Where To Next?

Well, the 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival has come to a close. I saw so many amazing shows, some that I just didn't get time to review unfortunately, but I wanted to end with my review of the last show I saw, Mark Gambino's The Return of Grazie Fibonacci. This show takes you on an adventure, full of wonderful and eccentric characters, some of whom wouldn't be out of place in a David Sedaris short story. The scenes are interspersed with a witty recording of a radio show, removing any possible awkwardness from those in-between scene costume change moments, while continuing the laughs from the audience. From a commercial flight, to a Ted talk, to a game show, to the wonder that is Jurassic Park, you will be taken places you didn't expect to go. Always with a fascinating, hilarious character to guide you through. Don't be alarmed, but there is some audience participation. Nothing embarrassing though, it's just the audience assisting with the sh...

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. If you haven't seen Dilruk for awhile, you may be surprised when you see him, for he has lost a fair bit of weight. If you have never seen him before, well, he used to be bigger. How he made the decision to lose weight, how he did it, and the struggle of keeping it off, is the basis of this year's show. Cheat Day(s) is an honest account of weight loss. Not just the exercise and the eating, but the emotional journey that Dil has gone on, digging deep to discover why it is he put on weight in the first place. I think this is a really important show, for a few reasons. I think it's rare for people to discuss weight loss in a way that isn't prea...

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. If, like me, you haven't seen Josh Earl's stand up before, apparently there is usually singing, a guitar, and a screen, which sounds really fun. This year, Josh has chosen a more pared back version, just him, a microphone, and some of his funniest stories from his life. It's classic stand-up storytelling at its best, a hilarious journey through Josh's life, from his early childhood growing up in Tasmania, to awkward sexual encounters in his teen years. I'm hoping that next year will be a sequel, where Josh will explore his life post-high school and his first foray into stand-up comedy. I would also be really keen to see some of his more ...

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. Unfortunately The Big HOO-HAA! is only on for a limited run this Comedy Festival, with just three shows, each featuring a different genre (horror, musical, sexy). But don't despair! If you can't make it to next Monday's show (the sexy one!), we are lucky enough here in Melbourne to be able to see them perform every Friday night (from April 26 onwards) at The Butterfly Club. However, make sure you get tickets in advance, because they do sell out! I went along to the musical-themed night, which I was very excited about because I love a musical. It was also very fitting for my week, which has already seen me cry at the series finale of Crazy E...