Text & Image by Kerrie Pacholli
The team at Open Media is thrilled to be able to produce some unique highlights of the iconic Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2019 highlights. We will be reviewing a broad mix of homegrown and international talent for your viewing pleasure. So stay tuned…
Produced © Open Media
Filmed by Tim Barnett Edited by Simon Barnett
Review by Kerrie Pacholli
It could only be from the Midas touch group at the Alex Theatre to ensure that this FANF……TASTIC musical parody of the very series ’50 Shades of Grey’ books and films hit St Kilda.
Anyone that has seen the films with the very sexy Jamie Dorman, who even made a psycho sexual serial killer in “The Fall” look hot, will get a spark of interest. There were a lot of women in the audience I noted. However, this story onstage emanates from the books and your imaginations. Probably more sensuous anyway.
Oh course, it was a hit all over America and now some very switched on Producers in David Venn Enterprises have brought it to our shores. My guess it will go on the road for quite a while once word gets out.
This extremely funny, well produced show consisting of nine TOP NOTCH actors, singers and dancers is a MUST to kick start your Comedy Festival dates.
It was such a positive ‘shot in the arm’ to coin a well known phrase, I not only slept like I had my fill but I woke up frisky as well and raring to go.
Oh, if you are wondering where to go the Alex Theatre begins the Paris end of Fitzroy Street.
Level 1, 133-135 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 318
Text & photo by Kerrie Pacholli
Now that I have recovered from that very powerful and punchy night at the ALL STARS I can give a brief rundown.
For a start, it was a KNOCKOUT!
All glam and giltz with 27 of the worlds top comedians giving their best in 5 minute stand ups. Except for one or two glitches with sound. Or perhaps I am a little deaf these days. Not sure, that pic was taken from my seat. Regardless, you will get the Full Monty broadcast quality no doubt. It is a tremendous night and a treat to be welcomed to this ever growing and progressive thinking movement through comedy. Great to finally see the girls. Yes the GAY GIRLS on top.
Story & Pics by Kerrie Pacholli
Well HELLOOOO,
This year I got my (you know what together) and managed to successfully communication with the fine folk in the publicity department of this years MICF 2019. Needless to say Open Media has been warmly welcomed into the fold.
Special thanks to relatively new kid on the block Jodi Crocker Social Set Media, Public Relations, Marketing and Social Media, 5/34 Grey Street, St Kilda 318,+61 403 026 000 ,jodi@socialsetmedia.com.au
The launch at The Famous Spiegeltent Art Centre was quite a treat, with all the big wigs graciously giving their utmost support. I suppose that has mostly always been the case, however this is the first time I witnesses it.
Poster girl Hannah Gadsby performing at Hamer Hall , a talented comedian that has worked her bootie off for years on the circuits was honour if not gobsmacked to be given this prestigious elevation. Well done I say.
Flo & Joan gigs at the Melbourne Town Hall. They’re the perfect mix of harmony and humour, with catchy tunes, sweet but sharp lyrics and enviable elocution skills.
‘These intricately crafted, flawlessly performed numbers will have you howling with laughter one minute, wiping away a tear the next. ★★★★’ The Telegraph (UK)
Side-splitting, stiff-upper-lipped hilarity from critically-acclaimed UK comedy duo Dan Lees and Neil Frost. This is classic British absurdity at its best. Dressed in bowler hats and mismatching suits, these charming and eccentric English gents will bring the belly laughs with their trademark mix of physical comedy and quick-fired wit. The Establishment’s unique and infectiously funny style will plunge you into a world of the absurd and leave your ribs well and truly tickled. Malthouse Theatre
SASS ATTACK , …dark, it’s sassy and it’s really funny. Who are we gonna sass? Our ex-boyfriends? The elderly in the supermarket? People that wear woollen headbands? Nothing is off limits!
Last but not least maestro of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival launch at Melbourne’s Famous Spiegeltent, Tommy Little MC. at Art Centre Melbourne
Review by Kerrie Pacholli
Art Centre Melbourne Hamer Hall audiences, usually a conservative fraternity, expect the best in comfort, technology and talent. Yet again we were not disappointed.
I do love all that is Art Centre!
YO CARMEN, created by Spain’s most treasured and globally celebrated flamenco choreographer, director and dancer Maria Pagès and her Company consisting of 15 of the Spain’s best writers, dancers and musicians had me hypnotized from the first beguiling fan dance. I was transported through time and space. My soul penetrated by Maria’s vanguard Carmen remake using an effective mix of sound track from Bizet’s 1875 score interwoven with live contemporary flamenco compositions. 
Powerful emotions were ignited, awakening tantalizing hauntings from my childhood of exotic, sexually charged Gypsy flamenco dancers, thunderously stamping their feet and clicking their castanets. Wild and raw gyrating women dancing with not a hair out of place, being tamed and disciplined by the music of their equally exotic powerful male counterparts.
A tear welled from deep within. I thought, YO CARMEN!
If anyone in that capacity full theatre was hanging out to see Carmen, the bewitching femme fatal “taken out” by one of her jealous admirers. Well that didn’t happen…
I was taken to a sacred ethereal epicenter of female energy where continuous explosions of power reside and were channeled to ignite, create, transform and transcend. Can be scary for some…
Onstage dancing with her much younger troupe and hidden musicians Maria was part of, yet orchestrated every move, instrument and vocal ingredient. Potent synchronicity and the voyeuristic megalomaniac in me could not get my eyes off Maria. (you know it hides within us all)
Clearly at the top of her game María Pagés is endowed with evolving charisma that comes with intelligence, confidence and in her case athleticism of someone 30 years her junior.
My instincts tell me that the youth of the world need the opportunity to experience the High Magick artistry of María Pagés Compañía.
Yes, I liked the show.
Arts Centre Melbourne and Arts Projects Australia presents
Yo, Carmen
11 – 12 March 2019
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Tickets now on sale at artscentremelbourne.com.au
Additional performances:
8 – 9 March 2019
WOMADelaide, Botanic Park, Adelaide www.womadelaide.com.au
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