Demi Lardner: Ditch Witch 800

By Ron Bingham

Demi Lardener is a unique voice in the comedy world and more importantly she is genuinely gut-bustingly hilarious. The opening of the show was one of the funniest things I have seen in a long while, and the closing was nearly as whacky.

Unlike previous shows from Demi, we are not confronted with a stage full of props, which are then used throughout her show. This year, Demi has decided to go a little high tech, using a PC and projector, plus some audio, combined with stories from her youth such as a visit to Kangaroo Island, fascinating tidbits and snatches of craziness. There are also some very disturbing drawings by Demi.

My favourite thing about Demi’s shows are the total unpredictability, and the shattering of any boundary with the audience. If you’re of a nervous disposition or don’t like audience participation, you may want to give this one a miss. There is also a bit of swearing, but it is a late night show after all. Demi will get up close and personal, as she crawls into your minds and bends them out of shape. Highly recommended.

Ditch Witch 800 is on at Gilded Balloon Teviot until August 26
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/demi-lardner-ditch-witch-800

Australian Comedy at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe

Scotland’s capital city is bursting at the seams with talented artists as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe begins this week. As is usual many Australian acts are heading up to “sunny” Edinburgh to show the world what they’ve got. If you’re in town, be sure to check out some of these fabulous funny folk listed below.

We’ve compiled a list of all the acts we could find, along with links to the reviews of those shows that our Squirrel writers have seen at previous festivals. As usual we give the disclaimer that Festival shows are ever evolving beasts so the show that we saw could be rather different to current iteration.

If we’ve missed anyone, feel free to drop us a line (or contact us on social media)…

3’s Comedy – Adam Knox, Luka Muller and Peter Jones
Laughing Horse @ City Café
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/3-s-comedy-adam-knox-luka-muller-and-peter-jones

Aaron Chen: Piss Off (Just Kidding)
Pleasance Courtyard
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/aaron-chen-piss-off-just-kidding
Here’s Colin’s review from MICF 2019: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13744

Aboriginal Comedy Allstars : Kevin Kropinyeri, Andy Saunders and Steph Tisdell
Assembly George Square Studios
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/aboriginal-comedy-allstars

Absolute Zero: Jez Watts
Laughing Horse @ Cabaret Voltaire
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/absolute-zero-jez-watts-1

AC/DC: Australian Comedians / Dope Comedy
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ac-dc-australian-comedians-dope-comedy

Aidan ‘Taco’ Jones – 52 Days
Laughing Horse @ Cabaret Voltaire
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/aidan-taco-jones-52-days-1

Aidan ‘Taco’ Jones – Lightfoot James
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/aidan-taco-jones-lightfoot-james

Alex Williamson: Sin on My Face
Just the Tonic at La Belle Angele
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/alex-williamson-sin-on-my-face

Alice Fraser: Mythos
Gilded Balloon Teviot
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/alice-fraser-mythos

Ali Kennedy Scott: Fourth Cousin, Once Removed… Forcibly
Laughing Horse @ The Golf Tavern
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/fourth-cousin-once-removed-forcibly

Andrew Roper: Break Point
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/andrew-roper-break-point

Ange Lavoipierre: Final Form
Underbelly, George Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ange-lavoipierre-final-form

Angus Brown: Everest
Imagination Workshop
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/angus-brown-everest

Apocalypse Comedy Club featuring Mick Neven
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Sneaky Pete’s
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/apocalypse-comedy-club-featuring-mick-neven

Ashes: A Comedy Showdown
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ashes-a-comedy-showdown

Aussiental : Arnie Pie
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/aussiental

Bart Freebairn: Maximum Delicious
Just the Tonic at The Caves
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bart-freebairn-maximum-delicious

The Best Show We’ve Ever Done at the Edinburgh Fringe : The Fish Girls
PQA Venues @Riddle’s Court
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/best-show-we-ve-ever-done-at-the-edinburgh-fringe

Brown Panther – Ruven Govender
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/brown-panther-ruven-govender

Celeste Barber: Challenge Accepted
Pleasance at EICC
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/celeste-barber-challenge-accepted

