Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2014 Highlights
CELEBRATING its 28th year, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) has a whopping 486 shows in 2014. Juliana Mare has the highlights of this year’s festival.
Running from March 26 – April 20, this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival has so much more than just your average comedy show. In addition to a spectacular line-up of local and international acts, there’s also the finale of RAW Comedy, Australia’s biggest open-mic competition.
The 2014 line-up includes an impressive list of well known comedians including festival favourites Stephen K Amos, Jason Byrne, Denise Scott, Tom Gleeson and Wil Anderson, just to name a few.
There’s no doubt that you’ll find a show that will pique your interest just by having a quick gander at the festival’s program but if you’re still on the fence about who to see, here’s a rundown of the shows we’re most looking forward to this year.
One Man Breaking Bad
For fans of the AMC’s hit show Breaking Bad, American actor Miles Allen has condensed 60 episodes into a one-hour show aptly titled, One Man Breaking Bad. Thanks to his incredible mimicking ability, the one-man show features all of the main characters including Walt, Hank, Gus and even Skylar.
Given that Allen’s prank video above where he pretends to be a homeless man who can do uncanny Breaking Bad impressions has reached more than a million YouTube hits, we reckon his show will be downright hilarious. Tickets to the show are between $25 – $30.
Showko Sushi Dictator
Showko Sushi Dictator. Image: MICF
If you’ve ever wanted to see a live ventriloquist show, consider checking out Showko Sushi Dictatorat the festival. A story about a sushi shop owner who loses all her customers, Showko is told in Rakugo style, which is a traditional Japanese method of verbal entertainment, told with a single storyteller.
The show wowed audiences in London, Edinburgh and Japan and will hopefully impress Melbournians too. Tickets to the show are between $16 – $20.
Raw Comedy National Grand Final
RAW India winner, Neeti Palta. Image: MICF
Having searched the country for the best stand-up comedians, RAW Comedy is bringing all of the state finalists to the MICF for one big, hilarious finale night.
The comedians at the RAW Comedy National Grand Finallikely won’t include anyone you’ve heard of before but if they’re talented enough to make it to the finale of a national competition, we reckon this show is worth every dollar. Plus, this year’s special guest is the winner of India’s RAW Comedy, Neeti Palta.
If you’re interested in participating, registration for the competition is open and you can enter at their official website or purchase tickets to the finale at Ticketmaster for $28 – $35.
With shows running throughout the week as well as weekends, make sure you squeeze in some time to attend at least one of the many great shows coming to Melbourne this year.
Which comedians are you excited to see at this year’s Comedy Festival? Let us know in the comment section below!