(Acting) MICF Weeks 2 & 3 Roundup

Ali McGregor's Late-Nite Variety-Nite Night: When Ali McGregor sings she makes me want to dig a hole, curl up in it and never perform again. She is just so damn good I feel there is no point even trying anymore. But then eventually I climb out of my hole of despair, turn on my keyboard and keep practicing my scales.
I could go the Ali's Nite Nite Night every Night. She is sensational, her guests vary from insanely talented to hilarious and the house red at the Spiegeltent is quite good.

This is Siberian Husky The Misery Factory: This is the best show I have seen these boys do. In addition to neat physical work and hilarious sketches the premise of this show gave it a whole other level of quality. The Misery Factory made me laugh hysterically whilst simultaneously wanting to sob about the misfortune of strangers. Also jokes about OH&S always please me.

Daniel Oldaker Dandyman: Daniel Oldaker delivers some of the best clowning and physical comedy that I have ever seen. I have never been sexually attracted to a juggler before but Dandyman changed that. His costume is lovely, on and off.

Hannah Gadsby Happiness Is A Bedside Table: I don't like women comics and I don't like self-deprecating comedy where the comic mocks their own weight, but I love Hannah Gadsby. She manages to make us laugh at her incredibly embarrassing, depressing stories whilst still feeling a glimmer of happiness.

Josh Thomas Douchebag: I love Josh Thomas. When he started following me on Instagram was one of the highlights of my online life. But perhaps miss this show. Wait until he's calmed down from the work he poured into 'Please Like Me' and has time left over to write a stand-up show. And join me in praying he doesn't click on any links on my facebook page (because we are friends!) which lead him to this review.

Sam Simmons Shitty Trivia: 'Mysterious shoe, mysterious shoe...'. Last night I wore a Ralph Lauren Cashmere sweater over a pinstripe shirt handmade in the 30s. I sat next to 3 boys wearing a combination of Beer Bintang shirts and flannelette drinking VB. Sam Simmons has the unusual ability to make these two polar opposite demographics cack ourselves laughing and knock over our stubbies/wine glass. Great use of slideshow.

(Acting) MICF Week 1 Roundup

Although comedy doesn't necessarily fall into any of the 'Threat' categories my acting skills are at work during my cabaret 'Twinkle Twinkle: the Confessions of a Child-Hating Children's Librarian' which is currently showing as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (www.trybooking.com/chft).
With that reasoning, here's my thoughts on the shows I saw in week 1.

Lawrence Leung's Part-Time Detective Agency: Lawrence is super cute and super hilarious. As are his parents who feature in this show. Sherlock Holmes, awkward revelations and punctuation all feature, guaranteeing a successful comedy show in my mind. 

David Quirk Shaking Hands with Danger: I loved how David discussed his downfallings in such an open, truthful way. Most people who cheat on their girlfriends keep quiet, defend themselves or deny it. David does none of these. Plus he wrote a comedy show about it. To quote Jessica Phillips (EMA) 'It was really good. There weren't many jokes and at the end it was a bit depressing'. 

Jon Bennett Fire in the Meth Lab: (Disclosure: I know Jon. He is funny.) Jon is an engaging storyteller. His show is original, funny and amazingly, true. Lovely use of set and Jason Donovan material.

Charlie Ranger and Nicholas Waxman A Sunburnt History: (Disclosure: I know Charlie and Nick. They are funny.) In this show Charlie and Nick display their well honed skills in accent, slapstick and quick costume change. Great pace, lots of quirky jokes AND educational.

(Library) Review: HOW TO BE A WOMAN by Caitlin Moran

I feel guilty giving this book a Rave Review. Not in the least because it doesn't deserve it but because every single person I have spoken to about it does. Perhaps instead I should shout the praises of books that haven't made the headlines. Perhaps 'Get Well Soon!' by Kristy Chambers or 'Why We Broke Up' by Daniel Handler. But nope, they'll have to wait as I loved 'How To Be a Woman' and have to exercise my Womanish Roaring and let everybody know.
Originally I was unenthusiastic about reading this book, it's about feminism and I find feminism icky. Luckily a highly intoxicated friend did some convincing debating of her own and made me pinky promise to try it. (Don't you dare not call me a party animal, after a few Moscatos I am ready to discuss BOOKS!). A few pages in and I was completely won over. Caitlin Moran is like able, hilariously self-deprecating and she doesn't hate men. She does hate high heels but we can't expect to agree on everything. She covers almost everything. Puberty, Boys, Work, Brazilians, Fashion, Germaine Greer, Sexism and Katie Price. Her insights are very original with the ability to make me rethink my very stubborn opinions.
Read this book. Your eyes will be opened and you won't even have to lick any menstrual blood.
4 and a half bum gropes out of 5.

