If a bit of comedy is your idea of a great night out, then good news: the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is coming to the New England with a lineup that promises to have something for everyone.
Each show features a slightly different group of comedians. First Nations comedian Dane Simpson is hosting, while Lizzy Hoo, Takashi Wakasugi, and up and coming performers Alexandra Hudson, Patrick Golamco, Lewis Garnham, and Maddy Weeks are set to perform as well.
Festival director Susan Provan says the mix of talents, older more established performers and newcomers, is a cornerstone of the festival.
“We try with the Road Show to have a real mix of more established performers so that people get a chance to see the breadth of what’s going on in the comedy scene at the moment,” she said.
“Comedy is great because it makes you feel good and helps you forget the troubles of life for a few hours. It’s the most subjective art form. There are five comedians at each of the shows, and while one of them might not be to your taste, one of the others will be,” Susan added.
Catch the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow at:
- Glen Innes Chapel Theatre on June 26,
- Gunnedah Town Hall on July 4,
- Inverell RSM Club on July 2
- Moree Services Club on July 3
- Capitol Theatre Tamworth on July 5
Check out the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website for more information about tickets, start times and up to date details.
Over 25 years of bringing comedy to the bush
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is entering its 26th year of operation, bringing all manner of comedians out of the cities and into the regions.
According to Susan, no significant comedy shows were touring the regional areas and country towns, at least not as well organised or consistent when The Roadshow was first established.
“We go to big performing arts centres, but we also go to some really little places, I think the roadshow has helped build comedy audiences in a lot of the places we tour,” she said.
“More established comedians will now go beyond Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to regional areas for a tour as well, which is great; everybody’s a lot busier than they were 25 years ago.”
At this stage, the Roadshow is recommended for everyone over the age of 15. Susan says there is nothing overly controversial as part of the comedian’s sets, but there will likely be occasional swearing.
“We tell the comedians that while it’s not an all ages event, we do want people to be able to bring their families, teenagers, and other young persons who love a bit of comedy,” she said.
“There is a bit of swearing, it’s certainly not really blue though, we’re careful about making sure that people won’t be hideously offended and leave feeling upset.”
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