Arj Barker

 Arj Barker is one of comedy’s big names for a good reason. He is incredibly, indubitably funny. Arj’s third DVD Joy Harvest is no exception. Performed at a packed out Sydney Opera House, his...
comedy
Dave Thornton - The Some Of All The Parts Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 56 views 0 comments What does one say when asked to speak to a class of 12-year-old kids? This was the conundrum that Dave Thornton recently faced and he takes us through the entire journey – the stressful anticipation and the result. It’s an interesting theme, but it holds more meaning in hindsight. That would also explain Thornton’s appeal. Thornton is undoubtedly a likeable and witty entertainer, but he doesn’t...
Tom Gleeson - Good One Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 62 views 0 comments Tom Gleeson’s been doing comedy for 15 years and it shows. Material-wise, of course. He manages to cover several pressing social issues without losing any flow. Gleeson is consistently funny and every bit as endearing as he is impassioned. He often opens with a blunt statement before elaborating with fervent opinions; particularly memorable was the rant on his disdain for the Monarch. Most drop-...
Lawrence Leung - Beginning Middle End Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 51 views 0 comments Lawrence Leung is an engrossing storyteller. And his storytelling is rendered all the more irresistible by his nerd-factor, friendly nature and endearing enthusiasm. Whereas several resort to crudeness for cheap laughs, Leung finds the biggest laughs in his innocent observations of life’s absurdities. The most absurd thing to have happened to Leung recently is his discovery (or rather, his room-...
Mark Watson - The Information Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 33 views 0 comments As we reach the top of their stairs at The Forum Theatre, we are all handed a piece of paper with Mark Watson’s mobile number. All the stalkers in the house are ecstatic, but the rest are raising eyebrows. We find out mid-way through the show that many fans did indeed text Watson in response to his request for ‘The Information’ on their accomplices. It exemplifies just how much Watson values...
Michael Hing - An Open Letter To Rich White People Concerning Their Role In The Downfall Of Civilisation Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 52 views 0 comments Firstly, awesome title. If you find the title racist, that says more about you than Michael Hing. The Sydney comedian doesn’t spend the whole show discussing the theme, though, as he shares plenty of entertaining stories about the sheer contrast between his full-time nerdiness and dalliances with rebellion. There are flashes of brilliance in Hing’s show where he delves passionately into racial...
Fiona O’Loughlin – The Divine Miss O Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 40 views 0 comments Fiona O’Loughlin is having far too much fun on the stand-up comedy circuit to give it all up for PTA meetings and ladies lunches. Instead she has hit the stage with an all-new show –The Divine Miss O, proving to women of all ages that it’s okay to ditch the wrinkle cream and simply embrace the hilarity of life (And your gay icon status!) O’Loughlin’s show is full of surprises. For instance, did...
Jason Byrne – People’s Puppeteer Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 69 views 0 comments The only thing I regret about going to see Jason Byrne, People’s Puppeteer, is not taking a spare pair of pants. The man puts on a show, so sidesplittingly brilliant that it will defy even the strongest of pelvic floor muscles. Within the glittering glory that is the Athenaeum Theatre, the show begins with a rousing orchestral introduction, when Byrne appears dangling on the end of puppet...
Claudia O'Doherty — Gone Off Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 30 views 0 comments The Telescope may only be Claudia O’Doherty’s third show, but she’s had enough.   It’s all a sham, you see. Nobody would ever choose to be a comedian. Stand-ups are scouted (it happened to an unsuspecting O’Doherty when she was out to dinner with her family at a Chinese restaurant), taken off to 'The Nut House', and, under the guidance of Steve and Maree Nut, moulded into “cheerjerkers”....
Christophe Davidson - The Time Of Your Life Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 16 views 0 comments Christophe Davidson’s ‘Time Of Your Life’ is one of those comedy shows you attend and immediately think ‘why isn’t this in a bigger room’? Held at the modestly sized Tuxedo Cat, which despite it’s stature wasn’t without charms, and the drinks were all (ALL!) $7, Davidson had the crowd in stitches, as well as generously educated about pigeons.   The crowd are lead into a small room within...
Jimeoin - Lovely Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 47 views 0 comments You know someone’s funny when they say something that you wholeheartedly disagree with but still manage to chuckle. It’s usually because they’re lovable, too. That’s Jimeoin in a nutshell, really. The title of his show is a random reference to Irish history in which people inscribed ‘love’ or ‘lovely’ over the names of military organisations, which were seen all over the walls in Northern...
