Tay Around Town

Callum Straford made his debut in the 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) and returns in 2022 with his show “Oops” which embraces our mistakes and failures.

Straford says: “In Oops, anything could happen. I want to make the show unpredictable and lots of fun. But most importantly, one that comforts the audience and says it’s okay to screw up from time to time. Or if you’re like me, all the time.”  

Focusing on mistakes / creating a show about mistakes seems like a brave move, so I was lucky enough to have a nice safe (mistake free!) interview with Callum prior to his show run.

1. Describe your show in 3 words: Wild. Unpredictable. Joyful. 

2. Let’s get to know you a little better…imagine you’re on a speed date – describe yourself!
I’m 23, a Melbourne boy born and bred. I’m on Centrelink (probably wouldn’t say that on a speed date) and I love performing and watching comedy. My love for music comes a close second. I’m an Arts Graduate, studied at Monash University. I’ve solo travelled to 11 different countries… the power of Contiki (I think it’s illegal not to say where you’ve travelled on a date, yeah?)! I’m passionate about what I do and I will always go out of my way for my friends and family… and sometimes even if I’ve just met you!

3. What excites you about bringing Oops to audiences during the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival? Audiences are in for an absolute trip. I’m so proud of what I’m setting out to achieve with this show and it’s been a genuine thrill to write and rehearse. As every performer will say, there’s nothing like performing material that you emotionally connect with. This show is very personal and it has made the material all the better and all the funnier. I’m presenting it with skills I have honed from my first MICF show in 2021, and it includes character comedy, musical comedy, mime, sound design, and much more. I hope audiences are going to have as much fun watching this show as I will performing it.

4. What was your inspiration (or main inspiration) for your show Oops?
Primarily, it’s my constant battle with perfectionism. That’s not just when I’m working on comedy, but how self critical I am when I forget my keys or drop a spoon – many people will relate to this. This show gives a big middle finger to our overly self-critical brains and we all have a great time. I also wanted to include things I love, for instance there is a sketch about The Beatles and a guy obsessed with sunscreen. I love The Beatles and I put on too much sunscreen. There’s lots of autobiographical moments in there, too. I connect and have personal experiences with every sketch and song in the performance. 

5. Your show is described as a love letter to ‘every mistake we’ve made’….just to pique our interest, care to be brave and share / describe a mistake for our blog readers?
I accidentally dropped my Airpods into the Yarra River last year. They were my first pair and I had only had them for a month or so. I sat down on the edge of a pier and they just slipped out of my pocket! It all happened in slow motion…. I can still see them, falling, in their case and plopping into the sewer that is the Yarra River. There are plenty of Yarra River jokes in the show, don’t you worry. I haven’t bought another pair of AirPods since...

Sitting down with Callum Straford has certainly piqued my interest and I’m looking forward to experiencing his show and reveling in his stories.

Oops runs from Monday 11^th of April – Saturday 23^rd April (excluding Sunday 17^th) at a brand-new theatre in Bard’s Apothecary (7/24 Crossley Street, in Melbourne’s CBD). Bookings are essential and can be made here

If you’ve scrolled down this far, here’s a treat for you from Tay Around Town – nobody is immune to mistakes (not even me) so here’s one from my own list! Back in the glory days of travel (pre COVID!) I was hastily booking some flights and misspelled my own name (!!!) and then had to suffer the indignity of paying $100 to correct my own name on my boarding pass *sigh*….on a different trip I miscalculated my landing date in London (hello jetlag!) and rocked up to the hotel a day/ night earlier than planned. Luckily the hotel had a spare room to sell me for that night….luckily London is a big city with many hotels too!

My Cousin Vlad is not your average cousin….in fact I strongly suspect he’s not your average anything. Average probably isn’t even in his vocabulary! My Cousin Vlad is Australia’s 1st self-proclaimed “Official Immaculagent”, blending everyday observations and situations (think business trends, social trends, international news, family politics) with an unmatched and unique European / wog cultural flair. Not to be outdone by this modern life, he’s also a champion of the quick witted sketch and has impressive TikTok stats of 3 million views and 17k fans and followers.

