This year Justin Hamilton has been lucky enough to be one of the Moosehead Award Recipients and he is definitely up to something very interesting. He is doing three different but related shows throughout the festival as a trilogy. Justin has named the 3 shows of his Trilogy in reference to Woody Allen films.
This first show called Melbourne was as much an ode to Justin’s love for Melbourne as Woody’s was of Manhattan. The story that Justin weaves also had the feel of a romantic film set in Melbourne, or more precisely Fitzroy, where he lives. Justin peppered his tale with many references to real places in Fitzroy, such as ‘Marios’ with their intimidating waiters, ‘Joe’s Garage’ with its friendly staff, ‘The Brunswick Bookstore’ where he has browsed for hours and never bought anything and the ‘Veggie Bar’ where they pile your plate with giant mounds of yummy food.
The main body of the show was about how he left stifling Adelaide for the bright lights of Melbourne. In the midst of the move he attempts to maintain his relationship with his stifling Adelaide girlfriend while becoming much more entertained by his new bright Melbourne friend Caliope. He cleverly interlaces his hilarious tale about why he doesn’t want children and why you should watch The Dukes of Hazzard film (but only from 56mins in) into the story. There is an achingly romantic finale that I will not spoil here.
Justin Hamilton is a brilliantly talented, funny stand up comedian, but here he gave us much more than great laughs, this year he also gave us his heart. I would definitely recommend this show as a good date show. Take your loved one and snuggle up in the very comfortable and beautiful surrounds of The Council Chambers in the Melbourne Town Hall. I now eagerly await the 2nd part of the Trilogy, Laugh and Death, which begins on April 17th, so you better check this one out before then!
Three Colours Hammo: Melbourne runs from Tues to Sun until April 15. For booking details see the Festival “Website”:http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/season/2007/show/255/