I wish I could resist the temptation to open with sappy commentary about how great it is that Melbourne’s back but here’s the thing you guys; Melbourne’s back and good grief it’s a relief. Covid has left it’s dark, depressing stain on so many of us in so many ways but if I may say so, Victorians in particular have had a brutal couple of years. We have earned a laugh and we are so lucky to have the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in our beautiful town. So this is my clarion call to run, not walk, to a show at the festival in the next week before it wraps up.
I’m eschewing the approach I’ve taken in the past by blogging a bunch of individual shows. The truth is, I don’t have it in me to be unkind about anyone (#notallheroeswearcapes) so I’m just going to shine a light on the shows I reckon were ace. This year I’ve seen Dave O’Neil, Judith Lucy & Denise Scott, Sonia Di Iorio, David O’Doherty, Geraldine Hickey, Kirsty Webeck, Chris Parker and Nath Valvo. My favs for rapid-fire big laughs are undoubtedly Denise & Judith and Nath - both shows are well worth your money. Go and book some tickets now! The others were all genuinely pleasurable experiences too with Dave, David, Chris and Geraldine probably in my next tier down.
There’s loads of shows to see so even if none of the names I’ve mentioned here float your boat, just pick something that’s had a good review and make it happen. Book that babysitter, battle the increasingly full roads and trains to work in the office that day, convince your partner to make a night of it and go out for dinner. Truly, Victorians, I promise you that you will definitely not regret going to a little effort to spend the night having a good, restorative, belly-laugh. Get all the details here: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2022