The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has hundreds of performers and shows worth seeing – that’s the most obvious statement of the most obvious of obvious-towns. There are a huge amount of great showcases throughout the festival too – one of them being The Comedy Zone, a showcase of fresh and amazing comedic talent from around Australia.
We decided to get Tim Hewitt (pictured above) – representing Queensland at The Comedy Zone – to give us his picks of the festival. You can go see Tim as part of the Comedy Zone troupe from the 30th March to the 23rd April (no Wednesdays) at the Melbourne Trades Hall. More info about the showcase can be found here.
Here are TIm’s picks of the festival, and why he’s chosen them:
Jonathan Schuster: Earth Choice
Melbourne Trades Hall from April 3rd – April 23rd (no Wednesdays).
An incredibly underrated comedian, one of the true sweethearts of Melbourne comedy, hard to think of someone that makes me laugh more in the local scene. It’s his first solo show in a few years and it’s primed to be a belter.
More info & tickets here.
Sam Taunton: Taunts Down For What
Victoria Hotel from March 30th – April 23rd (no shows on the 3rd & 17th April).
My housemate said he wouldn’t send rent if I didn’t put him on the list. A gifted yarn man will be a very strong debut solo show, he’s a gig pig and loves holding a mic. I am constantly punching up his stories in the lounge room so they will be stand out moments.
More info & tickets here.
Cameron James: ’88
Melbourne Trades Hall from March 30th – April 23rd (no Wednesdays).
Cam has a podcast about Mike Myers movies. Like Taunten, Cam is a very groovy baby. His natural comedy style gets me very randy. Cam is my pre-emptive festival crush.
More info & tickets here.
Chimp Cop: Forever
Melbourne Trades Hall from March 30th – April 23rd (no Wednesdays).
Great story driven sketch group. They are cult faves of the festival and have been growing over the last few years. The incredibly goofy crew of Tim Clark, Adam Knox, Rosie Vernel and Ben Vernel always have great chemistry. It’s like Monty Python if Monty python was cool (don’t @ me, I saw Life of Brian when I was 12 and dad kept pissing himself, it was distressing).
More info & tickets here.
Alex Ward: Quiet
Forum Theatre from March 30th – April 23rd (no Mondays).
A fellow Queenslander, Wardy has the spirit of origin immortals flowing through her punchlines. A natural on stage, with honest personal storytelling.
More info & tickets here.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is happening throughout Melbourne until April 23rd. Get more info about the above acts and many others performing at www.comedyfestival.com.au
We also have features featuring picks from the festival here and here.
Photo credit: c/o MICF
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