THE COMIC STRIP FELIX BAR COMEDY
With Tyson Wray. Got news, gossip, reviews, thoughts, tip-offs, complaints, hate mail? Email tyson@beat.com.au or send by ESP before Friday.
BRUCE MATHISKE
BIG KIDS CRACKING NIGHT OUT Scienceworks is fucking awesome, but as you know, kids are dicks. They’re always pushing and biting your ankle and whatnot. Sometimes you wonder if Scienceworks would also be great with just adults, especially because when adults lose to Cathy Freeman in that simulated race, we can emotionally deal with the realisation that we’re talentless losers. Kids – not so much. They take it out on our ankles.Well, let your inner child run wild with Wallace & Gromit at the Big Kids Cracking Night Out at Scienceworks. Journey through a world of amazing inventions and take on the role of an apprentice inventor to create everything from household tools to logos. Enjoy the spectacular visuals of the Melbourne Planetarium with Scienceworks’ resident astronomer, be dazzled by the Fire and Light show in the Lightning Room and play with lasers in the Playing with Light exhibition – all without kids nibbling on our fucking ankles! Beer, wine, soft drink and food are available for purchase on the night. Big Kids Cracking Night Out is on at Scienceworks in Spotswood on Saturday May 26. Tickets $26 for adults, $20 concession, students and MV Members, and $44 billion dollars for kids. Tickets from museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks
CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN You know that you must be doing something right when the Daily Telegraph says, “When she sings it’s as though her breath is soaked in paraffin; one spark, and the whole room would ignite.” IrishFrench chanteuse Camille O’Sullivan is heading to Melbourne next month to perform her “cabaret as black art”. Known for entrancing audiences around the world, performing five-star sell-out shows at the Sydney Opera House and London’s Festival Hall, as well as appearing on Later with Jules Holland, Camille has done nothing but leave her audiences wanting more. Prepare to be captivated as Camille O’Sullivan heads to the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday June 23.
NOCTURNAL TRANSMISSIONS: THE CINEMA OF GUY MADDIN The Australian Centre of the Moving Image is pleased to announce it’s latest collection it’s Focus On series, Nocturnal Transmissions: The Cinema of Guy Maddin. The retrospective includes selfcurated works by Maddin and the Australian premiere of his latest film, Keyhole. The collection sees the presentation of films Maddin insists be watched together and a special Friday the 13th special which including the double-billing of Dracula-Pages from a Virgin’s Diary and Brand Upon the Brain! A fascinating collection for Maddin fans and those who are unacquainted with his distinctive David-Lynch reminiscent style. Showing at ACMI from Thursday July 5 to Friday July 27.
Internationally recognised as a maestro of the guitar, Bruce Mathiske is getting ready to take his glorious strumming cross country with his GuitarUoso Australian Tour. With a career spanning three decades, Bruce has delighted audiences worldwide with not just a phenomenal level of technical brilliance, but with his seemingly instinctive ability to absorb, then consummately deliver just about any style of music that one could think of. He is the chameleon of guitar. He’s a home-grown talent, and one that should be embraced by all. Experience the brilliant talent of Bruce Mathiske as he brings his Guitar-Uoso performance to Chapel Off Chapel on Saturday May 19. Tickets from Chapel Off Chapel.
ELEMENTS OF GERTRUDE The late Whitney Houston once sang “the children are our future, let them lead the way.” With this in mind, it’s time for us to get behind our country’s future leaders as La Trobe University event management students presents Elements of Gertrude – a fundraising event to create awareness and support the community projection sites of Arts Access Victoria and Fitzroy Learning Network at the Gertrude Street Projection Festival in 2012. Like any good event, Elements of Gertrude has everything that a good festival should have – clothes, tunes and food. A great opportunity to swap clothes you’re over, listen to some tunes and help out the Projection Festival, head to The Workers Club for Elements of Gertrude on Sunday May 13, 4pm.
TOP ACTS VCE is no easy feat, but it’s always good to have a bit of fun with it. The Top Acts concert showcases the works of some of Victoria’s most exceptional emerging performers. The pinnacle of the annual VCE Season of Excellence, Top Acts is a one-night extravaganza of the very best in performing arts, showcased in the opulent surrounds of St Kilda’s iconic Palais Theatre. 40 performers have been selected as a representative sample from over 170 performing arts students who wowed audiences in the Top Class concert series earlier in the year – 11 concerts showcasing exemplary soloists and group musicians, dancers, composers, actors and singers. Have a top night out as Top Acts heads to Palais Theatre on Friday May 25, 7.30pm. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
AUSTRALIAN POPS ORCHESTRA You know the dude from Dancing With The Stars that was found unconscious from too much alcohol on a Sydney park bench? And the guy that sounds like Kermit The Frog who composes stuff? Yeah, Todd McKenney and John Foreman. Well, they, along with Chloe Dallimore are getting together for this year’s Australian Pops Orchestra. Known as the people’s orchestra, the Australian Pops Orchestra presents music for the people. Offering a contemporary take on popular classical music as well as popular contemporary numbers, the orchestra appeals to young and old. Hell, you might just want to go to see if Todd McKenney gets wasted and passes out again. With only two shows, The Australian Pops Orchestra will be held at the Palms at Crown on Friday May 18 and Saturday May 19. Head to ticketek.com.au for tickets.
