Top-rated Adelaide shows arriving in Melbourne

As the sun sets on the Adelaide Fringe, here are our pick of the best reviewed shows now travelling to Melbourne International Comedy Festival

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Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Published 21 Mar 2019

Felicity Ward: Busting a Nut

Nominated for an Edinburgh Comedy Award, standup Felicity Ward's Busting a Nut might be her best show yet.

What we said: "The frivolous premise of Busting a Nut means this, on paper, shouldn’t be the best show Felicity Ward has ever done, or indeed perhaps the best standup performance of this festival – but it is.

Melbourne Town Hall, times vary, 28 Mar–21 Apr (not 1, 8, 15 Apr), $25-38

 

Brett Blake: Bogan Genius

Brett Blake knows what it's like to be both dismissed as dumb and score high on an IQ test. 

What we said: "The show is an emotional and uplifting trek into the world of a younger, smaller Blake who’s struggling through school with dyslexia and ADHD. It’s about defying the odds and throwing an eraser at anyone who tells you you’re not good enough."

Coopers Inn, 8:40pm, 27 Mar-21 Apr (not 2, 9, 16 Apr), $15-20


The Establishment: Bureau de Strange

Affecting an appearance of characters that have fallen from the pages of a PG Wodehouse story, clowning duo Neil Frost and Dan Lees bring something altogether more absurd to Coopers Malthouse. 

What we said: "The Establishment have an unrivalled charm as well as unpredictable comedy, with the duo easily getting everyone onboard with their brand of chaos."

The Coopers Malthouse, times vary, 28 Mar-7 Apr (not 1 Apr), $20-27


Fringe Wives Club: Glittergrass

With two new members the Fringe Wives Club power into Melbourne with more energy than ever.

What we said: "Glittergrass is a musical parody imbued with hilariously delivered pop ballads, served with their signature slice of provocative vivacity."

The Coopers Malthouse, times vary, 28 Mar-21 Apr (not 1, 8, 15 Apr), $23-32


Hans: Like a German

The America's Got Talent star scoots by for a wild cabaret.

What we said: "As he delves – sometimes groin first – into audience participation, we have to buckle up for the kind of intimacy and humiliation that’s generally reserved for a dysfunctional family’s boozy christmas."

The Coopers Malthouse, times vary, 28 Mar-7 Apr (not 1 Apr), $25-32

 

Judith Lucy Vs Men

Finding herself single at 50, Judith Lucy recounts her past relationships. An engaging and relatable show from a standup at the top of her game.

What we said: "Lucy deliberately places herself in the line of fire and in doing so creates a welcoming place for her entire audience."

Arts Centre Melbourne, times vary, 28 Mar-14 Apr (not 1, 8 Apr), $44.90-52.90

 

Maddie HW: Let’s Get Loud

Turning the volume up to eleven, Sydney-based comedian Maddie HW delivers a show about being heard.

What we said: "In the hands of this charming and vivacious comic, everyday life becomes hilarious and a little absurd."

Carlton Club, times vary, 8-20 Apr (not 10, 17), $17-25


Stamptown Comedy Night  

A late-night variety show crowded with great comedy.

What we said: "One of the best curated and enjoyable experiences at the Fringe. Stamptown provides a snapshot of great and different acts from all across their roster of talents and friends. And delivers them gathered together in a single tent."

Max Watt’s, 11pm, 3 & 10 Apr, $15


Sweaty Pits: Pity Party

Sketch duo Frankie McNair and Miriam Slater's debut is an absurdist and intelligent gem. 

What we said: "They tackle unrealistic beauty standards for women, gender inequality and lad behaviour with such smart buffoonery that you'll laugh as much as you feel empowered."

Globe Ally, 8:30pm, 26 Mar-7 Apr, $25-30