The National Theatre Melbourne for the first time in its history, has been transformed into a hub for 30th Melbourne International Comedy Festival, hosting five shows over the course of the festival.
CEO Nic Clark has said that the affiliation with the iconic Comedy Festival has allowed The National Theatre to offer a variety of excellent comedic entertainment to patrons of all ages.
The first of the festival shows taking place at the historic venue is the comedic play Couples, a hysterical warts-and-all look at relationships which opened last night and runs until April 3rd. Four vastly different couples attend a weekend of relationship therapy, where they reveal their true personalities; inevitable clashes ensue with the revelation of secrets and some home truths.
Based on real-life events, Phillip A Mayer’s Couples is funny, insightful and poignant, serving as a warning not to enter into a partnership lightly! Boasting over 40 nominations and a winner of multiple awards including Best Comedy, Best Ensemble and Best Australian Play, Couples makes its Melbourne Comedy Festival debut at The National Theatre Melbourne.
The Lizard of Oz, provides some school holiday fun on 7 and 8 April. It is a comedy performance for young people with great costumes, music and an adventure that promenades through the classic National Theatre building. Join Dotty and her pet Blue Heeler Dodo, mysteriously transported (via Cyclone Matilda) into the middle of Oz on an adventure that encounters crazy Australian icons with plenty of laughs. The Lizard of Oz is directed by Mark Grentell, who also directed the Aussie comedy feature film Backyard Ashes.
Whilst on 13 April the award-winning comedy I (Honestly) Love You takes to the National theatre stage for four performances, after acclaimed seasons in Edinburgh and New York. I (Honestly) Love You explores what happens when two people, who share the extremely rare psychological condition of only being able to tell the truth at all times, fall deeply and madly in love. It’s a tale of love gained, love lost, and love thrown around a bit.
Open Mic night lovers will also be in for a free treat in the National Theatre’s new late night Mezzanine performance space with Stand Up Comedy Night from 14 to 16 April. Each night will have a different theme and a different host and local comics are invited to come along and try out their material.
Then finally on April 16th comedian Andrew Roberts, a man described as “An edgy comic uninterested in routine routines”, performs his one-man show Andrew Roberts – Sex Depression. Andrew has appeared on ABC TV, featured in the San Francisco’s Chronicle and has travelled the world with his “Improvised Stand Up”. Audiences who find Stand Up droll and Improv unorganized will love this show.
More season information and ticket sales available at National Theatre Melbourne or by calling (03) 9525 4611.
Couples: 29 March-2 April / 8.30pm / 1 Hour / All tickets $20
The Lizard Of Oz: 7-8 April / 11 am / 1 Hour / All tickets $20
I (Honestly) Love You: 13-16 April, 7.30pm, 1 hour, All tickets $25
Stand-Up Comedy Night: 14-16 April, (14 & 15 at 9pm and 16 10.30pm), 1 hour free
Andrew Roberts – Sex Depression: 16 April, 9pm, 1 Hour , Tickets $25 to $35
The National Theatre Melbourne is located at 20 Carlisle Street (cnr Barkly St.) St Kilda
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