Comedy Boxing – Best of the Best (Kyle Legacy)
Laughing Horse @ Cabaret Voltaire
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy-boxing-best-of-the-best-1

Comedy Striptease
Laughing Horse @ The Lock Up
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy-striptease-1

Craig Fridey: The Darkness Distillery
Laughing Horse @ Sofi’s Southside
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/darkness-distillery

Daniel Connell: Piece of Piss
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/daniel-connell-piece-of-piss

Daniel Muggleton: Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy (But I Reckon it’s Easier for Straight, White Men?)
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/daniel-muggleton-pimpin-ain-t-easy-but-i-reckon-it-s-easier-for-straight-white-men

David Tieck: What Would Bill Murray Do?
Just the Tonic at The Grassmarket Centre
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/david-tieck-what-would-bill-murray-do

Demi Lardner and Tom Walker: We Musn’t
Monkey Barrel Comedy
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/demi-lardner-and-tom-walker-we-musn-t

Demi Lardner: Ditch Witch 800
Gilded Balloon Teviot
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/demi-lardner-ditch-witch-800

Dilruk Jayasinha: Cheat Day(s)
Gilded Balloon Teviot
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/dilruk-jayasinha-cheat-day-s
Here’s Lisa’s review from MICF 2019: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13724

Dolly Di*mond’s Bl*nkety Bl*nks
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/dolly-di-mond-s-bl-nkety-bl-nks

Double Denim: Adventure Show
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/double-denim-adventure-show

Garry Starr Conquers Troy
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/garry-starr-conquers-troy

Gavin Lind: Shattered
Sweet Grassmarket
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/shattered-1

George Dimarelos: Acting Natural
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/acting-natural

George Dimarelos: A Booklover’s Comedy Show
Laughing Horse @ 32 Below
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/booklover-s-comedy-show

Glenn Grimwood: Unf*ckable
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/glenn-grimwood-unf-ckable

Grant Busé: Touché Busé
Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/grant-buse-touche-buse

The Human Show : Those Big Bois
Laughing Horse @ The Golf Tavern
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/human-show-free-fringe

Imaan Hadchiti: Being Frank
Heroes @ Bob’s BlundaBus
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/imaan-hadchiti-being-frank

Jocks, Geordies and Aussies
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Whistlebinkies
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jocks-geordies-and-aussies

Josh Glanc: Glance You for Having Me
Monkey Barrel Comedy
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/josh-glanc-glance-you-for-having-me
Here’s Nick’s review from MICF 2019: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13739

Julia Rorke
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/julia-rorke

Laura Davis: Better Dead Than a Coward
Heroes @ Bob’s BlundaBus
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/laura-davis-better-dead-than-a-coward

Louisa Fitzhardinge: Comma Sutra
Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/louisa-fitzhardinge-comma-sutra

Love/Hate Actually (Act/React)
Imagination Workshop
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/love-hate-actually

Love is a Work in Progress with Tara Rankine
Just the Tonic at The Charteris Centre
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/love-is-a-work-in-progress-with-tara-rankine

Luka Muller’s Gong Show
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/luka-muller-s-gong-show

Luka Muller: Haha Cool
Laughing Horse @ The Raging Bull
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/haha-cool

Motherhood: A Comedy: Tara Newton-Wordsworth
Just the Tonic at The Mash House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/motherhood-a-comedy

The Nasty Show Australia
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nasty-show-australia

Nath Valvo: I’m Happy for You
Assembly George Square Studios
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nath-valvo-i-m-happy-for-you

Neal Portenza is Joshua Ladgrove in Edinburgh’s Only Bilge Pump Sales Seminar
Heroes @ Boteco
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/neal-portenza-is-joshua-ladgrove-in-edinburgh-s-only-bilge-pump-sales-seminar

Nick Elleray: Big Nick Energy
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nick-elleray-big-nick-energy

Ray Badran: Everybody Loves Ray, Man
Pleasance Courtyard
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ray-badran-everybody-loves-ray-man

Rhys Nicholson: Nice People Nice Things Nice Situations
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/rhys-nicholson-nice-people-nice-things-nice-situations

Sam Kissajukian: Alcohol is Good for You
Laughing Horse @ The Lock Up
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/alcohol-is-good-for-you-sam-kissajukian-1