BRING BACK THE SHOWGIRL Presented by Miss Burlesque World Cassandra Jane, who hails from Melbourne, Bring Back the Showgirl infuses the art of the traditional showgirl with the beauty of the new wave big burlesque into one glittery, glamorous and sexy show. Showcasing award-winning Australian performers, Bring Back the Showgirl is reminiscent of the tradition of old Hollywood and Parisian clubs. It’s on for one show only in Melbourne at Thornbury Theatre on Friday May 11, 8pm.
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CHECKPOINT CHARLIE COMEDY
HITLER: THE TRAGEDY OF GELI RAUBAL Melbourne’s acclaimed writer, poet and painter – Enzo Condello – is the author of Hitler: The Tragedy of Geli Raubal, a production centred on Adolf Hitler and the intense tragic love affair with his half niece Geli Raubal. Enzo, whom was describe by Melbourne Stage as “Shakespearean in scope,” was inspired by Enzo’s brother Mario after he read about it in German history and told him “this would make a great play”. He suggested the story to Enzo two months before Mario’s own tragic death. Geli Raubal could have changed the course of history. She was Hitler’s half niece. Hitler was deeply infatuated with her, and desired to marry her in 1931 but she took her own life before he had the chance to give her all of his. Geli Raubal was a high minded, devout Catholic who could easily have influenced him as he was madly in love with her. She is reported to have said to her friend ‘’I can twirl him round my little finger”. The marriage could have made Hitler a more moderate politician, and World War II may have been averted and 60 million lives saved. The play runs from Thursday May 17 to Saturday June 2, 8pm. Tickets via Bella Union.
NICOLAS ALTSTAEDT Love classical music or just an avid fan of the cello? Allow your heart to flutter as multi-award winning cellist Nicolas Altstaedt dons his musical glory on our city for one night of cello magic. Making his Australian National Academy of Music debut, the celebrated soloist has performed around the globe with many other high class classical performers, including Gidon Kremer, Daniel Hope, Yuri Bashmet and Pekka Kuusisto among many others. Be transported to a world of musical magic as Nicolas Altstaedt presents Nicolas Altstaedt Directs at ANAM on Friday June 8. Tickets available from anam.com.au.
STARCHASER On Saturday June 2, adults, teenagers and children alike will be delighted and mesmerised by Christian Leavesley’s latest production of Starchaser, a story of adventure, hope and curiosity. The play is an adaption of Larry Katz, renowned Australian children’s writer. Join the Arena Theatre Company through time and space and colourful costumes and cast on Saturday June 2 at the Arts Centre. Head to artscentre.melbourne.com.au to purchase tickets.
MACBETH Bell Shakespeare presents the claustrophobic and mad story of Macbeth, the first production for the 2012 season. Featuring two of Australia’s most exciting stage actors, Dan Spielman as Macbeth and Kate Maulvany as his power-hungry wife. Tyranny, guilt and violence come alive in this re-work innovative, exciting take on the Shakespeare classic. Macbeth plays at the Arts Centre, Melbourne from Thursday June 7 – Saturday June 23. Jump online to get tickets.
Cheap piss and piss-cheap entry at the city’s best above-ground underground comedy room. Tonight, come fill yourself with $6 drinks and put your continence to the ultimate test as a host of Melbourne’s comedians spit funnies into the business end of a loud stick. Check in 8pm tonight at Eurotrash Bar, 18 Corrs Lane in the CBD. $5 entry. Get down early for a seat.
THE VARIETY COLLECTIVE The inmates have taken over the asylum tonight at the Variety Collective! Join comedian and host Michael Connell as he presents the finest nut bags currently shaking up Melbourne’s variety scene, such as: Beau Stegmann (comedian with some nutty points of view), Nick Kesidis (reality-warping magician), Dr Jolene Mindtrick (sexy German psychiatrist/cabaret artist) and David Jones (mindblowing cigar box juggler). Tickets are only $10 at the door, show starts at 8pm at the Brunswick Green (313 Sydney Rd in Brunswick). Get in early for a seat, get in earlier for a meal! Visit thevarietycollective.com for more details.
