Pick Of TheVine: Must-See Shows To Catch This Melb International Comedy Fest
Funny people are coming into Melbourne from far and wide, descending on the city for a good’ol lol at the 30th Annual Melbourne International Comedy Festival. With so many comedians to chose from, scrolling through all the international big names and plucking out a handful of local talents from the hundreds of choices on offer can be a bloody minefield. There’s definitely something to turn even the biggest of frowns upside down.
So, we gave our abs a workout and did the hard yards for you, plucking out TheVine’s must see shows based on what we’ve seen so far and what the critics are really excited for this year. But don’t just take our word for it – how should we know what’ll tickle your twisted funny bone – check out the full festival guide here and find yourselves something sidesplitting. Go forth – spend money – and prosper!
Hannah Gadsby: Dogmatic
ACMI, Beyond until April 17
You know her from Please Like Me, but her stand-up is where Gadsby really comes alive. In her uber dry and self-deprecatory routine, she mixes family tales and dog stories with Taylor Swift songs – because why the hell not. As Gadsby says herself:
“Hello. I would like to invite you to attend my show. I have worked very hard on it and I am a very charming performer. But these things alone do not maketh a show. I need you. I need you to buy a ticket, attend the relevant session and laugh at me. What a darling team we will be.”
Convinced!
MICF
More info here.
Joel Creasey: The Crown Prince
Max Watt’s until April 17
Fresh from I’m A Celebrity… Creasey’s comedy is far beyond his years. After critical acclaim in the UK, USA and Canada he returns to Melbourne and is a must-see. No one is safe to Creasey’s sharp eye and nothing is sacred.
MICF
More info here.
Celia Pacquola: The Looking Glass
Comedy Theatre until April 13
Pacquola is one of our most gifted stand-ups, her observational comedy with her signature wit will have everyone ROFL-ing all night. A comedy season staple.
MICF
More info here.
David O’Doherty: We Are All In The Gutter, But Some Of Us Are Looking At David O’Doherty (IRL)
Forum Theatre until April 16
A veteran to the festival, O’Doherty returns after being away for two years but his comedy has never been better. His songs are hilariously on point and he cracks jokes at a lightning speed, just try to resist his Irish charm. Don’t be deceived into thinking he is a novelty comedian, his songs are great, but his stand-up is even better.
MICF
More info here.
Rhys Nicholson: Bona Fide
Melbourne Town Hall until April 17
Nicholson has been a steady presence at the festival the last couple of years and is a must-see just for his spot-on accents alone. His stories of awkward sexual encounters and disaster dates only add to the fun. As the man himself says:
“So, I’m really giving this comedy thing a go now. This is my fifth show. Read into that what you want. I’ll pop some stars and reviews under this to prove it’s going ok. But also, comedy is super subjective. At the moment of writing this blurb my show is about lying… or is it?… it is. You should totally come. Bring some friends. Like, 80 friends.”
MICF
More info here.
Mae Martin: Us
Melbourne Town Hall until April 17
A show that makes you think, exploring the labels people give us and the labels we give ourselves. Following her breakthrough season at the Edinburgh Fringe, Canadian Mae Martin makes her Australian solo debut, engaging with themes of identity, sexuality and loneliness, through a comic lens. See it. Do it. Now.
MICF
More info here.
Nath Valvo: Tongue in Cheek
Melbourne Town Hall until April 17
One of the most buzzed about shows of the festival, Valvo will have you in permanent lols with quips over orgies, awkward wedding table convo, gym junkies and Tinder, all backed by musical cues. If wanting to discover an upcoming comedy star, look no further.
MICF
More info here.
Laura Davis: Marco. Polo.
ACMI, Games Room until April 17
As it sounds, the show is like the swimming pool game Marco Polo, as Davis dons a blindfold in ACMI’s games room, in a unique adventure for those looking for a break from the routine of standard stand-up.
MICF
More info here.
Lawrence Leung: Very Strange Things
The Malthouse until April 17
We know Leung not just from his stand-up but his TV shows Unbelievable, Maximum Choppage and Choose Your Own Adventure, and he’s current show Very Strange Things will further excite viewers. Part comedy, part magic show, get ready for experiments, mind games and impossible coincidences with an incredible finale.
MICF
More info here.