Sam Kissajukian: Good Evening Edinburgh
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/good-evening-edinburgh

Sam Taunton: It’s Nice, It’s Modern
Assembly George Square Studios
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/sam-taunton-it-s-nice-it-s-modern

The Stevenson Experience: Takes One to Know One
Assembly George Square Studios
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/stevenson-experience-takes-one-to-know-one

Suren Jayemanne: I’m Here, All Weak
Laughing Horse @ Bar 50
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/i-m-here-all-weak

Thomas Green: Tweak
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/thomas-green-tweak

The Three Deaths of Ebony Black (Amberly Cull)
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/three-deaths-of-ebony-black

Tom Ballard: Enough
Monkey Barrel Comedy
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tom-ballard-enough

Tom Cashman: XYZ
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tom-cashman-xyz

Tom Walker: Very Very
Assembly Roxy
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tom-walker-very-very
Here’s Will’s review from MICF 2019: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13707

Totally Plucked: Grandma Josephine
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/totally-plucked

Two Little Dickheads: Kapow!
Just the Tonic at The Charteris Centre
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/two-little-dickheads-kapow

Wil Greenway: The Ocean After All
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/wil-greenway-the-ocean-after-all

Zoë Coombs Marr: Bossy Bottom
Monkey Barrel Comedy
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/zoe-coombs-marr-bossy-bottom
Here’s Lisa’s review from MICF 2019: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1265

Recommended and Previously Reviewed shows at Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Here Comes Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2019! There are more shows than EVER before and we Squirrels are here to help.

We have a list of all the shows we’ve previously reviewed and also a few that we’re excited about or keen to recommend.

The Aspie Hour had a short run at 2018 The Melbourne Writers Festival. It was a fabulous musical comedy in two parts by two brilliantly talented performers who apparently are both on a spectrum. It’s top notch comedy cabaret for those who love Broadway with laughs.

The Fringe Wives Club has welcomed new members and has grown from 3 to 5 performers. Last year we all rushed out to see Glittery Clittery and adored the crowdpleasing feminist cabaret, but we didn’t manage a review, sorry but the simple review is: We all LOVED it. This year we’ll be rushing to see their new show Glittergrass and make sure we review it.

Tom Ballard is being very busy after having his ABC show Tonightly cancelled. He’s jumped into the festival with gusto. As well as his own show, Enough, which is having a full season run, Tom will be hosting one of the political Tuesday nights at the Festival Club and most intriguingly he’s written a satirical political play called KWANDA. It’s about a Monday night political panel show but it’s not about QandA at all. No. Of course not.

Demi Lardner and Tom Walker both have solo shows again this year, but they have also teamed up to perform We Mustn’t and it’s bound to be weird, wonderful and hilarious.

Don’t forget to check out the alternate guide to the Festival:
The Safety House Guide.
Says creator and stand up comedian Lisa-Skye:
“The Safety House Guide is a free magazine featuring nearly 100 of the best acts of the fest. Safe, but never tame, it’s not about censorship, it’s about empowering audiences to make the right decisions about the shows for them. It gives more info about stuff like content, access and the level of audience participation. It also has fun stuff like letters from comedians to their potential audience, info on workshops and quizzes. Grab your free copy around town, or at the launch!”

Sam Simmons is a late entry to MICF with his new show 26 Things You’ve Been Doing Wrong with Sam Simmons suddenly be added to the Festival program.

On the down side some performers have already cancelled….But NOT……Tom Cashman XYZ, we read that he had but he has NOT cancelled. Go see him!

Shows that have been Cancelled:

Ronny Chieng has had to bow out due to being cast in a sitcom in pilot season in the US. We wish him all the success, but worry he may be too successful to perform here again… He has rescheduled his Australian shows for July.

Benny Darsow Ad Lib

Charlie Pickering Us & Them

The Elvis Dead by Rob Kemp,

Let’s Get Wild

One Man Breaking Bad by Miles Allen

Thomas McMahon and Nick Quon Total Business Solution

Blanc (That weird fashion circussy thing at Chadstone)

And NOW, Finally…..

