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