April casts a spotlight on some of the best talent going around Melbourne’s stages.
There are enough stage shows taking over the city this month to fill an annual calendar. Between circus and cabaret, theatre and music, there is one genre of performance that reigns supreme, and it’s comedy.
Fear not, though, because if Naarm is known for anything it’s for being the cultural capital of the country, so we’ve got a little bit of every kind of stage show on the agenda to round out your belly laughs this April. Read on to find out what’s hitting the stages around Naarm this month.
Check out our gig guide, our arts guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
Poetry Open Mic
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- The Motley Bauhaus
- Throughout April
Whether you’re searching for a place to sink your teeth into local poetry or you need an audience to listen to poetry of your own, the Motley Bauhaus’ Poetry Open Mic nights are your one-stop literary shop this month.
Jesus Christ Superstar
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- The Princess Theatre
- Throughout April
It’s back, bigger and bolder than ever before. This new production of Jesus Christ Superstar is a classic of the theatre world. See it again in all its glory, or experience the magic of the musical for the first time.
The Vaudeville Revue: Cabaret, Comedy and Burlesque
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- Speakeasy Theatre
- Throughout April
It’s a dash of cabaret, a sprinkle of comedy and a splash of burlesque, all in the space of one extravagant night. This is a must-see show for both locals and visitors alike, and has been voted as one of the best burlesque shows in the country.
The Late Nite PowerPoint Comedy Showcase
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- The Westin Melbourne
- Throughout April
Whoever said PowerPoint presentations had to be boring? Six comedians are taking the medium to new heights with their Late Nite Comedy Showcase, after they fix all the typical Microsoft technical difficulties.
Alayne Dick: Purple is the Gayest Colour
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- Tasma Terrace
- April 1 to April 6
Kiwi national Alayne Dick is bringing her sold-out comedy show across the pond to add a bit of colour (exclusively purple) to the Comedy Festival’s program. A hot, gay librarian with a talent for cracking jokes, she’s not one to miss.
Jane Austen Improvised
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- Impro Melbourne
- April 1 to April 20
Whether you’re an Austen devotee or just in need of a laugh, Jane Austen Improvised is exactly what it sounds like. It’s regency London, plus a handful of contemporary comedians. Whatever could go wrong?
We Call It Ballet
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- The Capitol
- April 4, 23 and 27
It’s ballet, but not as you know it. Transforming the story of Sleeping Beauty to a performance of light, colour and movement, dancers will guide you through this journey with lit up costumes and glittering talent.
Sorcery and Swing: 1920s Magic and Music Dinner
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- Stamford Plaza Melbourne
- April 5
It’s dinner and a show – and a step back in time – at Sorcery and Swing. Prepare to be transported back to the 1920s when moonshine and jazz were all the rage. Plus, there’ll be a dash of magic to keep you on your toes.
Asian Allstars Gala
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- Melbourne Town Hall
- April 5
The best of the best are being placed centre stage for the Asian Allstars Gala as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. A mix of established legends and newcomers fill the lineup for this night of laughs.
Comedy Club for Kids
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- Melbourne Museum Theatre
- April 5 to April 20
The kids don’t have to miss out on the laughs this comedy season, with Melbourne Museum’s Comedy Club for Kids. The family-friendly performances mean that the little ones can join in with the big ones for a giggle or two.
Flo & Joan: The Joan & Flo Show
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- Melbourne Town Hall
- April 5, 12, 13, 19 and 20
The hilarious British duo Flo and Joan are making their way down under for a string of comedy shows that promise madness, mayhem and perhaps a little bit of music here and there.
Deadly Funny National Grand Final
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- Arts Centre Melbourne
- April 14
The black, loud and proud Deadly Funny National Grand Final will see the national finalists of the competition and some special guest performers win hearts and laughs this month at the Arts Centre.
Julio Torres: Color Theories
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- Max Watts
- April 15 to April 20
Renowned funny guy Julio Torres is bringing his surrealist comedy to Aussie audiences for a string of debut performances down under. The creator behind TV show Fantasmas and the film Problemista, this comedian isn’t one to miss.
The Migration Office: A Variety Hour Comedy Show
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- Club Voltaire
- April 17 to April 20
The Migration Office will see you now. This variety show takes absurd comedy to a new level as the performers explore the sometimes-hilarious-sometimes-not reality of being POC in Australia.
RocKwiz’s Really Really Good Friday
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- Hamer Hall
- April 18
This Good Friday is about to get really really good with RocKwiz’s live music and comedy show at Hamer Hall. All the usual stars will be rearing their heads, including Julia Zemiro and Brian Nankervis, so don’t miss out.
For more on Melbourne’s best stage events this month, head here.
