First cab off the rank is comedian, actor and improv extraordinaire Fran Middleton with her absurdist solo show Ceiling Fran. Middleton, who’s going to be hella busy because she’s also backing it up as the producer for Giant Dwarf’s shows during the season, has been described by critics as “fierce”, “far out” and “like a lava lamp”. Expect a surreal show with teeth. Catch Ceiling Fan at Tasma Terrace.
Next up is Carlo Ritchie – linguist, mad keen gamer and one half of Sydney’s fave improvisors The Bear Pack – is doubling down during MICF with his own show Cooking for No One. Ritchie’s show promises 50 minutes of true tales revolving around idiocy and romance.
Here’s a fun Ritchie fact: the dude is such a fan of the sea shanty that he founded the Redfern Shanty Club just so he could bust out seafaring tunes with like-minded salty souls. Find Ritchie performing at the Tasma Terrace.
Greg Larsen, star and co-creator of ABC’s late-night character-comedy show Fancy Boy Variety Show, is taking a spin with his show A Grub in the Muck. Given thatLarsen describes the show as “yucky” and never shies away from pushing a boundary, it’s probably wise to brace yourself for some uncomfortable laughs. Larsen will be metaphorically poking his audiences at The Greek Centre.
Another Giant Dwarf staple, Penny Greenhalgh will also hit the Festival with her show Pony Greenhorse. Critics are pretty unanimous when it comes to Greenhalgh: she’s a delight. With a swag of awards under her belt, audiences eagerly anticipated Greenhalgh’s performances during 2016 in everything from the Sydney Comedy Festival’s Showcase Tours through to MICF’s Big Laugh Out. Greenhalgh’s shows routinely sell out, so book early to catch her at ACMI. While Greenhalgh’s not to be pinned down about the exact nature of her show – it may or may not have a plot, she’s unsure – her comedy is sometimes physical, but always a surprise.
Last but not least from the Giant Dwarf crew comes the Bear Pack, the piss-funny improvisational meanderings of Steen Raskopoulos and Carlo Ritchie. You may have caught Raskopolous, a Barry nominee, on Whose Line is It Anyway and the Beeb’s spoof of ‘70s police dramas, Top Coppers. As a team, Raskopoulos and Ritchie traverse topics as broad as abandoned ice-cream factories through to roller derby reunions. The Bear Pack, which took out the Best Laughs Award during Sydney Fringe, take audience suggestions as the springboard for 60 minutes of off-the-cuff frivolity. Keep an eye out for the pair at the Powder Room.
By Meg Crawford
Venues: Tasma Terrace, Greek Centre, ACMI, Town Hall Power Room
Dates: Wednesday March 29 – Sunday April 23
Duration: 50 – 60 minutes
Tickets: $15-$27
