David O’Doherty presents Rory Sheridan’s Tales of the Antarctica

By Annette Slattery .

What Rory Sheridan did, he did for love. And you won’t regret what he did for love.

So who is Rory Sheridan and how did he come to be the leader of an Antarctic Expedition. That is the story that David O’Doherty tells in Rory Sheridan’s Tales of the Antarctica.

Rory Sheridan is the son of a tent salesman who falls in love with Kate, the daughter of a long underwear salesman. It is Rory’s destiny to travel to the Antarctica to advertise the underwear of his lover’s family dynasty in order to win Kate’s fathers approval. From Ireland to Boston to Buenos Aries to Antarctica, a series of bizarre accidents leave Rory Sheridan in charge of the HMS Pelmet, a rabble of high risk sailors and an ever increasing slew of ‘pack cats’. Now Rory Sheridan must find a way to keep his crew occupied whilst the Pelmet is trapped in pack ice for two years and he must somehow figure a way out of his dire circumstances.

It is from some of the distractions that we get some of the greatest comic moments of the show as Sheridan invents some of the most popular group games that we know today. It is here that we also get my favourite phrase of the festival; “cat and kitten care”. Rory Sheridan’s diatribe of venomous hatred of penguins is another highlight. Of course pointing out highlights in this show is a bit like trying to identify the best bits of the world’s most delicious cake.

I’ve seen the DOD perform low key stand-up comedy, occasionally from atop a chair, I’ve seen him gently rock my world on his electric organ and I’ve seen him run around in his pyjamas with Maeve Higgins. Once I even saw a bit of his bum crack, but that’s another story. However none of that was as impressive as this, this captivatingly funny and deeply loveable character comedy.

David O’Doherty presents Rory Sheridan’s Tales of the Antarctica is on at the Melbourne Town Hall. There are two shows left in this short run, Sat 21 Apr 5pm, Sun 22 Apr 4pm

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/rory-sheridan-s-tales-of-the-antarctica-david-o-doherty-presents/

The Axis of Awesome – World Tour 2006

By David Slattery.

Entering the Hi-Fi in Melbourne never fails to put one in the mood for a proper rock gig. And I am glad to say no one was disappointed with the rock gig we were treated to.

With the appropriate amount of imaginary pyrotechnics introducing the show, the three performers made their entrance onto the stage with an obligatory epic introduction song. With their title, one would expect nothing less. The humour from this show mostly comes from making fun of themselves, each other and pop culture in general. Some of their onstage griping at each other can become a little repetitive, mostly they just point out their peers’ most obvious imperfections in different ways (Benny is short, Lee is stupid, etc), but overall it did well to fill the gaps between each song to make a flowing, laugh-packed show.

Within their set you will find all of the different types of rock n roll songs you would expect from any other rock band. There’s the straightforward rock song “Floppy Guy”, the heartfelt love song “The Language of Love” and of course the hit single that you just KNOW they’re going to finish with, “Four Chords”. There was plenty of new material, new jackets and topical humour in the banter between songs.

While they definitely do well in keeping the laughs fresh throughout each song, there were one or two songs where the punchline would come thirty seconds in, and anything said or sung beyond that point just repeated the original joke. When the song itself went for up to four minutes, this left a lot of wasted time without any real humour. I was obviously not the only one thinking this, as the audience’s laughs were certainly fewer and less enthusiastic at these points. That being said, on the whole this was not a major flaw; the vast majority of the songs kept themselves fresh throughout.

A great show, definitely worthy of a sold-out status. If you can get there, do so.

The Axis of Awesome – World Tour 2006 is on at The Hi-Fi every night until April 22nd

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/the-axis-of-awesome-world-tour-2006-axis-of-awesome-the/

Squirrel Comedy Writers list our Top Five Favourite Shows at the 2012 Melbourne International Comedy Festival

It’s impossible to get out to see every show at the festival. Especially for the Squirrel writers, as most of us have full time jobs in the real world. In the past when we were The Groggy Squirrel we gave an award for our favourite Australian show but it was always difficult for all of us to see the shows on our shortlist.
This year we’ve decided that each reviewer can list their Five Favourite  Shows of the Festival instead. It’s still a really difficult thing to do and some of us have seen more shows than others. We may even see a show that changes our list in the next few days, but this is what we have so far.

Hopefully these insights might help you plan your final few days of the festival.