(PT, Library, Acting)

Schedule Thursday 21st March
6am - Instruct Outdoor Fitness Session #1
10am - Induction at new PT job
2.15pm - E resource training at Library
4pm - Learn Lines
5.30pm - Instruct Outdoor Fitness Session #2
6.30pm - Instruct Outdoor Fitness Session #3
8pm - Rehearse

I think this may have been my most TripleThreat day ever.

(Acting) 'Twinkle Twinkle' tickets now on sale!

Rich Fulcher has started promoting his MICF show so guess I better keep up!

Twinkle Twinkle: the Confessions of a Child-Hating Children's Librarian will be returning for a two week run as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Seats are limited and available now.

I cracked myself up today whilst writing new baby related material which is hopefully a good sign.

Go ahead, Click.

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2013/season/shows/twinkle-twinkle-the-confessions-of-a-child-hating-children-s-librarian-kelly-rose-ryan

http://www.trybooking.com/CHFT 

(Acting) Review: INCARCERATOR, Revolt

Fri 8th Feb, Opening Night
(Free bubbles, bring it on!)

I spent three years of my life at the Ballarat Arts Academy. When I go to see fellow graduates perform it is always such a relief when they are GOOD. ‘Thank God,’ I say to myself, ‘Those hours of humming, dancing to drums and rolling on the floor totally paid off for these guys, hopefully the same applies to me’.
The entire cast and crew of Incarcerator met and studied in Ballarat and have created a well meshed ensemble. The high energy of Zachary Ruane, Martin Van De Wouw and Illiana Contos was pleasingly met and subdued by the more sombre tones of Andrew Davies, Alyson Gale and Broden Kelly.
I love to discover a writer I have never heard of before. Even more exciting is discovering a writer through the eyes of someone who harbours a love for them and is passionate to introduce the world to their work. Isabelle Clara Mason spoke of her admiration for Betts in her program notes and this esteem shines through.
Betts' language is detailed and very stylised. (‘Oh, I didn’t know this was Shakespeare!’, said a lady next to me.) Obviously the actors had worked very hard to get their tongues and minds around the words. I heard and understood everything.
Rounding off the successful elements of the production was Tom Armstrong’s lovely sound design which effectively set the era, mood and energy as well as showcasing some beautiful music in it's own right.
Incarcerator was fun, edgy, a great night out at the theatre.
And no spoilers, but I love Easy Rider for a reason.

http://www.revoltproductions.com/melbourneevents/byevent/INCARCERATOR1

(Library) Review: THE HOBBIT by J. R. R. Tolkien

I first read The Hobbit when I was in Grade 3. I promptly wrote a creative writing piece entitled The Fobbit  in which 14 mythical creatures go to a mountain to recover treasure. My teacher thought it was a work of genius. 15 years later I was worried about rereading the children's classic. I'd read it before, I'd just seen the movie in which Peter Jackson drew out every possible moment form the 1st third of the book and in the lead up to Boxing Day, fueled by my anticipation, I'd been thinking about the story in minute detail. Would I be bored by a story I felt I knew so well? It is a testament to Tolkien's writing that no, I was not. Within 3 pages I was totally enthralled in the adventure all over again. Furthermore, much to my delight, my childhood images of the characters still held firm. Martin Freeman did a wonderful job in the movie but when I look at him I just see his pale English bottom whilst he mock humps in Love Actually. The Hobbit is a classic and rightly so. Currently at the library all our copies are on loan and there is a list of reserves. I sincerely hope this means a new generation is experiencing Bilbo's adventure through their own imaginations and not just relying on Jackson's Epic.