My Cousin Vlad has been compared to the likes of Sooshi Mango, Sebastian Maniscalco, Guido Hatsis, The 12thMan & SuperWog….all that sounds like his audiences are in for such a treat and an evening of big belly laughs (hopefully followed by some shots of grappa!)

With a sellout tour “People Are Gonna Lose It” tour in 2021, My Cousin Vlad is back in his tailored suit and his trademark sunnies and is bolder than ever with his 2022 tour “People Have Lost It”. Dust off your ‘going out clothes’ and shine those cars, because it’s set to be a night of fun.

Tay Around Town was very lucky to spot My Cousin Vlad cruising by in his Audi, and he was nice enough to pull over and pause for a quick interview.

1. Describe your show in 3 words: Vorsprung Durch Technik  

2. Hey cousin Vlad, let’s get to know you a little better…imagine you’re on a speed date / out to impress the opposite sex – describe yourself! I’m shredded, tanned beyond belief, moisterized (sic), dressed like Hugh Grant from 4 Weddings and a Funeral, hair flickering like Barbara Streisand, I’m wearing socks & I pulled up in an Audi. Yes or Yes?

3. Given the last few years have been less than ‘fully sick’ (pun intended) what can audiences expect in ‘People Have Lost It’? If the past 2 years didn’t test you enough, prepare to lose it at the show. We take a deep dive into the wog metaverse (Fetaverse), cover whats happening on social media, cultural trends, view the sites of dating, marriage and having kids. Regular life, but through an immaculate perception. 

4. Care to share what inspires you (of course you are an inspiration to others)? Any advice for those starting out in comedy? The Vladiators inspire me, everyone that’s taken onboard the Immaculagent lifestyle, and cash, cash inspires me, because you need to wrap, nothings free. Advice for people starting in comedy? Bro, I’m a real estate agent, these shows are seminars and I don’t know why people are laughing, I’m just here speaking the truth. If you want to be really funny, start doing motivational videos on Instagram and TikTok with Coldplay music in the background. 

5. Without giving too much of your show away, what has made you ‘lose it’ recently? (I know, there may be too many items to list!!) Bro, look around, the world is in a state of catastropha, hashtag #grateful. Not much is frustrating except being locked in your house with the Mrs Pty Ltd and the kids for 5 months, wearing a mask to bed, begging people to come to work, listening to Elon Musk talking about putting a chip in your head & Bill Gates installing a USB in your arm. Hashtag #gratefulagain

Tay here. *insert mind blown emoji* I don’t know about you but that has been the most exciting interview I’ve experienced so far! My Cousin Vlad is very intriguing so I’ll definitely be getting tickets to his upcoming show ‘seminar’.

If all this has excited you as it has excited me, My Cousin Vlad will be appearing for one night only in Melbourne – March 25th at the Athenaeum Theatre before hitting Adelaide, Canberra, Wollongong and Newcastle. “People Have Lost It” has also been confirmed as part of the Perth and Sydney Comedy Festivals in May.

Tickets and more information can be found via My Cousin Vlad’s shiny website

View My Cousin Vlad’s sketches here

Socials: Instagram / Facebook

Hello readers! It has a been a while. Hope you have all been keeping safe and well. You may recall (or may not realise!) that over the past year I took a hiatus while my partner and I welcomed our first child – a beautiful baby girl. I’m pleased to report that shortly I’ll be recommencing my reviewing duties, which I’m very excited about. I anticipate a slow start – I will not be up to my usual ‘triple stacking of shows per night’ (hahaha!) during festival times so will be reviewing at a slower pace. I appreciate your understanding during this time.

That said, I do have some exciting shows to review for you all PLUS some performer spotlights (interviews) to pique your interest. I’m excited about this as I haven’t had a chance to feature many short performer interviews in the past due to time constraints. I hope the performer interviews will add some interest for you all too, as well as being fun to read.