LISA CLARK
1 Justin Hamilton – The Goodbye Guy
What a way to go. A stunning show about tying up his career, putting his effects in order and stepping out into the future. So Long & Thanks for all the Funny, Hammo.
2. Sam Simmons- About the weather
This was definitely better than last year’s award winning show. It had everything he’s famous for, plus a delicate structure and sweet romance.
3. Daniel Kitson – Where Once There Was Wonder
He makes shows for audiences who like to use their brains though he makes us do it at nearly midnight. A show about self growth and doing & thinking things you never thought would be possible. The reason I’ve not ranked it higher, is that, as much as I adore being in His presence, I felt it could have been edited down a little. (OMG did I criticise Daniel’s gorgeous work? EEK)
4.Felicity Ward – The Hedgehog Dilema
She just seems to get better and better every time I see her and she’s only been doing this for a few years. Seeing her break down on stage talking about her mum this year was achingly lovely. More importantly she’s the kind of comedian that can really make me nearly fall off my chair laughing and that’s happening every time I see her lately.
5.Hannah Gadsby – Hannah Wants a Wife
Hannah used one of my favourite paintings The Portrait of the Arnolfini (& other great art) as the basis for her show about gender throughout history. Great to see her tying her passions together to create an inspiring show. Her stage presence gets more relaxed and playful and better for it.

Runners up: Lessons with Luis, Plus One, Sarah Kendall & Tie her to the Tracks

Shows that I loved that were not Festival shows as such: The Shelf, Somebody To Love – The annual musical benefit for the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre at Trades (this year it was the music of Queen) and Puppet Slam at St Ali

CATHY CULLIVER
1. Dr Brown – Befrdfgth
Unlike anything I’ve ever seen before but so, so funny. The man’s a genius.
2. Simon Amstell – Numb
He’s so clever, so hilarious. I would marry him in a heartbeat if only he liked women. I must find out how he feels about sham marriage …
3. Paul Foot – Still Life
Absurd, silly humour but a very fun show.
4. Slow Clap – Truth
A great production from some very talented Melbournians. Totally original.
5.Hannah Gadsby – Hannah Wants a Wife
A funny but also very interesting show. Hannah is really likeable and has that natural comic timing that makes it all look so easy.

JAYDEN EDWARDS
1. Tom Ballard – Doing Stuff
Tom is the future of comedy in this country, and tearing the present to shreds.
2. Dave Thornton – The Some of All the Parts
Stand-up just doesn’t get much better that this. Just straight, witty, accessible stand-up.
3. Sam Simmons- About the weather
Sam just keeps getting better and better. One of the best experiences of the festival, year after year.
4. Tommy Dassalo- Pipsqueak
The little buddy that could! Tommy is quick, witty and so damn likable! Comedy with big soul.
5. Triple J’s Good Az Friday
Quickly becoming a major highlight of the festival! And great value… FREE!

COLIN FLAHERTY
1. Lessons with Luis – Kidney Kingdom
Three daggy, naive characters executed perfectly. It’s a shame that the run was so short.
2. Daniel Kitson – Where Once There Was Wonder
His first stand up show in years was a masterclass in how to hold an audience captiv(at)e(d) for about 2 hours.
3. Justin Hamilton – The Goodbye Guy
A brilliant wrap up for all those who have followed Hammo’s Festival oeuvre.
4. Ronny Chieng – The Ron Way
Ronny keeps you laughing all the while he talks down to you. Some serious comedy chops from this guy.
5. The Underlads – Living On Limbo Lane
A high energy show of extreme silliness. Seriously crude, clever and fun.

ELYCE PHILLIPS
1. Daniel Kitson – Where Once Was Wonder
Kitson’s stand-up is incredibly thought provoking, and then cleverly undercuts every thought it provokes.
2. Asher Treleaven – Troubadour
Treleaven’s shows just get better every year. I think the main improvement this year was the inclusion of sexy diabolo. All shows could use sexy diabolo.
3. Mike McLeish and Fiona Harris – Plus One
Hilarious, poignant, and the closing musical number was my favourite thing this festival.
4. Sarah Kendall – Persona
Always intelligent, occasionally cringe-inducing, with a bedtime story at the end that is morally ‘grey’ at best.
5. Victoria Healy – Independent Women Part 2
Wonderfully nostalgic, uproariously funny and full of bogan charm.

ANNETTE SLATTERY
1. David O’Doherty presents Rory Sheridan’s Tales of the Antarctica
This adorable and hilarious show contains my favourite phrase of the festival: “cat and kitten care” (say it out loud…in an Irish accent)
2. Justin Hamilton – The Goodbye Guy
Wrapping up a decade of shows – it’s a hell of a way to say goodbye!
3. Celia Pacquola – Delayed
Hard to believe – but she just keeps getting better each year.
4. Josh Earl is XXX
Awesome tunes and rocking stand up, looking forward to seeing him at XL.
5. Nick Coyle – Me Pregnant
This peculiar and touching story isn’t getting nearly the kind of attention it deserves this festival.

Also recommended: Danny McGinlay Learns Ukrainian; Michael Chamberlin – Joy & Despair; Simon Amstell – Numb; Dr Toby Halligan is Not a Dr

The Melbourne Airport Best Newcomer Award Nominees are….

The Melbourne Airport Best Newcomer Award Nominees were announced at Wednesday night’s Festival Club

The four nominees are:

Luke Heggie – Master of None

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/master-of-none-luke-heggie/

Matt Okine.

