I have seen a heap of shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival this year. It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the city is abuzz with people and laughter. Here are some  of my highlights.  Some tickets were given to me for review purposes – noted below.

Loyiso Gola – Unlearning

‪I saw Loyiso Gola –  a South African comedian – at the Mantra on Russell last night. He is very clever! His show Unlearning unpacks white privilege and ingrained racism, South African history, ‬childhood anecdotes, current politics, and what it’s like to be the only black person at the party. He’s confused about Melbourne trams and weather. Great banter with audience too. Excellent! This is such an important show for white people to see. I think the audience was uncomfortable recognising their white privilege
at times and that’s a good thing.

Loyiso and I chatted on Twitter after the show and he’s lovely. I want my Mum to meet his Mum and they talk about growing up in Cape Town!

Tickets are here.

(Tickets were given to me for review purposes.)

Natalie Palamides – Laid

I saw Natalie Palamides’ show Laid on Friday night. She’s an American comedian known for her podcast Hidden Mickeys.

I laughed hard, felt awkward, and Adam became a father during the show. Hilarious and harrowing. Brave audience participation too.

Natalie plays both a chicken and egg. Every day she’s faced with whether she should keep her child or eat it. The show is essentially about the monotony and responsibility of being a mother.

It balanced riotous comedy and very dark themes such as child abuse, miscarriage, death, consent, when and whether to become a mother and post natal depression. It made for uncomfortable watching at times.

It was physically messy – with bodily functions, cooking and eating. The audience was very brave.

LOVED IT!!

Natalie has finished her #MICF18 season now, but I hope she comes back! Find her on Twitter.

(Tickets were given to me for review purposes.)

Emma J Hawkins – I am Not a Unicorm

I saw Emma J Hawkins’ show I am Not a Unicorm for the second time at the end of March. I had seen it previously in 2015. Her current show at Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been rewritten to reflect current day, with references to Trump as well as the ableism she’s experienced. It’s on for one more Saturday. It’s really thought provoking and funny – and it’s a great opportunity to support disability led art. Go see her! 💖

Emma is playing one more show on Saturday at The Malthouse. Tickets here. 

Kirsty Webeck – I Get It Now

A fun show with cute anecdotes about school days, teachers and her elderly neighbour who finally got it. Kirsty is a comedian who has tried to do better when it comes to disability, and she never makes fun of anyone. A delightful show!

Tickets here.

Wil Anderson – Wilegal

I saw Wilegal – the story of Wil Anderson’s arrest after a flight from Sydney to Wagga Wagga. I was interested to hear more of his chronic pain story – which I’ve heard him talk about on his podcast. His Wilegal show proved a good insight into pain and how those who endure it can feel like a big inconvenience. I really enjoyed it. I also think Wil did a great job of acknowledging his white male privilege and honestly spoke about the perceived weakness of having a disability. Funny storytelling. Loved it!

Tickets here.

I saw a few other shows which you can see mini reviews of on my Twitter.

Also, I tweeted about a show that’s happening tonight – my friend Erin is producing it and you should go!

Are you looking to see a @micomfestival show for a cause? My friend is producing Infectious for @BurnetInstitute – proceeds supports medical research. It's on tonight – with a star lineup! I went last year and it was great! https://t.co/I2xPEK8baw #MICF2018 #comedy

— Carly Findlay (@carlyfindlay) April 15, 2018