As usual, I’ll be reviewing a mix of shows (both festival based and stand alone shows) from all kinds of genres and performance styles. With the Melbourne International Comedy Festival approaching, there will be a bunch of reviews coming up for some great shows for you all to see during this wonderful festival. This is also a chance for me to mention that now, more than ever, is a fantastic chance for you all to go out and support live entertainment (wherever you are). The arts industry as a whole has suffered terribly during the pandemic, and I believe the arts play an important role in society (if not life). Plus, I think many of us could do with more smiles and laughter (I know I could!)

If you’re still reading, then thanks for sticking around! Performer spotlights and fresh reviews will be coming soon, so be sure to bookmark this blog and check back regularly.

Thanks once again for your support, Tay

Hello friends and readers! Thank you to all who have read my reviews (be it one review, or if you have been a regular reader since I commenced my reviews in 2016). Just thought I’d make an announcement that I’ll be taking a break from writing and posting reviews (effective immediately) with a look to recommencing reviews in early / first quarter of 2022.

“Why the break?” you may ask…..well the happy news is that my partner and I are expecting a new family member in early June 2021 and I am currently on maternity leave! It will be an exciting (and sleep deprived) time I’m sure and I know I’ll have my hands full for a while so I’ll need to take a break from my reviewing duties. That does mean that I’ll be missing some of my favourite festivals for 2021 (namely the Melbourne Magic Festival) but that will increase my hunger for the 2022 festival.

Please venture out and see live productions (whether it be magic, theatre, music, comedy, variety or circus) – especially post 2020, artists and producers have never been more keen to have audiences return to enjoy live entertainment. Don’t miss out on the fantastic array of live shows that are out there.

Hope to see you at a show in early 2022 and thanks again for reading and supporting my blog.

Tucked away from the bustling main streets of inner city suburb South Yarra and found down a leafy side street is St Martins Theatre. On a picture perfect Autumn afternoon, I attended Fourth Wall Theatre Company’s double feature of “What is the matter with Mary Jane? by Wendy Harmer and Sancia Robinson and “Slut” by Patricia Cornelius. The theatre and staff are both very welcoming and I was excited to sit down for what transpired to be a set of poignant performances focused on pertinent topics in society.

“What is the Matter with Mary Jane?” focused on the teenage Sancia Robinson (portrayed by various cast members) and her struggle with and subsequent diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa. This production also referenced another eating disorder – Bulimia / Bulimia Nervosa. “What’s the Matter with Mary Jane?” chronicled how Anorexia Nervosa was affecting every aspect of Sancia’s life (such as interactions with friends and family members) along with the constant emotional torment (depicted as a ‘nasty gang’ in the production who were always feeding Sancia with lies and criticisms). The sensitive subject matter was aptly handled by a very capable cast – eating disorders were not made light of, rather it was a glimpse into a world that many people may not know much about or have a deep experience of. The impact on the audience was palpable, with audience members dabbing at / clearing their eyes at times; at several points during the production I was tempted to rise from my seat so I could have told the ‘nasty gang’ to leave Sancia alone! Modern references and elements were present during the show, with a particularly clever take on a cooking show segment. The staging and casting was executed well, with various cast members taking on the role as Sancia at times (and being members of the ‘nasty gang’ at other points during the show).

“Slut” took the audience back to their school days (both primary and secondary) as lived by the central character of Lolita (played by Reschelle O’Connor) and her friendship group. Whilst Lolita is the central character of this production, much of the dialogue is provided by her friends / her friendship group. I particularly enjoyed the childhood stories that each friend told the audience about Lolita and also enjoyed watching the friends “grow up” / the progression of time during the production. Alongside the fun stories and fun aspects of school days was a darkness that her friends could see was enveloping Lolita, as Lolita was being drawn into dangerous situations and circumstances. The core themes explored by this production remain extremely relevant and topical: from the unwanted attention that females receive (even as children), to rape/ questions of consent and domestic violence. Watching the progression of Lolita’s life (as seen through her friends) was like seeing a train crash in slow motion – Lolita’s outcome comes as no surprise, however the tragedy of her situation isn’t diminished. Again, this production was superbly cast with all cast members altering their behaviour, outfits and mannerisms to depict the passage of time. Reschelle O’Connor (Lolita) negotiated challenging scenes well, without diminishing or trivialising the serious nature of the core themes being explored.

