on Twitter (instead I just scream internally THAT'S FUCKED, YOU DICKHEAD, which is neither useful nor is going to change anyone's opinion). 

If you're a fan of TOFOP, Wil's podcast that he hosts with Charlie Clausen, then you will enjoy this show, as it touches on familiar topics, such as the inevitable robot uprising. If you haven't heard TOFOP before, please check it out. It is an unstructured delight, you never know what they're going to talk about, and I think it continues to get better, both as the podcast goes on, and as you get to know Wil and Charlie, and become familiar with the ongoing in-jokes. Also, if you love hearing people dissect 90s rap lyrics then you're in for a real treat.

Another one of Wil's podcasts, Wilosophy, is also worth checking out. Each episode features an in-depth interview with a fellow comedian, or well-known person of interest, and they're excellent listening. If that is the type of thing that interests you, Wil also talks about deeper topics in his latest show, such as his latest foray into therapy, and the horror and acceptance of being 'middle-aged' and our (not-so) slow descent into death.

To summarise, Wil-Informed is a reflection of the existential dread we are feeling as a society, at this point in the current climate (both political and actual climate). But it is reflected back to us with a hilarity that puts us at ease, because surely, as we sit here in the throes of terror at the people that run the world, and reports from scientists who know we're all fucked, the only thing that can save us is the fact that we know we are ALL fucked, and all we can do is laugh about it. 
Did that sound too dark? I hope not, it is actually a really fun show, so please go and see it!


The important questions:
How long? 70 minutes
Should I be scared to sit in the front row? Possibly, Wil may have a chat to/about you if you catch his attention in some way
Is there a bar at the venue? Yes
Will I enjoy this? Yes, especially if you are a fan of Wil's past shows, or enjoy making fun of 
right-wing dickheads.

You can see Wil at the Comedy Theatre until April 21, get tickets here: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/wil-informed

Where else can you get a Wil fix?
  • His podcasts TOFOP, Wilosophy, FOFOP, and 2 Guys 1 Cup
  • On Triple M, 6am-9am weekdays



More Comedy Festival tips:

If driving, book your parking before you go, most of them are only about $10, and there's lots of options, so you're likely to get something close to your venue: https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/book-a-bay You can also earn some Velocity Frequent Flyer points, which is a bonus.

See someone new! It's fun to go and see new comedians, why not take a risk and see someone you've never heard of? They're also usually a lot cheaper than the big names! Why not try something a bit different too, as well as stand-up there's lots of improv and other types of comedy to see. Head to Town Hall and you'll be handed lots of flyers and be able to grab some last minute tickets.

Support Light The Way Home, a program that allows performers in need a safe way home from the festival. Many performers are new and have late shows, and aren't earning heaps of money, so the cost of an Uber or taxi every night can really add up. Light The Way Home is collecting donations, which the Festival is matching up to $10,000. It's a great idea, especially for the more vulnerable members of the comedy community. You can donate here: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/light-the-way-home






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