Previously Reviewed shows – and links to our reviews:

Annie Louey – Before I Forget

Melbourne Fringe 2018: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13164

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/annie-louey-before-i-forget

Barnie Juancan – Tap Head

Melbourne Fringe 2018: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13221

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/tap-head

Bunk Puppets – Stark and Dormy

Melbourne Fringe 2018: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13151

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/stark-and-dormy

Clare Cavanagh – Literally

Melbourne Fringe: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13192

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/clare-cavanagh-literally

Chloe Black – Transistor Sister

Melbourne Fringe 2018: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13202

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/transistor-sister

Felicity Ward – Busting a Nut

Edinburgh Fringe 2018: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=12927

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/busting-a-nut

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

Edinburgh Fringe 2008: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1633

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/faulty-towers-the-dining-experience

The Breast of The Fest

MICF 2018: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=12624

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/the-breast-of-the-fest

The Dizzy Biz – The 2007 Wonthaggi Blue Light Disco

Melbourne Fringe 2018: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13180

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/the-2007-wonthaggi-blue-light-disco

Wool! A History of Australia’s Wool Industry: The Musical by Kit Richards

Melbourne Fringe 2018: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13145

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/shows/wool-a-history-of-australia-s-wool-industry-the-musical

Demi Lardner – I Love Skeleton

By Ron Bingham

Come into the warped and crazy world that is the inside of Demi Lardner’s mind. The music is loud (very loud), the props are unusual (to downright weird) and the star of the show has some boundary issues (expect audience interaction at any time).

While I Love Skeleton is obviously very carefully structured, Demi has the skill to hide this and give off a sense of unpredictability and is at times just plain mystifying for the audience. It is also hilariously laugh out loud funny which goes some way to explaining the number of awards Demi has been given and why everyone is flocking to see this.

I would try to describe some of the sketches, but I fear they will make no sense written down. Demi’s charisma, delivery and physical punctuation is a big part of the act. Expect rude words, very close contact with the comic and a sore stomach from all the belly laughs.

I Love Skeleton is on at Assembly George Square Studios until August 26
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/demi-lardner-i-love-skeleton

Aussie invasion of 2018 Edinburgh Fringe

It’s not long now until the world’s largest fringe arts festival begins in warmer climes and again a massive contingent of Australians and expats are headed to The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Many have traveled the Australian festival circuit and have been whipped into shape for international audiences. Some have been previously reviewed by Squirrel but remember they will have been further polished and may have been revised and reworked.

Hannah Gadsby

Last year Australian, Hannah Gadsby won Best Comedy at the Fringe, she’s had to cancel her Edinburgh Fringe run this year but there’s a lot more amazing comedy talent coming up from down under. If you are travelling anywhere near Edinburgh this August, have a look at the following list of shows and consider going to see an Australian act.

AC/DC: Australian Comedians / Dope Comedy
(MC Daniel Muggleton & various Aussie guests)
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ac-dc-australian-comedians-dope-comedy

Adam Vincent – Stuck in the Suburbs With You 

Adam Vincent

Laughing Horse @ Espionage
ttps://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/adam-vincent-stuck-in-the-suburbs-with-you

Aidan ‘Taco’ Jones – 52 Days
Laughing Horse @ City Café
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/52-days

Alex Williamson – So Wrong, It’s Wrong
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/alex-williamson-so-wrong-it-s-wrong

Alice Fraser – Ethos

Alice Fraser

Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/alice-fraser-ethos

Andrew Roper – What Is Best in Life?
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/andrew-roper-what-is-best-in-life

Ange Lavoipierre and Jane Watt – Luxury Split Bill
Just the Tonic at The Caves
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/luxury-split-bill

Anthony Jeannot – Life Coach (Age 14)
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/life-coach-age-14

Ben McCarthy – Nevermind
Paradise in The Vault
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ben-mccarthy-nevermind

Blaise White Changes the World
Three Broomsticks
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/blaise-white-changes-the-world

Brendon Burns and Colt Cabana Do Comedy and Commentary to Bad Wrestling Matches
Monkey Barrel Comedy Club
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/brendon-burns-and-colt-cabana-do-comedy-and-commentary-to-bad-wrestling-matches

Brendon Burns – Mansplainin’