Tom Ballard - Doing Stuff Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 2:04pm 45 views 0 comments Tom Ballard brings a smorgasbord of contemporary, political and irreverent comedy to the table and chows down with gay abandon. The gay part of the show is certainly there and rammed down your throat like a...uh, never mind - but it's never used as a comedic gimmick the same way an ageing female comedian would use menopause to make jokes.    The show itself is about people doing stuff...
Tim And Eric Tour Soon To Be Announced Posted 27 Apr 2012 @ 9:21am 529 views 0 comments The comedy duo of Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim look set to be embarking on their debut visit down under. Mere moments ago, Eric took to answering his fans on Twitter with:   "To answer your questions my friends: 1. BRULE DVD IS HAPPENING. 2. T & E will be coming to Australia soon. 3. I'm craving a Hoagie."   So there you have it folks. A tour is coming and the dude is...
Tom Gleeson - Good One Posted 26 Apr 2012 @ 4:33pm 62 views 0 comments A show of pure stand-up but purely entertaining, Tom Gleeson’s Good One has no real theme or underlying message, instead he opts for a handful of segments that very loosely tie together. Tucked away at the Victoria Hotel, the location is perfect for Gleeson as he “likes an audience who’s good at orienteering”.    The show is vaguely divided in two, with the first half focusing on...
Cal Wilson is All Ears Posted 26 Apr 2012 @ 4:07pm 68 views 0 comments You’d think Cal Wilson was impossible to embarrass when hearing the stories she shares to packed rooms every night. Cal Wilson is All Ears is based around the premise that truth is more entertaining than fiction, and that sharing the most humiliating moments of your life can be the best way of getting past them.   Wilson shares stories of being chased by her ‘blind’ brother as a kid,...
Who Killed John Bearington III Posted 26 Apr 2012 @ 3:44pm 35 views 0 comments A nice addition to shake-up the MICF stand-up scene, Who Killed John Bearington III is a theatrical ‘whodunnit?’ spoof, consisting of a cast of five puppets and one human – Detective Cole Feltz (played by Dylan Cole).    The show’s premise is unspectacular, but it’s the delivery that makes it enjoyable, as well as Cole’s impressive effort at holding things together – talking to a bunch...
Dave Bloustien – The Social Contract (Redux) Posted 26 Apr 2012 @ 3:15pm 27 views 0 comments In 2007 Dave Bloustien successfully proved in court that he was funny, so it comes to no surprise that he can convince a bunch crowd in St Ali’s in South Melbourne of the same thing. The Social Contract is a reprise of Bloustien’s award-winning show from 2009, with a few new bits for good measure. Bloustien tells the story of a court case that stemmed from a performance on a high...
Unpack This! Posted 26 Apr 2012 @ 2:48pm 59 views 0 comments The concept behind Geoff Paine’s latest play stems from a real life incident: breaking his neighbour’s nose and being forced to attend Anger Management. The show launches straight into the session, and the social workers speak to the audience so as to make them feel like participants.     The program is run by Trevor (Syd Brisbane), a disgruntled man who is fed up with his job, and his...
Dom Romeo - Stand-Up Sit-Down: Comics in Conversation Posted 20 Apr 2012 @ 12:27pm 132 views 0 comments Australia’s leading comedy ‘nerd’ Dom Romeo brings a refreshing addition to this year’s MICF with this interview-based show which features a different guest each night. Romeo interviews extremely well, ensuring the limelight is always casted on his guest.   Tim Ferguson was the comic of honour on this particular evening, discussing the impact that Multiple Sclerosis has had on his life, and...
Tom Ballard - Doing Stuff Posted 18 Apr 2012 @ 1:32pm 80 views 0 comments Tom Ballard – crowd-pleasing chatterbox from Triple J’s Tom and Alex breakfast show – has not succeeded this time around. Doing Stuff is a show that seems as aimless as its title, whipping from politics to one-night stands to good-naturedly picking on audience members. He’s got a good on-stage persona, but it’s clear he’s not always at ease with the material he is using. The political jokes...
Akmal Posted 18 Apr 2012 @ 1:29pm 64 views 0 comments His brothers may be doctors and all, but Akmal is a household name. It’s a bonus that the Egyptian-born comedian describes his childhood background for the audience because it makes his stage persona of being a loveable badass all the more genuine. He provokes hearty laughter when recalling the good old days of harassing the police (it seemed the only entertaining past-time for the non-social...
