The MICF has released the names of some of the acts who will be gracing Melbourne stages this coming comedy festival. Star of the ABC’s “Black Books”, Dylan Moran will be one of a number of international acts heading our way. 2006 will also see the welcome return of David O’Doherty, together with circuit favourite Daniel Kitson. Other international names include Mark Watson, Rhod Gilbert, Jason Byrne, Joan Rivers, Demetri Martin, Glenn Wool and Spymonkey. As per usual many of our finest local comedians will also be performing in Australia’s premiere comedy event including Adam Hills, Akmal, Charlie Pickering, Dave Hughes, Fiona O’Loughlin, Greg Fleet, Jimeoin, Judith Lucy, Michael Chamberlin, Rod Quantock, Tripod, Tom Gleeson, Tahir, Tommy Dean, The Kransky Sisters, The Scared Weird Little Guys, The Umbilical Bros & Tim Minchin. The full program for the 2006 Melbourne International Comedy Festival will be released on the 24th of February. For more information go to the MICF website at www.comedyfestival.com.au
It was announced earlier this year that comedy icon John Cleese will be touring Australia this September with his show John Cleese – His Life, Times and Current Medical Problems. Tickets for the show go on sale in March.
Congratulations to The Bedroom Philosopher, Justin Heazlewood, who came in at seventy two in Triple J’s Hottest 100 this year. He’s topped his effort of last year’s ranking of 180, which came after only a couple of months of airplay.
In room news for three more nights only, Danny Alder and Dan Walmsley are hosting “The Pink Horse of Whimsy” upstairs at Vibe in Collingwood. Happening on the next three Wednesdays “The Pink Horse of Whimsy” will incorporate a combination of comedy, music and short film. Doors open at 8pm with the show starting at 8:30 and entry is only $5.
Relatively new to the scene “Bad Ass Comedy” in Port Melbourne, is up and running every Wednesday at Drifter’s Alibi.
Returning to comedy, over coming weeks The Butterfly Club will be presenting “Sneak Preview” which will preview some of the upcoming festival artists, including Anthony Menchetti and Nellie Thomas.
Known for running “Gags and Drags” at the Muse Bar, Peter C Kohn has added a new night to his repertoire with “Comedy Express” at Temple as well as running “The Comic Block” at Muse.
Also expanding his program is Ben Hodson with his room “Comedy C’mon Down” which is now happening every Wednesday as well as a new “Sunday Supershow” every second Sunday afternoon, beginning on the 12th with headliner Michael Chamberlin.
Joanne Brookfield has announced a tour of her successful 2005 Melbourne Comedy Festival show Princess Pissy Pants the Greedy Cheese Eating Bitch which will run in Adelaide, Melbourne and Albury. She is looking for extra venues to extend this tour further a field. Interested venues should contact Joanne at www.joannebrookfield.com
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