It’s Good Friday tomorrow, so why not make it a great Thursday night? You can blow off a little steam and see something at the festival. Let’s see what’s on.
MICF ENTREES (Early Shows, until 7pm)
Julia Rorke – Don’t Be A C***, This Is How
Is it mean to send somebody a link to this specific show? That’s what I’ve been debating all morning. Meanwhile, with this recommendation, I’m speaking to each and every single reader out there – which should be worse, but somehow isn’t. Anyway, Julia Rorke’s show seems like an absolute blast. She plays an inspirational speaker, Dr Julia Greenberg, in a whirlwind of satire that’s described as “part self-help-seminar, part stand-up and part night-club outing”. Doesn’t that just sound like a good time? This has a tonne of potential. Check it out for yourself – the show opens 6pm tonight at The Tuxedo Cat.
Strap in, people, because it’s about to get meta. This year, Rob Caruana is presenting a festival show about doing a festival show in a festival. That’s about as much as I have on Festival Comedy, because frankly, the show is a nightmare to Google. It’s pitched as a virtual reality tour which, similarly to Rorke’s show, has great comedic potential. If you’re still not convinced, the show apparently features stilts, a sword and handcuffs. Not only that, Caruana’s been gigging around Melbourne for about five years now, so you safely say you’re in good hands here. Check out his show at Belleville, 6pm tonight.
MICF MAIN MEALS (Prime Time, 7pm-10pm)
Xavier Michelides – Lettuce Do This
How good Xavier Michelides at this stand-up caper? Well, I can still remember bits from random spots around town all these years later and they still make me laugh. But while short spots in comedy rooms offer up mere glimpses of Xavier Michelides’ incredible imagination, his show Lettuce Do This gives the full experience. Boasting an excess of creativity and wit, the ever-affable Michelides presents an hour of side-splitting stand-up, with gags, sketch and absurdity thrown in for good measure. Catch him at The Coopers Malthouse, 7pm tonight (6pm Sunday).
Joel Creasey is the man of many titles, from Australia’s Crown Prince of Comedy to the Acid Tongue Prince. Of course, the thing about titles is that you really have to earn them. It’s like nicknames – I mean, I couldn’t just go around calling myself Clippy because, like the iconic Microsoft Office character, I’m helpful and generous with my time. I can’t make that call. That’s for everyone else to decide. Anyway, plenty of people have deemed Creasy befitting of those titles and, hey, they’re not wrong to do so. You may be familiar with his comedy through galas, panel shows, celebrity interviews and that time he was in the African jungle. If you like your stand-up comedy equal parts sassy and punchy, be sure to check out Joel Creasey’s show at Max Watts, 8:15pm tonight (7:15 Sunday). Oh, by the way, because he’s been smashing it this season, he’s also just added an extra show at the Melbourne Town Hall, Saturday 22 April, 9:30pm.
MICF DESSERTS (Late Shows, 10pm onwards)
Jacques Barrett – Jacques Barrett is Particularly Good at This
It’s amusing to see how many media outlets have gone ahead and corrected Jacques Barrett’s show title. Bless. Anyway, in case you aren’t familiar with Barrett, he boasts nine years on the Australian club and festival circuit and has played shows all over the world. His new show tackles the pitfalls of tall poppy syndrome. Expect some clever and hilarious social commentary when you check out Barrett’s show, 10:45pm tonight at the European Bier Cafe.
Aaron Gocs – Classic Stitch-up
If you’ve been out and about in Melbourne this festival season, you might have spotted a sparkly, gold-suited Aaron Gocs spruiking his show. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s enjoying a huge season – recently, Gocsy has become a bit of a cult favourite, developing an online following and showcasing his affable Aussie bloke charm to sold-out audiences all around the country. Treat yourself to Gocs’ late-night jokes and stories and see for yourself what everyone’s raving about. It all kicks off 11pm at the Greek Centre.
MICF SPECIALS (One-Offs and Discounts)
Tonight at The Festival Club, you can see ten comedians for $10. Not only is that ridiculously good value, there’s a quality lineup on offer, too. You’ve got your MC Tommy Dassalo, as well as Kirsty Webeck, Michele Lim, Ben Russell, Alex Ward, Brett Blake, Michael Shafer, Gearard McGeown, Cait Johnson, Erin Hutchison, Suren Jayemanne, and Stu Daulman. Doors open 11:15pm.