Brendon Burns

Heroes @ Boteco
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/brendon-burns-mansplainin

Brett Blake – Reckless
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/brett-blake-reckless

Calling My Tribe – Boo Dwyer
Assembly George Square Theatre
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/calling-my-tribe

Changing Jennifers – Improvised Improv
Outhouse
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/improvised-improv

Claire Sullivan – I Wish I Owned a Hotel for Dogs 

Claire Sullivan

Gilded Balloon Teviot
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/claire-sullivan-i-wish-i-owned-a-hotel-for-dogs

Squirrel Review:

Claire Sullivan – I Wish I Owned A Hotel For Dogs

Clara Cupcakes

Clara Cupcakes – The Worst
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/clara-cupcakes-the-worst

Squirrel Review:

Clara Cupcakes – The Worst

Comedians Against Humanity (MC Yianni Agisilaou)

Yianni

Pleasance Dome
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedians-against-humanity

Squirrel Review:

Comedians Against Humanity: Hosted by Yianni Agisilaou

Comedy Boxing: New Challengers
Laughing Horse @ Espionage
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy-boxing-new-challengers

Damian Clark – Extra Show
Gilded Balloon Teviot
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/damian-clark-extra-show

Daniel Connell – Mr Personality 1988

Daniel Connell

Gilded Balloon Teviot
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/daniel-connell-mr-personality-1988

Squirrel Review:

Daniel Connell – MR PERSONALITY 1988

 

Daniel Muggleton – Mouth Breather
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/daniel-muggleton-mouth-breather

Demi Lardner – I Love Skeleton

Demi Lardner

Assembly George Square Studios
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/demi-lardner-i-love-skeleton

Dilruk Jayasinha – The Art of the Dil
Assembly George Square Theatre
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/dilruk-jayasinha-the-art-of-the-dil

Felicity Ward – Busting a Nut
Pleasance Courtyard
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/felicity-ward-busting-a-nut

Frank Hadchiti – The Lesbian Whisperer
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/lesbian-whisperer

Fringe Wives Club – Glittery Clittery 
Assembly Roxy
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/fringe-wives-club-glittery-clittery

Garry Starr Performs Everything
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/garry-starr-performs-everything

George Dimarelos – A Book Lovers Comedy Show
Laughing Horse @ City Café
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/book-lovers-comedy-show

George Dimarelos – George Michael Is Greek
Laughing Horse @ City Café
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/george-michael-is-greek

Gillian English – She Wolf 

Gillian English

Voodoo Rooms
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/she-wolf

Good Evening Edinburgh, It’s Sam Kissajukian
Laughing Horse @ Espionage
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/good-evening-edinburgh-it-s-sam-kissajukian

Grant BusĂ© – The Birds and the Beats
Gilded Balloon Teviot
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/grant-buse-the-birds-and-the-beats

Huge News with Kyron and Menschy
Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/huge-news

Is This the Worst Quiz / Game Show Ever? (Edinburgh Regional Championships) Hosted by Yianni Agisilaou
Sneaky Pete’s
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/is-this-the-worst-quiz-game-show-ever-edinburgh-regional-championships-hosted-by-yianni-agisilaou

Ivan Aristeguieta – Juithy 

Ivan Aristeguieta

Pleasance Courtyard
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ivan-aristeguieta-juithy

James McLean – Good Manners Gone Bad
Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/good-manners-gone-bad

Jez Watts – #1 Comedy Great Fun Best Show
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/1-comedy-great-fun-best-show-jez-watts

Jimeoin – Result!
Pleasance at EICC
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jimeoin-result

Jimeoin – Roast Chicken Result!
Pleasance at EICC
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jimeoin-roast-chicken-result

John Robertson – Sweaty, Sexy Party Party
Just the Tonic at The Tron
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/john-robertson-sweaty-sexy-party-party

John Robertson – The Dark Room
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/john-robertson-the-dark-room

Jon & Nath Like to Party
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jon-nath-like-to-party

Josh Glanc – Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chamedian 

Josh Glanc

Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/josh-glanc-karma-karma-karma-karma-karma-chamedian

Squirrel Review:

Josh Glanc: Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chamedian

 

