By Catherine Smith and James Bowman
Choosing a show at Comedy Festival can be daunting. Let’s face it, independent theatre can be hit and miss. We’ve all been scarred by terrible performance art and forced to sit through our drunk uncle’s jokes on Christmas. But never fear, we’ve put together the perfect guide of upcoming comedians that you will not want to miss.
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Gary Starr – The Coopers Malthouse, The Tower
Coming off his multi-award-winning debut show, Garry Starr is back to show us the true form of theatre. Starr’s energy and commitment to his show is both impressive and contagious, and with another highly rated set, Starr is one comedian you don’t want to miss.
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New Order – Melbourne Town Hall, Powder Room
Not to be mistaken for the mediocre band that emerged from the demise of Joy Division, New Order are one of the hottest acts in the International Comedy Scene. The ensemble, comprised of UK and Ireland born talents, have burst onto the scene with “energy and charisma” that the Evening Standard describes as “impossible to dislike”. Catch them at Town Hall this festival.
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Double denim – The Victoria Hotel
On the back of a Green Room nomination and starring at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Laura Frew and Michelle Brasier are back with more laughs than ever. The Double Denim Adventure Show is a chaotic, physical set that will bring joy and laughs to all who attend.
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Dazza and Keif – The Coopers Malthouse, Mini Merlyn
A high-energy, scarily accurate portrayal of two B Boy drag kings taking on YouTube stardom one break dance at a time. Danni Ray and Keely Windre create a show that is both hilarious and cringeworthy as they take on the patriarchy. You can be sure that Dazza and Keif are on a journey to fame that is watching.
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Becky Lucas – Swiss Club
You may know her as the woman who got banned from twitter for joking about chopping the Prime Minister’s head off, but you’ll soon know her as one of Melbourne’s finest young talents. Described by Time Out as being “in a league of her own”, this is one show you won’t want to miss this year.
