-Events and Festivals-
Welcome to My City Melbourne’s guide to the 2016 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Here we take a look at eight of the best shows that are NOT stand up comedy. Sit back and enjoy a few prized selections from within the realms of sketch comedy, music comedy, theatre, cabaret, magic and more.
Ali McGregor’s Late-Nite Variety-Nite Night (Cabaret)
The Famous Spiegeltent, $30-$40
Thurs-Sat (90 minutes)
For the past ten years, this is been the best way to end a night of comedy. Starting at 10.30pm-11.30pm, you arrive to a tent full patrons ready to enjoy a mix of circus, burlesque, song and stand up comedy. There will be plenty of special guests appearances including some of comedy’s biggest names.
Couples (Theatre)
National Theatre, St Kilda & Last Jar, Melbourne, $20
29 Mar – 2 Apr & 12-16 Apr , (60 minutes)
Relationships problems have provided plenty of material over the past 30 years of the comedy festival. Couples continues this fine tradition with an original script that is part comedy/ part drama. Having already won awards and sold out festivals, this is sure to deliver.
Radio Variety Hour (Variety)
Trades Hall, $25
5-17 April (50 minutes)
Radio Variety Hour describe themselves as an hour “1950s radio serial glamour, mystery, crime and comedy”. They have built a strong word-of-mouth following across previous festivals and are a great choice for those looking for something a bit different.
Magicsports (Magic)
Melbourne Town Hall, $25
6 & 11 April (60 minutes)
Add a bit of magic to your comedy festival. Described as “Whose Line meets David Copperfield”, Magicsports won the best comedy at the 2015 Magic Festival. The show follows the theatre sports format of improvisation meaning new jokes and new tricks every night.
Michael Burgos – The Eulogy (Theatre)
Tuxedo Cat, Melbourne, $24
23 March- 5 April (60 minutes)
U.S comic Michael Burgos brings us The Eulogy, a show that has sold out around the world, winning awards and receiving five star reviews along the way. Set at a funeral, Burgos brings a host of characters to life with the help of some audience participation. Get in early before the hype kicks in.
Impromtunes (Improv)
Trades Hall, $25
24 March – 3 Apr (60 minutes)
Improvised comedy, when done well, it is one of life’s great art forms. Last year’s improv hit has returned and with it a cast prepared to turn an audience suggestion into a one hour musical. Every line made up on the spot by some of the biggest names in improvised comedy.
Steen Raskopolulos (Sketch)
The Swiss Club, $32
Mon-Sun (60 minutes)
2015 has seen Raskopolulos make that leap from being an”emerging star” to the “next big thing”, finally finding himself “on the cusp of becoming a household name”. His comedy is clever, playful, interactive and full of improvisation. More than a series of sketches, his shows always have a cohesive feel about them. Book early as this will likely sell out.
Ongals (Theatre?)
The Famous Spiegeltent, $35
Tues-Sun (60 minutes)
And now for something completely different…
Last year’s surprise packet from Korea return with a show aptly called Babbling Comedy. Here we have a show that you can take your 5-year old child, 20 year old partner or 80 year old grandparent to. It is physical comedy at its best with a lot of old fashioned clowning around.
Thanks and enjoy the festival. If you see any good shows, let us know by leaving a comment. If you are appearing in the festival and want free publicity, simply recommend your own show using fake name.
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