Top picks of the Melbourne International Comedy Festiva
Matt Okine: We Made You
The former Triple J breakfast host makes poignant storytelling with fresh and funny observations look deceptively simple. àbeyond, ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne 3000. Thu-sat 9.45pm; Sun 8.45pm. $30-$37. Mar 30-Apr 2.
Mel Buttle: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Buttle
This Great Australian Bake Off host has spent years honing her eccentric on-stage persona – not to mention her
impressions. àportico Room, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. Tue-sat 7.15pm; Sun 6.15pm. $24-$32. Mar 30-Apr 23.
Nazeem Hussain: Public Frenemy If pointed political commentary is your jam, then lock in your tickets to see Hussain, who deftly unpicked society’s prejudices in his sell-out solo show last year. àbeyond, ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne 3000. Tue-sat 7pm; Sun 6pm. $30-$38. Mar 30-Apr 23. Rhys Nicholson: I’m Fine
The Sydney-based comedian offers biting, no-holds-barred reflections on his life delivered at breakneck pace. àsupper Room, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. Mon 9pm. àcube, ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne 3000. Tue-sat 9.45pm; Sun 8.45pm. $22-$30. Mar 30-Apr 23.
Judith Lucy & Denise Scott: Disappointments
Two national comedy treasures lay down refreshing truths about making peace
with your shattered dreams. àstate Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004. Thu, Fri 7.30pm; Sat Apr 15 7pm; Sun 5pm & 7.30pm; Sat Apr 22 4pm. $40-$54.90. Apr 13-22.
Sam Simmons: A-K
Experience Simmons’ unique brand of daring, unapologetic weirdness in a
brand new show. àupstairs, Forum Theatre, Flinders & Russell Sts, Melbourne 3000. Tue-sat 9pm; Sun 8pm. $27-$39. Mar 30-Apr 23.
Susie Youssef: Behave Youssef
The insanely charming Sydney comedian, impersonator and theatre sports champion returns with her trademark blend of sketch, improv, stand-up and stories. àbackstage Room, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. Tue-sat 8.15pm; Sun 7.15pm. $24-$28. Mar 30-Apr 23.
Tom Ballard: Problematic
The socially conscious Sydney comic tackles contemporary identity politics and outrage culture.
àsupper Room, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. Tue-sat 7pm; Sun 6pm. $24-$34. Mar 30-Apr 23.
Zoë Coombs Marr: Trigger Warning
Coombs Marr’s utterly brilliant show was the hottest ticket of last year’s festival and took out the Barry Award. àlower Town Hall, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. Tue-sat 8.20pm; Sun 7.20pm. $29-$35. Apr 18-23.
Aunty Donna: Big Boys
The Melbourne sketch comedy trio have racked up huge numbers on their surreal and side-splitting web series. àmax Watt’s, 125 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. TueSat 9.45pm; Sun 8.45pm. $25-$35. Mar 30-Apr 23.
David O’doherty: Big Time
The “low budget Enya” returns to Melbourne, equipped with his keyboard and songs designed to fix humanity. àupstairs, Forum Theatre, Flinders & Russell Sts, Melbourne 3000. Tue-sat 7.30pm; Sun 6.30pm. $32$39.70. Mar 30-Apr 23.
James Acaster: The Trelogy
The Brit comedian will perform three of his best shows over three weeks. Catch them all, or pick one: there are no wrong choices. àlower Town Hall, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. Tue-sat 8.20pm; Sat 7.20pm. $29-$38. Apr 4-16.
Josie Long: Something Better
The British comedian blends her well loved optimism and philosophical mind with shrewd political commentary. àlower Town Hall, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. Mon-sat 8.20pm; Sun 7.20pm; Sat Apr 15 5.30pm. Mar 30-Apr 3, 15 & 17. àswiss Club, 89 Flinders Ln, Melbourne 3000. TueSat 9.45pm; Sun 8.45pm. $28-$36. Apr 18-23.
Loyiso Gola: Dude, Where’s My Lion?
You might’ve seen him on the ABC’S The
Weekly with Charlie Pickering; now this South African talent glides through the muddy waters of world politics and postapartheid South Africa. àpowder Room, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. Tue-sat 8.30pm; Sun 7.30pm. $26.50-$34. Mar 30-Apr 23.
Paul Foot: ’Tis a Pity She’s a Piglet
It’s hard to predict what to expect from British surrealist and satirist Paul Foot – beyond laugh-out-loud absurdity and clever social commentary.