Kyle Legacy – The Fresh Prince of Comedy
Laughing Horse @ Espionage
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/fresh-prince-of-comedy-kyle-legacy

Larissa Moran – Love Like 90s R’n’B
Fireside
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/love-like-90s-r-n-b

Laura Davis – Ghost Machine

Laura Davis

Underbelly, Cowgate
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/laura-davis-ghost-machine

Squirrel Review: 

Laura Davis – Ghost Machine

 

Mick Neven and Jacques Barrett – Australian Beauty
Opium
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/australian-beauty

Mick Neven – Charm Offensive
Sneaky Pete’s
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/charm-offensive

Nathan Lang – The Stuntman
Just the Tonic at The Caves
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nathan-lang-the-stuntman

Neal Portenza’s Final Edinburgh Show Will Be a Bad Magic Show on a Bus.

Neal Portenza

BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Netflix and Amazon Prime Are All Welcome
Heroes @ Bob’s BlundaBus
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/neal-portenza-s-final-edinburgh-show-will-be-a-bad-magic-show-on-a-bus-bbc-itv-channel-4-netflix-and-amazon-prime-are-all-welcome

Nick Elleray – It’s Been Emotional
Just the Tonic at The Grassmarket Centre
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nick-elleray-it-s-been-emotional

Oliver Coleman – Delicious
The Coffee House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/oliver-coleman-delicious

Plumbing the Death Star Live
Just the Tonic at The Caves
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/plumbing-the-death-star-live

Rhys Nicholson

Rhys Nicholson – Seminal

Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/rhys-nicholson-seminal

Ruven Govender – Ethnic Cleansing
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ethnic-cleansing-ruven-govender

Sam Campbell – The Trough

Sam Campbell

Monkey Barrel Comedy Club
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/sam-campbell-the-trough

Sam Kissajukian – Alcohol Is Good for You
Laughing Horse @ Espionage
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/alcohol-is-good-for-you-sam-kissajukian

Sharnema Nougar & David Tieck – Two Little Dickheads
Just the Tonic at The Mash House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/two-little-dickheads

Sofie Prints – Jesus Was a Rape Baby
Three Broomsticks
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jesus-was-a-rape-baby

Steen Raskopoulos and Carlo Ritchie – The Bear Pack

Bear Pack

Underbelly, Cowgate
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bear-pack

Squirrel Review:

The Bear Pack – Carlo Ritchie and Steen Raskopoulos

Steen Raskopoulos – Stay
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steen-raskopoulos-stay

The Stevenson Experience – Spot the Difference
Assembly George Square Studios
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/stevenson-experience-spot-the-difference

Stuart Bowden – Our Molecules
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/stuart-bowden-our-molecules

Tenuous Link – Unexpected Inheritance
PQA Venues @Riddle’s Court
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/unexpected-inheritance

Tessa Waters – Fully Sik 

Tessa Waters

Heroes @ The SpiegelYurt
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tessa-waters-fully-sik

Thao Thanh Cao – Appropriately Inappropriate
Laughing Horse @ Harry’s Southside
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/appropriately-inappropriate

The Ashes: A Comedy Showdown
Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ashes-a-comedy-showdown

The Nasty Show
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nasty-show

Thomas Green – Doubting Thomas
Gilded Balloon Teviot
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/thomas-green-doubting-thomas

Time Out With Ross Voss
Laughing Horse @ Moriarty’s
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/time-out-with-ross-voss

The Travellin’ Man Comedy Showcase (MC Aidan ‘Taco’ Jones)
Laughing Horse @ Harry’s Southside
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/travellin-man-comedy-showcase

The Travelling Sisters – Toupé 

The Travelling Sisters

Gilded Balloon Teviot
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/travelling-sisters-toupe

Squirrel Review:

The Travelling Sisters – Toupé

Tom Walker – Honk Honk Honk Honk Honk 

Tom Walker

Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tom-walker-honk-honk-honk-honk-honk

Squirrel Review:

Tom Walker: Honk Honk Honk Honk Honk

Tri-Nations Comedy
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tri-nations-comedy

Wil Greenway – Either Side of Everything
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/wil-greenway-either-side-of-everything

