I’m pleased to be reviewing MICF shows for The Age this year. I first started reviewing MICF in the early 2000s for street press such as Beat magazine and in the years since have published literally hundreds of reviews in newspapers, online publications, zines, and radio programs. Comedy, with its mix of storytelling and/with humour (especially when through the prism of the personal being political), is my favourite live performance art form.
Reviews on The Age:
Jordan Gray is the hero Melbourne deserves and needs right now, bringing trans joy to the face of a city that has recently had to stare down transphobic Nazis.
The Age, April 5 2023
Watching Jarvis embrace the things that bring her delight and invite us in to enjoy them with her is in turn delightful for the audience.
The Age, April 12 2023
For punters still unable to get to live performances, shows like Outer Child are a godsend, giving you the chance to whet your comedy-loving whistles.
The Age, April 12 2023
With self-assured delivery and a commitment to going the extra mile to make a gag work, this is a thoroughly enjoyable show.
The Age, April 12 2023
Whether talking about office jobs she loathed or bringing Australian culture to Mongolia, Hoo is in the flow. There’s no dark to offset the light, no life lesson to take home, and not a single lull. It’s peppy, positive, and a damn good time.
The Age, April 5 2023
Lara Ricote is presenting comedy as real as the truths you’re serving up in the all-women group chat of your most trusted friends. From flirty to filthy, it’s as wonderful as it is wicked.
The Age, April 5 2023
Scout Boxall is what happens if you’re raised on a diet of educational media, including the nightly news, Oregon Trail, the history channel, and Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing: an adult with a true crime and conspiracy theory obsession – one not killed off by working for five years as a court reporter.
The Age, April 4 2023
As the show unfolds, unravels, tangles, untangles and turns back on itself, we are brought full circle and Davis’ skill at weaving a story you didn’t know you were being told is unveiled. It’s remarkable and gratifying in equal measure.
The Age, April 4 2023
These deeply personal stories demonstrate a remarkable ability to draw the political from the personal in a way that avoids proselytising and endears him to the audience.
The Age, April 4 2023
New Order: Chloe Petts, Rob Auton, Huge Davies
Huge Davies ends the night with deadpan delivery and a keyboard that he wields to deliver musical comedy and comedy about music, both of which have a delicious dark streak.
The Age, April 4 2023
Dane Simpson named his show Always Was, Always Will Be…Funny on a whim, but it’s easy to imagine the funny kid he was when watching the cheeky, likeable performer he is now.
The Age, April 4 2023
Here’s a performer who keeps the laughs rolling, the snark light and the atmosphere warm – just like a good Christmas.
The Age, April 4 2023