VERDICT: a valuable afternoon (or evening) of theatre – two poignant productions that will leave you in thought long after you’ve left your seat. These productions raise questions of how society can do better, especially in the realms of mental illness and the treatment of girls and women. If you’re a fan of theatre that leaves plenty of ‘food for thought’ for it’s audience members, then I recommend this double feature.

*Disclaimer: I attended this production as a guest of Fourth Wall Theatre Company.

Tickets / more information:

https://www.fourthwalltheatrecompany.com.au/slut-and-what-is-the-matter-with-mary-jane-2021

“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

There’s clearly no stopping Lucy Darling (performed by Carisa Hendrix). Despite the challenges that this year has brought to us all, Lucy Darling and her ‘household managers’ Marci and Lawrence (performed by Miranda Allen and Richard Lee respectively) continue to enchant and entertain audience members from across the globe via their online shows. Their most recent offering “Home for the Holidays” – a holiday special – is the third performance I have seen from Lucy, Marci and Lawrence this year and it was as entertaining as ever!

For those of you who have been lucky enough to be enchanted by Lucy Darling in person (or have perhaps seen one of her earlier online shows), there is a sense of what to expect, however I felt this show took everything to the ‘next level’ – it was as though everything had been enhanced, just in time for the holidays. The storyline of Lucy’s latest adventure included enhanced details, stories and of course superb magic. Moments of magic during the show regularly took me by surprise, so if you think you’ve seen it all: think again! Marci and Lawrence are not immune to the enhancements either – they are their usual smiley, helpful and witty selves, however they also show off some incredibly synchronized dance moves which I was particularly impressed by.

“Home for the Holidays” is a fun, charming and enchanting way to celebrate this season (while in the comfort of your own home), with Lucy Darling at the helm – which means pour the cocktails and hold on tight for some stunning magical escapades. Many of my favourite show ‘segments’ returned for this show (with a holiday twist, of course) which just increased my enjoyment of the whole show. Special guests also made appearances which made this show all the more unique.

Pro tip: presuming you are a Lucy Darling fan (and if you are not, then I urge you to re-assess your life choices) – if there’s a VIP ticket option for the show (or future shows), then I highly encourage and recommend you to take that option. Not only are VIP’s able to virtually mingle after the show for a Q and A session with the stars, but VIP ticket holders are also sent gifts in a digital format. If that format is offered again, then again I do recommend that you take that option – it is worth it!

VERDICT: The perfect holiday treat, especially as people around the world are dealing with different holiday scenarios / conditions this year. Let Lucy Darling and her wonderous magic and comedy be a beacon for happier times: treat yourself to Lucy Darling’s holiday special while you can.

Other notes: The Lucy Darling “Home for the Holidays” special was intended to be a limited run of two shows only, however Lucy has kindly offered a rebroadcast of the show for those who missed out. The rebroadcast will take place on December 24th, and tickets / further information can be accessed via this website:
https://www.thelucydarling.com/lucy-at-home/

*Disclaimer: I attended this show as a guest of Lucy Darling.

If you’ve previously read my reviews (or not!) you may be familiar with a personal rule that I have concerning the amazing talented, magical character that is Lucy Darling (performed by Carisa Hendrix): I always try to see each of Lucy’s performances twice. There are usually many reasons for this, but the main reasons being that Lucy is a champion of continuous improvement – she continually makes tweaks to portions of her show; and the audience member interactions change all the time – every show of hers is a chance anew for fun banter with the audience.

A number of weeks ago I saw one of Lucy Darling’s first sets of online shows. If you didn’t catch that review, it is here). As you may expect, I have returned for another serving, and once again Lucy Darling blew away all of my expectations (as she often does). ‘A Fun Night In with Lucy Darling’ is an interactive online show full of magic and a variety of unexpected surprises. For those who have seen her earlier shows, this show includes some unmistakeable enhancements.

