MICF News
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has announced the dates for the 2007 festival. The festival will run from 4 April to 29 April 2007, starting just three days after the FINA World Swimming Championships. In 2006 organisers of the festival reported a $100,000 loss after staging a heightened advertising campaign designed to combat the impact of the Commonwealth Games on the Festival.
Also in festival news the MICF has announced the release of a commemorative DVD celebrating the 20th anniversary of the festival. The DVD will feature highlights from Comedy Festival Galas of the past four years. Due to be released on Fathers Day, the DVD will feature performers including, Adam Hills (pictured), Cal Wilson, Charlie Pickering, Chris Addison, Damian Callinan, Flight Of The Conchords, Greg Fleet, Lano & Woodley, Magda Szubanski, Maria Bamford, Mike Wilmot, Stephen K. Amos, Wil Anderson and many more. Also announced is the date of the broadcast of the Great Debate. The debate will be screened on Network Ten on Sunday 6 August, and feature Corinne Grant, Paul McDermott, Jean Kittson, Jason Byrne, Stephen K Amos, Meshel Laurie and Rove McManus. For details on all MICF news check out their website
Gig News
In gig news both Tripod and Man Bites God have coming Melbourne residencies during August. Tripod will be appearing at The Spanish Club in Fitzroy for “Pod August Nights” every Thursday during August and on Fridays Man Bites God will be taking their comic stylings to Plan B. For listing details go to Tripod and Man Bites God.
Making a rare and welcome return to Melbourne stages is Flacco who will be appearing on August 16th at The Cornish Arms in Sydney Rd. Justin Heazlewood is support.
A one off event will be happening at The Newmarket Hotel in Kyneton. On Saturday 29th July Jaymie Wilson will MC a gig which includes the line up Evan Jones, Scott Steensma, Ben Hodson, Kat C, Johno, David Tulk, Ben Lomas, Mr. Alabama, Pete Sharkey, Andrew Drinnam, Tix $10
Room News
Run by Tym Jeffery, “The Political Round-Up” is a new monthly room about to open in Melbourne. Starting on Wednesday the 2nd of August and followed by the first Wednesday of every month after, this room will have a particularly strong political/social emphasis, and combine both comedy spots with more serious discussion segments. This first night will feature political comedy icon Rod Quantock. It will be happening at Pony, 68-70 Little Collins St, Melbourne. Tickets are $ 10 and the show starts at 8:30 pm. You can book at the venue or online www.apocalypseandgenesys.com
Awards News
The Helpmann Awards, awards dedicated to live performance, have announced for the first time a category for comedy. The nominees for the Best Comedy Performer are Akmal Saleh – Akmal Live; “Judith Lucy”comic – I Failed!; Colin Lane and Frank Woodley – Lano & Woodley – Goodbye; David Collins and Shane Dundas – The Umbilical Brothers – The Rehearsal. The awards will be presented on Monday 31 July 2006 at the Lyric Theatre, Star City, Sydney. For more information check out the official website
Television News
Channel 7 is holding auditions for a new talent show called “Australia’s Got Talent”. They are looking for contestants in a variety of disciplines such as singing, dancing, circus and street skills, comedy, dancing dogs, yodelling, etc. There will be auditions in all capital cities – in Melbourne the auditions will be held at the Channel 7 studios, 119 Wells St, South Melbourne from 8am on Saturday 29 July. Auditions will be recorded for broadcast as part of a nine episode primetime series culminating with the national final. There a cash prize on offer although the amount is as yet undisclosed. Further information and registration forms can be found on the Channel 7 website To be given priority at the auditions, acts should register their interest by emailing fionapride@aanet.com.au with the following information: full name; name/type of act; contact phone number; and bring a completed registration form to the audition.