“Daydream” is written and performed by Con Coutis and Charlie Hill, and the show takes place within The Motley Bauhaus – a mixed media / arts space in the very trendy suburb of North Fitzroy. I joined a curious mix of people waiting in the foyer before we were ushered into an intimate yet welcoming theatre. There was a friendly buzz amongst the audience as we eagerly awaited the start of the show.

Con Coutis commenced the show with an entertaining list based monologue, which was well received by the audience and had everyone preparing for an hour of laughs. “Daydream” is truly a surprising show. It is performed solely by duo Con Coutis and Charlie Hill, yet they cover many characters (and accents) in unique situations over the course of the show that you could be lulled into thinking that there are other performers present. Predominantly comprised of sketch comedy, “Daydream” features prop comedy and regular lashings of word play and rhythmic dialogue (which I especially enjoyed, being a bit of a ‘word nerd’ at heart!). Another aspect I found refreshing is that “Daydream” is consistently self referential – it’s not afraid to poke fun of itself or its genre, which is endearing in a world where people can take things / themselves / criticisms a little too seriously. Fun explorations of genre along with a couple of special guests help to keep this well paced show on track and the laughs strong.

VERDICT: clever clusters of comedy characters keep the laughs rolling until the very end in this well paced show. “Daydream” is a refreshing show that isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself. Bonus laughs guaranteed if you are a fan of word play.

Tickets / more information: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021/shows/daydream
At the time of writing, I’m not sure how many tickets are left if you wish to catch this run of “Daydream”. If you do miss out this round, be sure to keep Con Coutis and Charlie Hill on your comedy radar for some fun shows!

*Disclaimer: I attended this performance as a guest of the performers.

In a city scarred by COVID (particularly in the way of lockdowns, venue closures and entertainment cancellations) in is heart warming to see the city of Melbourne come alive once more as The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) has made its way back to supply the community with high doses of much needed laughter and cheer. It does feel like laugher and cheer have been in very short supply over the last year, so I am excited to be able to bring you reviews of all kinds of shows, from all corners of the city (and surrounds).

This year, more than ever, I urge you all to attend a show. It will mean so much to the performers and the city itself. At the time of writing this, I have only been to one show so far, but the buzz in the audience was palpable. It was fantastic to see people sitting around a bar, having a drink and talking with one another. It felt so good to see a show and sit next to other people, in a theatre, in real life. Likewise, I could see the performers were extra excited to be on a stage once more (a place they must have been yearning for). Every small action and part is relished evermore, after a year in which so much has changed for everyone (performer and audience member).

The entertainment industry as whole (encompassing many genres of course) was among the first to be hit hard by COVID related restrictions, and in Melbourne especially, it has taken a very long time for the industry to be able to be back up and running again, so I implore you – if there’s ever a ‘best time’ to buy a ticket to a show and to demonstrate your support for this festival – now this the time.

Check out the full 2021 festival program over at: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021