Personal highlights: too many routines and magical moments to list! Each one of Lucy’s shows is filled to the brim with highlights. In terms of the wit and comedy, I almost had to mute myself because I was laughing so much during the show. Like many of us, Lucy has (recently?) taken up a special hobby and demonstrates this during her show – prompting many laughs and much enjoyment for the audience. Lucy’s charming and comedic house managers / butlers, Marcy and Laurence returned for this show series, which pleased me greatly. Their facial expressions and witty comments bring extra dimensions to the performance. This show also featured the return of the ‘Caption Contest’. Lucy does not lie when she mentions that audience members return for that segment (well that and to see the divine Lucy herself of course!) One aspect I particularly liked was the variety of ‘cut in’ scenes during the show. Yes, the ‘cut in’ scenes were pre recorded but they helped to add variety and bring some extra elements into the show. The audience were treated to a plethora of magic and curious effects throughout the entire show, which is an enhancement in itself as it felt like ‘a magic show plus more’. There’s even an unmissable montage at the end of the show too which I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed. My eyes were shining with happiness during the final montage.

Suffice to say, if you haven’t had the online pleasure of a Lucy Darling show NOW IS YOUR CHANCE! Do not delay, buy a ticket today!!!! I was grinning like the Cheshire Cat all throughout ‘A Fun Night In with Lucy Darling’ and it can’t get much better than that. If you have seen one of Lucy’s shows before (even if that was in her previous show run) there is still plenty of magical, fun moments for you to enjoy in this show too.

VERDICT: Lucy Darling has outdone herself again! ‘A Fun Night In with Lucy Darling’ is filled with surprises from start to finish and has MORE of everything: more flourishes, more astonishment, more hilarity.

Lucy Darling has a very short online season of magic shows. Tickets and more information: https://www.thelucydarling.com/lucy-at-home/

Well known Melbourne magician Tim Ellis runs The Laneway Theatre, which is a wonderful little magic theatre tucked away in a laneway of inner city Melbourne. Of course, with Metropolitan Melbourne still being in lockdown, there are no physical visitors / audience members allowed in the theatre. Given this, Tim Ellis has provided a virtual weekly ‘Night At The Laneway Theatre’ show over zoom for audiences to enjoy and to spread entertainment and cheer during what has been a difficult time for many.

Recently, I attended one of these weekly shows, to see what all the fuss was about and I must say I was not disappointed! The audience members selected to leave their mics and videos on certainly put the ‘fun’ in front row! In regards to the magic itself much of it was surprising, eliciting gasps of surprise from audience members. During the show, there were some impressive predictions on display, plus some card magic that audience members could follow along with (which I particularly enjoyed). Some great close up effects were featured (and yes, they did appear up close despite viewing the show on a screen!) This was a very fun, light-hearted show, and one in which every person is given the chance to become a magician. Tim also included a poignant piece of storytelling magic which was enjoyable (as well as a surprise encore!) ‘A Night At The Laneway Theatre’ is a show that has it all. If you need further convincing, one young audience member repeatedly remarked “Best Magician EVER!” into the microphone at regular intervals during the show – you can’t get a better testament than that!

The show I attended even included a mini tour of The Laneway Theatre itself (complete with it’s own spooky corner, creepy entrance and special props here and there). Tim Ellis also included some nostalgic footage of his past escapes and televised magic shows which left an impression on him which was a nice touch.

VERDICT: With many surprises for lucky and unsuspecting audience volunteers, ‘A Night at The Laneway Theatre’ is a very entertaining show that is easy to enjoy and appeals to a wide range of ages. Highly recommended.

EDIT: There have been new show announcements! The next ‘Night at The Laneway Theatre’ will be on October 16th. There are also some special spooky shows planned. Please visit the link below for more information and a calendar of events at The Laneway Theatre:
https://thelanewaytheatre.com/