MICF 2015: Reviews #15 – by Julian Callinan
Tripod: This Gaming Life, with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra I’ve seen a lot of good shows this year, but this is the first one I would describe as majestic. Of course, that’s pretty much because they have a symphony orchestra backing them up, but it means that Tripod’s songs feel that much more grand even […]
MICF 2015: Reviews #14 – by Julian Callinan
Hannah Gadsby, Donkey This year, in a self-described departure from her usual focus, Hannah Gadsby’s show focusses not on depression and related topics, but ADHD and related topics instead. Bringing her usual flair for laconic, non-observational comedy, Gadsby expertly shepherds the audience through her mindset and memories, making for a very funny hour where any […]
MICF 2015: Reviews #13 – by Julian Callinan
Rod Quantock & Fiona Scott-Norman, Drivetime with Two Leggy Redheads Two Leggy Redheads felt like a live radio show or podcast, as Rod Quantock and Fiona Scott-Norman (with piano accompaniment by Casey Bennetto in the show I saw) sanguinely interview comedians and people who work behind the scenes at the festival, while also giving moments […]
MICF 2015: Reviews #12 – by Lucy Watson
Claire Sullivan Space Cadet Claire Sullivan is definitely an original, and you can’t help but love her. In a comedic landscape of conventions and narrative structures, of set ups and punchlines, Sullivan erupts onto the stage like a whirlwind, and blasts away any preconceived notions of who or what comedy should be. She is charming, […]
MICF 2015: Reviews #11 – by Julian Callinan
After seeing the travel-centric Wander Women (as ably reviewed by Lucy Watson), my evening continued on a heavily comedic theme. Cal Wilson, Undercurrents Cal Wilson believes we’re all swans, paddling furiously under ostensibly serene countenances. Or, if not swans, then at least swanlike constructions. Her quick wit and cheery demeanour belies an occasionally dark […]
MICF 2015: Reviews #10 – by Lucy Watson
Lauren Bok, Chelsea Hughes & Megan Mckay Wander Women I saw Wander Women on opening night, and for a sketch show this usually means trying out material in front of an audience for the first time. With that in mind, the ladies of Wander Women (Lauren Bok, Chelsea Hughes & Megan Mckay) were confident and […]
MICF 2015: Reviews #9 – by Lucy Watson
Dilruk Jayasinha, Immigrateful Dil is one of the warmest and most endearing acts on the circuit, even when he is sharing stories of his own narcissism, or gently abusing an audience member for sneezing and messing up his timing. He has always been a great storyteller (I can still vividly remember stories he has told in shows […]
MICF 2015: Reviews #8 – by Julian Callinan
The Little Dum Dum Club, Live! Karl Chandler and Tommy Dassalo have been podcasting for years, and it is evident in their ease during shows like this. Later put up as podcasts, so you will be able to hear what I saw, the show featured the big Daves -O’Neil, Thornton and Hughes – as well […]
MICF 2015: Reviews #7 – by Julian Callinan
Harley Breen, Just A Fully Naked Encounter Harley Breen has an exuberant energy that even a somewhat muted audience can’t stifle, and since the audience I was in seemed unwilling to commit to a number of his stories he had a bit of an uphill battle in getting his laughs. While ostensibly the show involves […]
MICF 2015: Reviews #6 – by Lucy Watson
Dave Bloustien The Tinder Profile of Dorian Gray After a few shows that have hit me in the face like a typhoon this year, Dave’s gentle, considered storytelling is a breath of fresh air. With years of live comedy experience, he deftly and patiently kindles a slow-to-laugh audience with poise, and warmth. His material is […]