A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Theatre

Something for everyone, A Comedy Tonight...

I have to say that the nights that I went to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival I had a really great time. I know that I should have gone to more shows than I did but I am glad that I managed to see more than last year.

I managed to organise a Friday night outing starting with dinner at Zampeli's Cafe Greco at Crown Casino - yum - and moving on to see Tripod followed by Adam Hills.

Even though it was a horrible night weather-wise, the mizzling rain didn't seem to be dampening anyone's spirits in the least. There were queues and queues of people in the central Comedy precinct around the Melbourne Town Hall and everyone was determined to have a good time.

I am in awe of the talent that the members of Tripod possess. Not only can they sing wonderfully but they write their own stuff and perform with so much enthusiasm. I was a fan of the "Song In An Hour" segment they had on the radio station JJJ and I miss it. They were given three disconnected topics/items/genres to include in a song which they then had to write, rehearse and perform after just one hour. They never failed. They were brilliant. Topical and hilarious it was the highlight of my week. Their Comedy Festival show was a blend of old and new songs and did not disappoint.

Adam Hills is the host of one of my favourite television programs - Spicks and Specks - and is so cute you want to invite him to a dinner party so you can ask him to tell more of his stories. He good-naturedly interacts with his audience so everyone feels involved and my only regret is that we missed the sign language interpreter he has with him at his Sunday performances because I've heard that their double act will have you in stitches. One to remember for next time. Until then, you can see him on the ABC as host of their music quiz show, Spicks and Specks, on a Wednesday at 8:30pm.

I've also just realised today that I had a ticket to one of the MTC shows at the beginning of this month and totally missed it. Botheration. Not much I can do about it, it's my own silly fault. However, I am off to see The Clean House tonight so will have more to review tomorrow.

I've also taken advantage of a special offer and am going to see The Australian Ballet perform Giselle in a couple of weeks. I've also arranged to see Lano & Woodley, who I missed at The Comedy Festival, in November when they return to Melbourne on their farewell tour. I'm really enjoying taking advantage of the cultural side of Melbourne this year. It's been something I've not really been able to afford to do before so it's nice to be in a place where I can do this sort of thing.

Now I've just got to work out when I can go to the Gym...

Anything you ask for, Comedy, Comedy, Comedy, Comedy, Comedy, Comedy, Comedy, Comedy...To-night!