The best time to see comedy on the cheap in Brunswick is from the start of a new year until the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF), typically in March/April. Often comedians are workshopping new material for their up-and-coming festival shows in front of a live audience. So that means I’ve been to at least 12 mixed shows already and seen almost 100 comedians.
Red Betty comedy night with Fergus Neal on stage. Source: author
The second best time to go and see comedy in Melbourne is RIGHT NOW during MICF which started on Monday, 27th March and goes right through to April 23rd. So I’ve done my best to distil what I’ve seen locally for some recommendations for shows to see this year during MICF.
Brett Blake – Dog Act
Brett Blake came as a bit of a surprise to me but he’s been around Melbourne for a little while. This country-turned-city and ‘self-proclaimed’ bogan has clearly put a lot of work into his material and has been applauded during his set on 4 separate occasions just this year. His comedy has matured and is not what you would expect from the man or the mullet. I highly recommend going to see his show ‘Dog Act’.
Nick Quon – Silly Soup
If you like Brett then you might also like Nick Quon. Nick always brings a fresh energy on stage with stories from working in childcare and looking after young children. His show ‘Silly Soup’ starts next April 11th.Â
Rose Bishop – Feral
From talking about kids to talking about animals. Rose Bishop has a very relaxed conversational presence on stage. It feels like you’re being told stories by your funny and oversharing friend. Her show ‘Feral’ is on at the Chinese Museum from March 30th and she finishes on April 9th so get in quick!
Bronwyn Kuss – Sounds Good
Give Bronwyn Kuss a go if you enjoy Rose’s laid-back nature but also appreciate the darker side of comedy with the comedic side of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Her show ‘Sounds Good’ is on at The Westin Two.
Jacqueline Mifsud – I Believe this is Yours
If you’re reading this later on in this festival, you should still be able to catch Jacqueline Mifsud’s show starting on the 13th of April at 7:15pm. Extremely quick-witted. She’s spent some time living overseas and made it her whole personality. Her show ‘I Believe This is Yours’ is on at 7:15pm at The Motley Bauhaus – Cabaret Stage.
Daisy Webb – Joy
Another late festival show Daisy Webb. A brilliant Trans woman comedian who finally gets to talk about the new Harry Potter game. Her show ‘Joy’ starts on the 14th of April at 10pm.
Unfortunately, not enough Brunswick local venues have been included this year in the MICF, but we hope for more Brunswick venues to feature as the festival gets back up to full steam (post-COVID) next year.Â
Brunswick Ballroom is putting on a few one-off shows throughout the festival tho.Â
A live recording of the Dear Nelly podcast (even if you’re not a listener these guests are more than likely to steal the show)
Also, on the 13th and 14th of April at 7pm Paul McDermott Plus One: Blood Orange. Need I say more about the Australian legend Paul McDermott.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, just who was brave enough to come north to promote their shows prior to this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival.Â
Stay safe and have a great Festival season.
This article was written and published on the stolen lands of the Wurundjeri-woi wurrung People, whose sovereignty was never ceded.
