Who Needs Core Exercises When You’ve Got The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow rolled our tummy rolls flat when they were in town two weeks ago at PJ Live Arts (PJLA). Just days before the roadshow, we sent someone to watch a preview of the festival and we even have a review of that night. Let’s just say that high(-larious) expectations were met.

Host of the night Dave Callan kick-started proceedings by reminding us that he wasn’t in fact the dude from Game of Thrones (we think he meant Sandor Clegane).

The bearded Irish wizard was very much in his element as evident in his natural manner and charm that permeated throughout his appearances on the stage. We only wished that he had at least an uninterrupted 10 minutes to show us what he’s really made of!

First comedian of the night, Urzila, walked onto the stage like she owned it and there’s nothing better than having a woman who knows her shit. Urzila began by using material that resonated with Malaysians (our roads).

We must say she had us at ‘potholes’ and ‘indicators’, reminding us of how bad Malaysian road etiquette can get. Thank you, Urzila.

She also takes shots at her own tanahair (South Africa) and compares herself to Charlize Theron. She’s the sort of stand-up that mocks herself and isn’t afraid of it. Urzila stayed on track throughout her set without a hitch.

Ever heard of Flight of the Conchords and loved them for their outrageous lyrics and catchy tunes? Melbourne’s musical comedy duo Dave Elbow and Ernie Skin would be the Aussie version of them.

In comedy festivals like these, you’d figure that the PR team would put up a warning sign bearing Rated PG-13 or expect parents not to bring their young kids. But some parents did have their children with them, and boy was it uncomfortable for the Dave and Ernie, but it just made their set a whole lot funnier.

We sure hope that these parents informed their kids about the birds and the bees after they all sang the . Nonetheless, the onstage due powered through and had audiences singing along with them, which is always a plus if you’re performing comedy!

Andy Saunders hit the second half of the roadshow with a pervy yet smooth, eccentric and hilarious routine. A man of many voices and some kick-ass beat-boxing skills, Andy debunks misconceptions of aboriginal people with disarming wit and charm.

Back during preview night, it was mentioned that rising local stand-up comedian “Brian Tan was unassumingly deadpan and comically assured”, which was still very much the case when he arrived on stage. His cheeky and cheesy jokes however showed that this poker-face comedian really could poke our funny bone and he really held us own against all the international names on the bill.

Nick Cody on the other hand was an instantly likable gent with the energy of a little boy enthusiastically telling us about the time he discovered the bidet. Nick kept the ball rolling till the very end, and Dave Callan was back to end this year’s MICF with sass written all over his moves.

The entire affair was finished off with a dazzling and impressive dance routine to Beyoncé‘s “Single Ladies”. And just like Beyoncé’s “Flawless”, we can find no fault with this roadshow and eagerly await next year’s installment.