Stage shows in March

Words by Ben Lamb

Odd Sock: Gabbi Bolt

Gabbi Bolt is a must-see performer this year, one of many shows hitting Melbourne stages for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. With her show incorporating musical moments, observational humour, and killer keyboard licks, its already sold out shows in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. After winning the Best Newcomer at the Sydney Comedy Festival, and getting namechecked by comedy icon Wayne Brady, get on Gabbi Bolt before she’s selling out arenas.

The Piano Guys are a foursome who are bringing instrumental piano tunes into the mainstream. They will often rework popular tracks from the charts from artists like One Direction and Lewis Capaldi. The group first came into the world back in 2010 when they were trying to promote founding member Paul Anderson’s piano shop.

They’ll be hitting the stage at The Plenary on Friday, March 10.

Rob Brydon

Perhaps best known as the host of the hit panel show Would I Lie To You, Rob Brydon is one of the UK’s most popular comedic minds. He first came to prominence in the radio comedy world of the 1990s, which was the starting point for many British comedy minds we love today. Brydon’s show is set to feature live music performances, stand-up and lots of laughs.

Rob Brydon will be heading to Hamer Hall on March 23 and 24.

An epic piece of magical realism is heading to the Theatre Works stage: When The Rain Starts Falling tells a multigenerational narrative, switching between Alice Springs in 2039 and London in 1959. The play will be directed by Briony Dunn and will star Heather Bolton, Lucie Chaix, Esther van Doornum, Francis Greenslade, Darcy Kent, Margaret Mills, and Chris Connelly.

When The Rain Stops Falling opens on March 4 at Theatre Works.

Gabbi Bolt will be at The Butterfly Club from March 28.

Not too often do we get a brand new musical from an Australian that’s premiering on a local stage. Not Finished With You Yet is a hilarious and risqué new musical written and composed by former City of Port Phillip mayor Dick Gross. Taking place in a world where everyone needs to divorce 13 years into their marriage, it stars husband and wife duo Christie Whelan and Rohan Browne in leading roles.

Not Finished With You Yet is taking place at the Alex Theatre from Tuesday, March 7.

The parody king has a bit of a love affair with Australia, having hit our shores 5 times since 2003. This March, he’ll be back with The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, which will focus on songs that don’t often pop up in his average setlists. There’ll be many of his lesser-known B-sides, like Melanie and Don’t Download This Song, among much more.

Weird Al Yankovic will be taking over the Palais theatre on March 11.

Ready to walk 500 miles? How about 500 more? The Scottish duo have been a staple of the music world since 1962.

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) was a well-received track in the UK reaching the top spot. They’ll be hitting the stage in support of their 2022 release, Dentures Out, a record that reached the top 10 in several countries, showing that they’re still a force to be reckoned with.

The Proclaimers hit the Athenaeum Stage on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10

Irish comedy sketch troupe Foil, Arms & Hog are one of the internet’s most popular sketch troupes, dazzling many viewers with their unique brand of humour. Set to feature sketches, improv, audience volunteers, and plenty more it’s the perfect show to see if you’re keen to laugh until your belly hurts.

Foil, Arms & Hog will head to the Atheneum Theatre stage on March 3.

Popular a capella group Pentatonix just keep getting better and better, bringing the niche genre well and truly into the mainstream over the last few years. The group recently dropped a holiday-themed album, which featured a collaboration with Meghan Trainor. Be prepared to hear some of their old-school covers, their new songs, and everything in between.

Pentatonix will hit the Margaret Court Arena on March 26.