LOL COMEDY Building on the momentum of the wildly successful Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Portland Hotel and The Local have launched a comedy series – LOL Comedy – featuring some of Australia’s best comedic talent. The idea was born from the recognition that Melburnians love live entertainment in intimate spaces, and that smaller venues have an opportunity to carve a niche during the winter months when festivals in Melbourne are few and far between. With Melbourne positioned as the live entertainment capital of Australia, they are confident that this new series will fill an entertainment gap and resonate with both locals and visitors alike. This week Tommy Little will take centre stage at The Portland this Wednesday night. Coming up next week they have Lehmo at The Local on Tuesday May 15.
COMMEDIA DELL PARTE This week Commedia Dell Parte brings you an absolute killer lineup featuring Xavier Michelides, Charles Barrington, Trav Nash, Fabian Lapham, Alan Driscoll, Milky T and Jay Morrissey. This is a night you don’t want to miss, get in early to secure yourself a comfy couch, see some amazing comedy and go into the draw for some great prizes from Punchline. The room runs on a ‘pay as you like’ basis, so come along and have a great laugh, then pay what you believe the show is worth on the way out. So if you enjoy the show chuck in a few sheckles and show your appreciation. Commedia Dell Parte runs every Thursday 8.30pm at George Lane Bar, 1 George Lane in St Kilda.
SOFTBELLY COMEDY This Thursday, they’ve got Australian comedy legend Simon Palomares (Wogs Out Of Work, Acropolis Now) as headliner! Plus a very, very special guest, along with Danny McGinlay, Elbowskin, Anne Edmonds and Jonathan Schuster! It’s all happening at Softbelly, 367 Little Bourke St in the city, this Thursday May 10, 8.30pm, for only $12! Get in early for a good seat!
COMEDY AT SPLEEN
MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL Calling all artists – have you got an idea for a show? The Melbourne Fringe Festival is one of Australia’s largest open-access events, which means that anyone can take part. All you need to do is sign up, pay a small fee, and then take advantage of various professional development forums and information sessions arranged by Melbourne Fringe to help artists get the most from their event. Now in its 30th year, the event constantly excels the benchmark as it showcases talent from Victoria’s diverse and thriving independent arts scene. In the words of James Brown – Get up offa’ that things, and dance (or perform) ‘til you feel better! Registrations for the 2012 Melbourne Fringe Festival open on Monday May 14.
Felix Bar is going great guns! Last week, Arj Barker dropped in! And tonight, their headliner is Simon Palomares! He’s been part of some of the biggest comedies in Australia, like TV’s Acropolis Now, and the stage’s Il Dago. Plus they’ve got Mark Trenwith, Michael Williams, Luke McGregor, Tegan Higginbotham and heaps more! Come down and check out the biggest night of comedy in St Kilda, every Wednesday night! It’s happening this Wednesday May 2 at 8.30pm for only $12, at Felix Bar, 11 Fitzroy St in St Kilda.
ROB MCNAMARA EXHIBITION Every year, field curates the Rob McNamara Exhibition, which includes mixed media works by artists with and without disability. The exhibition is held at Collingwood Gallery in Melbourne’s premier arts precinct. The artworks are shown without differentiation to promote and embody inclusiveness. field feels strongly about using the arts as an innovative way of engaging people in learning and development, and for personal growth and understanding. They choose themes to both inspire creativity and to encourage people – both artists and audience – to think deeply and perhaps differently. field is committed to creating a more inclusive society by encouraging a culture of learning, as was Rob McNamara; husband, father, disability activist and passionate Collingwood supporter. field is proud to name this exhibition after him. Entries close at 5pm on Friday June 22. Entry is free, and the exhibition will run from August 3-16 at Collingwood Gallery.
ARTS NEWS, REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS ONLINE – BEAT.COM.AU/ARTS
It’s always a great big night at Comedy at Spleen, and this Monday is no different! They’ve got awardnominated Michael Williams (the one with the funny pictures on the easel) as host, and he’s got another great lineup to play with! Like Michael Chamberlin, Karl Chandler, Anne Edmonds, Emily O’Loughlin, Mick Neven, Tom Gaynor and more! It’s this Monday, May 14, 41 Bourke St, in the city, at 8.30pm. It may be free, but they appreciate a good gold coin donation at the door.
FUNNY BUSINESS
The Australian Screen Editors Guild are hosting a discussion panel entitled “Funny Business: The Art Of Editing TV Comedy”. Come along and hear insights and explanations from three of Melbourne’s top editors who have edited shows such as Woodley, Lowdown, Thank God You’re Here and many others. Tuesday May 15, 7pm at Swinburne, 144 High St in Prahran. $10 or $5 for students.
JUDAH FRIEDLANDER Wacky hat slogan designer, actor and comedian Judah Friedlander has cancelled his stand-up show in Melbourne at The Comedy Theatre on Thursday May 10. Friedlander has cancelled his tour “indefinitely”, noting commitments in filming 30 Rock. For refunds, contact the point of purchase. We hope to see the World Champion of the World in our cities soon.