Steele Saunders - I Love Green Guide Letters Posted 18 Apr 2012 @ 1:17pm 127 views 0 comments Mocking those petty complaints people miraculously take the time to write is an inspired idea. If Steele Saunders can make a show about cats funny, something with so many comedic opportunities is bound to be great. Throw in comedy greats like Justin Hamilton and Wil Anderson? You have yourself a killer show. You know the type, you’ve mocked the type. Grumpy old ladies, radical homosexual-hating...
Ronny Chieng - The Ron Way Posted 18 Apr 2012 @ 1:16pm 80 views 0 comments By the end of his show, the entire audience knew that Ronny Chieng’s decision to reject an illustrious corporate job was the best decision he’s ever made. Stand-up comedy is his territory, and we could certainly do with more comics like Chieng. The Melbourne-based Chinese Malaysian is on a pursuit to make Chinese people cool again (yes, the Chinese were once cool, Chieng assures, stating Bruce...
Political Asylum's Late Night Riot Posted 18 Apr 2012 @ 1:15pm 71 views 0 comments There’s no other show like it. It’s exceptional, audacious and full of gasping-for-air laughs. This late night spectacular only runs on Saturdays, so check politicalasylum.com.au for each week’s line-up. Tonight is the second show of this year’s Comedy Festival and the line-up is insane: Aamer Rahman, Nazeem Hussain, Mathew Kenneally (MC), Toby Halligan, Scott Abbot, Elbowskin, Rod Quantock (...
Steele Saunders - The Cat’s Meow Posted 18 Apr 2012 @ 1:13pm 131 views 0 comments Steele Saunders’ The Cat’s Meow is primarily a comparative analysis of why cats are better than people. The show is very well constructed, Steele’s extensive preparation discernable. The Cat’s Meow is a show about cats. This may seem obvious, but many shows titles are only briefly explored- if at all.  The star of Steele’s show is his Persian cat Jerry: whose eyes, nose are mouth are all...
Claudia O'Doherty — The Telescope Posted 10 Apr 2012 @ 3:46pm 131 views 0 comments The Telescope may only be Claudia O’Doherty’s third show, but she’s had enough.   It’s all a sham, you see. Nobody would ever choose to be a comedian. Stand-ups are scouted (it happened to an unsuspecting O’Doherty when she was out to dinner with her family at a Chinese restaurant), taken off to 'The Nut House', and, under the guidance of Steve and Maree Nut, moulded into “cheerjerkers”....
Zoe Coombs Marr — Gone Off Posted 10 Apr 2012 @ 3:45pm 443 views 0 comments This is a true story, Zoe Coombs Marr tells us at the outset, but if you’re seeking a tale of redemption you’ve come to the wrong place. She doesn’t find herself at the end. She doesn’t become a better person.    In her mid-20s, Coombs Marr breaks up with her girlfriend and finds herself smack-bang in the midst of a quarter-life crisis. She vacates her share-house and pawns her...
Christophe Davidson - The Time Of Your Life Posted 10 Apr 2012 @ 3:42pm 198 views 0 comments Christophe Davidson’s ‘Time Of Your Life’ is one of those comedy shows you attend and immediately think ‘why isn’t this in a bigger room’? Held at the modestly sized Tuxedo Cat, which despite it’s stature wasn’t without charms, and the drinks were all (ALL!) $7, Davidson had the crowd in stitches, as well as generously educated about pigeons. The crowd are lead into a small room within the...
Tina C: Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word Posted 28 Mar 2012 @ 1:02pm 116 views 0 comments In Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word, Tina C makes her debut appearance at the Malthouse Theatre tackling the heavy issue of Australian land rights through country music and unavoidable audience participation. From the start of her lecture/story-telling/concert/comedy show she refuses to shy away from the topic - "Sorry, no apologies!"      The performance seems to be constantly...
Raw Comedy Posted 7 Feb 2012 @ 12:36pm 769 views 0 comments   Chris Dewberry has tough times ahead. He’s jumping between two jobs. One involves cracking jokes as a stand-up comedian, while the other is being editor of Comedy Beast, a monthly mag that reviews comedy shows and showcases comedy news. As a RAW Comedy contestant for the second year in a row, Dewberry will be competing against other up-and-coming comedians in this well-known open-mic...
Dirty Works Comedy Posted 13 Jan 2012 @ 4:33pm 428 views 0 comments Dirty Works Comedy are getting ready to add a little sizzle to this years Melbourne International Comedy Festival with some comedic genius from local and international talents.     She may have been born and raised in New Zealand but, to us, Cal Wilson is our own. She'll bring her renowned wit to the Comedy Festival stage, along with other local talent Kevin Kropinyeri, quirky...