Yianni Agisilaou – I, Human
Pleasance Dome
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/yianni-agisilaou-i-human

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Awards for 2018

This year instead of being presented in the middle of the night at the Festival Club as is traditional, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Awards were instead presented at 1pm in the afternoon at Belleville. It was more relaxed and civilised with drinks and nibblies (and better lighting for photos) and it was great knowing that everyone in the room was involved and invested in the results, but sort of sad that it was restricted to invite only. I was very lucky to be invited, but other fans on the rim of the festival, but just as invested would have been sad (as I was when this happened once in the past) to not be a part of that middle of the night wild excitement and joy when a favourite, or someone you’ve discovered wins an award.

I can’t deny that there was some surprise as well as delight for Sam Campbell’s win. Although he has been performing in Sydney for a while and getting some TV work (you may have seen him on The Checkout), he’s still pretty much under the radar of the general public. We fell in love with his work when we saw Zanzoop! early in it’s run in 2016 and spent the rest of the Festival telling anyone who would listen that they should go and see the strange talk show hosted by a wise cracking alien in a back alley nightclub. This year we loved both shows he was involved with; his own, The Trough and Anne Edmond’s Helen Bidou – Enter the Spinnaker Lounge where he played Helen’s long suffering, very awkward son Connor.

2018 AWARD WINNERS

Hannah Gadsby Presenting The Barry Award from New York

Barry Award, for the best show: Sam Campbell The Trough  

Nominees for The Barry Award:
Alex Edelman (USA)- Just for Us 
Anne Edmonds – as Helen Bidou – Enter the Spinaker Lounge
Tim Key (UK) – Megadate
Lano & Woodley (Colin Lane and Frank Woodley) – Fly!
Rose Matafeo (NZ) – Horndog!
Celia Pacquola – All Talk
Natalie Palamides (USA) – Laid

 

The Best Newcomer: Danielle Walker Bush Rat 

Danielle Walker

This award was presented by Sarah Dodds of Soho Theatre who will be bringing Danielle to London to make her Debut at The Soho Theatre.

Nominees for The Best Newcomer Award:
Paul Williams(NZ) – Summertime Love
Stephanie Tisdell – Identity Steft
Garry Starr – Performs Everything
Lewis Garnham – The Smartest Idiot You’ll Ever Meet
Nadia Collins – Virgin Bloody Mary

 

The Golden Gibbo Award (for an artistic independent production): 

Cam Venn


Cam Venn for 
Charles Horse Lays An Egg
The prize is a Bottle of Red Wine and was presented by Lynda Gibson’s Niece Emma Maye Gibson, also known as Betty Grumble

Nominees for The Golden Gibbo Award:
Sophie Joske and Anna Piper Scott  – Almost Lesbians
Garry Starr  – Performs Everything 
Julia Rorke & Elysia Hall – Not Another F***** B**** In India
Michelle Brasier & Laura Frew
(Double Denim) – Double Denim Adventure Show]

Lano & Woodley

People’s Choice Award:
Lano & Woodley – Fly!

This award signifies that Fly! sold the most tickets at this year’s Festival.

 

The Directors’ Choice Award:
Michelle Brasier and Laura Frew for Double Denim Adventure Show

 

 

The Pinder Prize: Demi Lardner – I Love Skeleton 
This Award funds her trip to the Edinburgh Fringe
to perform at Assembly Festival.

 

 

Heath Franklin

Piece of Wood Award (Peer Award from other comedians):
Heath Franklin – Bogan Jesus 

 

Funny Tonne Winner: Alasdair Bryant (76 Shows)

Deadly Funny National Grand Final winner: Leon Filewood (QLD)

RAW Comedy Grand Final Winner: Bec Melrose (NSW)  
Bec has won a trip to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival to compete in So You Think You’re Funny?.
RAW Runners-Up: Gavin Sempel (VIC), Emma Holland (ACT)

Class Clowns National Grand Final Winners Liam Adam, Carlin Carruth & Kyle Bennett (QLD) as ‘Awkward’!
Class Clowns Runners-Up:
Dusty Diddle (VIC),
Nina Cowley-Mousinho (QLD)
Shiloh Rea (QLD)
Nicholas Doring (NSW)