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/being-black-chicken-s-t-matt-okine/

Ronny Chieng – The Ron Way

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/the-ron-way-ronny-chieng/

Tegan Higginbotham – Million Dollar Tegan

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/million-dollar-tegan-tegan-higginbotham/

The winner will be announced Saturday 21st April with the grand prize of a trip to the Brighton Comedy Festival in the UK.

Danny McGinlay Learns Ukrainian

By Annette Slattery.

â€œĐŽĐŸĐ±Ń€ĐžĐč ĐČĐ”Ń‡Ń–Ń€â€ says Danny McGinlay as he hits the stage for his new show “Danny McGinlay Learns Ukrainian”. For those of you not fluent in Ukrainian, that means “Good evening”. Obviously, having seen the show, I can now converse in fluent Ukrainian (of course I’m not really fluent in Ukrainian, but that doesn’t mean that this isn’t a learning show).

But more of that later, because, what this show primarily is, is hilarious. McGinlay got a single response to his opening greeting from a man in the back row who turned out to be Polish. Being ever the professional, McGinlay used that as a cue to tell an amusing Polish story. Asking the audience for any other languages spoken he also got French and Arabic (both from the same Polish guy) and came out with funny anecdotes about trying to speak both languages. I was tempted to put my hand up and tell him that I speak some Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Turns out that he had a bit about that too, which he did later in the show. I wonder what language would have stumped him.

McGinlay is huge fun as he takes the audience through a tale of love, family, culture, oversized dogs, the death of Osama Bin Laden and ultimately about learning Ukrainian to impress his finance’s family. McGinlay chops and changes subject matter, handling complex digressions with ease. He tackles a range subject matter, from the broadly appealing Hollywood film re-construction, to the more engrossing topics such as a potted history of the Ukrainian Civil War.

McGinlay ends the show with one of the best call-backs I’ve ever seen. He relates a shaggy dog story from earlier in the show, but this time in Ukrainian. Identifiable by the sounds and name peculiar to this story, the pinpoints of recognition brought huge laughs from the audience and completed a hugely enjoyable show.

Danny McGinlay Learns Ukrainian is on at The Upstairs Lounge at Hairy Little Sista 

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/learns-ukrainian-danny-mcginlay/

The Horne Section

By Lisa Clark.

Having enjoyed The Horne Section last year, I looked forward to this must see event of the festival with great anticipation. Alex Horn has gathered some great mates around him who happen to be very talented jazz musicians for a late night, big old fashioned, British musical comedy knees up. It is very much of the old music hall tradition and every performance is a bit of a surprise because it depends on the guests appearing and what games come up on the big spinning Wheel of Wonder.

This year Alex and his band have found a much better venue, the bright and sparkly Spiegeltent which is perfect for a musical variety hour, rather than the dark & sticky carpeted Hifi Bar that seemed to dampen the merry atmosphere in 2011. The audience is a middle aged crowd who are revved up and ready for fun, which is just as well, because they take a big part in the evening’s entertainment.

Popping in each night are the special guests who are usually headlining comedians from the festival and they are given the chance to do pretty much what they like with the band. This has seen some truly magical moments in the past as some comedians live out rock star fantasies or turn their comedy into musical jazz poetry. Tonight we had one of those magical experiences when Des Bishop asked for a back-up singer from the audience who happened to be very talented and then performed a searing satirical hip hop rap in the style of Eminem while the band kept up.

Unfortunately there are always those guest comedians who don’t (or can’t?) join in on the musical comedy fun and just manage to do their usual stand-up with a bit of musical accompaniment. Wil Anderson seemed a bit worse for wear when he wandered up the aisle and onto the stage. There was some excitement in the audience around me with the appearance of this superstar of comedy. His routine was excellent, but it was a pity that he was not up to working with the band, which he had to eventually ask to stop because it was taking him out of his rhythm comfort zone.

In between the guest acts, the entertainment is chosen by spinning the Wheel of Wonder. On our night we played Connect 4 using the audience, Alex performed some stunning mimed beatboxing, as well as a disappointing magic trick and the band performed an impressively funny tribute to Australian music.

All the while Alex is the consummate Ring Master, conducting the band, supervising the audience and maintaining the jazzy vibe. He and the band have been working closely for so long now that they bounce off each other effortlessly and have a working shorthand that belies their seeming dictator / minion relationship.

It’s such a pity that this is on so late in the evening because it is a show I would recommend to anyone. Still the late hour adds to the bohemian, anything can happen atmosphere. If you are not keen on audience participation you might want a seat up the back, but I recommend you go with a sense of fun and ready to join in with the party, and you will have a ball.

The Horne Section is on at The Famous Spiegeltent in front of The Arts Centre

Keep an eye on the website for upcoming guests

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/horne-section-the/