MICF Menu – Thursday April 7
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MICF Menu – Thursday April 7

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MICF UPDATES

Exciting news for fans of improv: after some back and forth, New Zealand troupe Snort are set to duke it out with local duo The Bear Pack at Trades Hall. The Bear Pack’s Steen Raskopoulos initially tweeted, “HEY @snortcomedy !!!! @TheBearPack lay an improv. gauntlet down. Next week. You vs us (+special guest). Accept? Let the paperwork begin?” It seems that the two teams have been given the festival’s blessing and it’s officially on. The news coming out from Twitter is that Snort vs The Bear Pack will take place Sunday April 10, 8:30pm Trades Hall. Nothing has been made official just yet, surveying the comedy festival website, so best keep an eye on their respective Twitter accounts here and here.

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MICF SELL-OUTS

As a general rule this comedy festival, you should book ahead to avoid disappointment. Here’s just a small sample of festival shows that have proven extremely popular over the past day. If you’d like to see any of them, get in quick.

Alice Fraser – The Resistance

Anne Edmonds – That’s Eddotainment

Aunty Donna – New Show

Demi Lardner – Life Mechanic

Guy Montgomery – Guy Montcomedy

Ivan Aristeguieta – Chorizo Sizzle

Liam Ryan – Oh God It’s Behind You

Luke Heggie – Anythink Is Possible

Mae Martin – Us

Matt Okine

Nazeem Hussain – Hussain In The Membrane

Rose Callaghan – Rose Before Hoes

Rhys Nicholson – Bona Fide

Sara Pascoe – Animal

Tessa Waters – Over Promises

MICF ENTREES (Early Shows, until 7pm)

Stunt Lounge

 

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Five recent graduates of the famous Flying Fruit Fly Circus have teamed up to bring you Stunt Lounge, a showcase of boundary-exploring, limit-pushing circus. Led by director Darcy Grant, they’ll be exploring the complexities of circus and being a young person today, as well as blowing your mind with some nerve-wracking stunts. Plenty of people have been singing their praises and this looks to be the perfect alternative to the traditional stand-up comedy that takes over the festival. Only a couple of opportunities to check them out remain, as the Stunt Lounge season comes to an end this Sunday. With that in mind, head down to the Arts Centre Melbourne, Thu-Sat 6pm (matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm) and Sun Apr 3 at 5pm.

MICF MAIN MEALS (Prime Time, 7pm-10pm)

Frank Woodley – Extra Ordinary

 

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Rubber-limbed jester Frank Woodley has been in the comedy game roughly 25 years, having made a career out of being absoluetly ridiculous. You might know him as one half of legendary Australian double act Lano & Woodley – and if not, you should jump onto YouTube and treat yourself immediately. Whether he’s donning the hat of comedian, clown, actor or acrobat, Woodley continues to be one of the nation’s most beloved and celebrated comic performers. His latest festival show, Extra Ordinary, hits the Melbourne Town Hall Tue-Sat 8.20pm and Sun 7.20pm right through to April 17.

Joel Creasey

Joel Creasey’s ascension to superstardom has been something tp behold. You might know him from his recent reality TV work, the young comic featuring on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Prior to finding the spotlight, though, Creasey was doing stand-up comedy and smashing it all over the country. It was only a matter of time until his profile exploded – and it has, in emphatic fashion. These days, Joel Creasey boasts critical acclaim in the UK, USA, Canada and has been dubbed Australia’s hottest comedy star. Sassy, sharp and downright hilarious, Creasey is playing Max Watt’s this festival. You can catch him Tue-Sat 8.15pm and Sun 7.15pm until April 17.

Rose Matafeo – Finally Dead 

Everyone has imagined how their funeral would play out and, if you haven’t, you’re lying. The difference between us and comedian Rose Matafeo is that she, through the medium of comedy, gets to simulate the experience. You’re already on board, because it’s a great idea for a show, but in case you need more convincing, here are the facts: Matafeo is not only a 2013 Billy T Award-winner, she recently enjoyed a sold out run at the NZ International Comedy Festival. The Melbourne Town Hall hosts Matafeo’s pursuit of the perfect send-off, Tue-Sat 7.15pm, Sun 6.15pm and Mon 6.30pm.

 

MICF DESSERTS (Late Shows, 10pm onwards)

Ali McGregor’s Late-Nite Variety-Nite Night

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What have you accomplished in the last ten years? You still have that overdue library book and lord knows how that fine’s looking now. Meanwhile, though, Ali McGregor has accomplished plenty in the past decade, running what has essentially become a comedy festival institution. Her Late-Nite Variety-Nite Night has returned this year to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the show’s line-ups bigger and better than ever before. Emphasis is on the word variety, of course: the show combines comedy acts, blush-worthy burlesque, delectable cabaret and heart-stopping circus acts sampled from around the world. The show has been masterfully curated for years and it’s no wonder McGregor has earned so much acclaim. Of course, there’s only one venue for a show like this: The Famouse Spiegeltent. Treat yourself to smorgasboard of entertainment Thu-Sat 10pm and Sun 9pm (until April 10) as well as Fri & Sat 11.30pm (April 15 and 16).

 

Set List

You might have noticed in Tuesday’s edition of MICF Menu that Set List has officially returned to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The show revolves around impromptu sink-or-swim riffs on random topics, your favourite comedians forced make things up as they go along. Sometimes they produce comedy gold, other times they stumble – either way, it’s hilarious. Tonight’s line-up is a real winner, featuring Susie Youssef as your MC, as well as Geraldine Hickey, Alex Edelman, Carl Donnelly, The Bear Pack and Dr Professor Neal Portenza. See for yourself why Set List has been a hit of festival seasons’ past. Head on over to Roxanne, Tue & Thu-Sat 11pm and Sun 10pm, or catch a special Melbourne Town Hall show on Mon 9.45pm.

MICF SPECIALS (One-Offs and Discounts)

This evening at the Festival Club is perfect for those that like their LOLs affordable, the famous 10 Comedians for 10 Bucks special making its return. Not only is the show great value, there’s a great line-up too, featuring Jess Perkins as your MC, Andrew Wolfe, Shahed Sharify, Pax Assadi (NZ), James Roque (NZ), Eli Matthewson (NZ), Gen Fricker, Kate Dehnert, Michael Hing, Angus Brown, Rose Callaghan, Kel Balnaves, and Tanyalee Davis (CAN). It all kicks off at Max Watt’s from 11:15pm, with tickets available on the door.