Tag Archives: Imperial Hotel

MICF 2014: Timothy Clark and Sam Petersen – Prettygoodfellas

Posted by faithashw in Comedy, Review and tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

Prettygoodfellas - MICF 2014Reviewed by The Laughing Kiwi

I would have loved to have seen the initial ideas being thrown around for this show. Regardless of how it was conceived, the end result is a well-rehearsed show that is packed with larrikinism.

The concept of Prettygoodfellas is a simple one: Timothy Clark and Sam Petersen always wanted to be what they call ‘gangster comedians’. In this show they get to do just that; pulling off the heist of the century and bringing the audience along for the ride.

At the start of the show, we are informed that we are hostages and are left hoping that if their jokes “kill”, that it’s purely metaphorically. Clark and Petersen are suitably clad for the occasion and they each get a turn to deliver a solo set.

Sam ‘Hairtrigger’ Petersen is up first and his material ranges from politics at home to stories of true London hospitality. The duo are then reunited briefly and some discussion is had about how their heist is going. Authorities are consulted, an audience spokesman is chosen before Tim “Wildcard” Clark takes to the stage. During his set, he dispels rumours of flatting, rolls out some fantastic pop culture and music references, and tells us tales of exposure to semi-racist dad jokes.

Complete with audio cameos from Greg Fleet and a surprise appearance from a well-known big name, Prettygoodfellas constantly has you wondering where it’s going to go next. The show’s climax has some brilliant reveals and a spectacular plot twist. There is also some over-acting that would be perfectly at home alongside Ian Smith (or “Harold” from Neighbours as he is better known as on the panto circuit in England), yet it still manages to perfectly fit in to the show’s premise and with the personality of the comedians.

Clark and Petersen were clearly nervous on the night as it was their first performance and show together and while there is a lot of room for improvement, considering it is their first production, the show is well delivered. They are definitely comedians to watch and I look forward to watching them develop and seeing what they produce when they are more seasoned.

3-starsPrettygoodfellas is at the Imperial Hotel every day throughout the festival.  For more details and to book tickets, click here.

MICF 2014: Steele Saunders – Rosebud

Posted by faithashw in Comedy, Review and tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

Steele Saunders - MICF 2014Reviewed by The Laughing Kiwi

Between his very popular podcast I Love Green Guide Letters, the comedy rooms he runs around Melbourne and from his fabled appearances on Channel 10’s Studio 10, Steele Saunders is becoming a very popular name in the Australian comedy scene. But this year, this well seasoned performer lets down his walls.

For an hour, we are transported to Rosebud, a rich, timeless gem of a small town which lives in the shadow of its big neighbour, Melbourne. From an ill-fated hovercraft to the simple nicknames kindly and lovingly bestowed upon the residents by each other, this town reeks of repressed failure. We get introduced to the locals and hear about all the sights, which include mini golf and that special white box on the pier.

Saunders takes us behind the scenes of the worst night in his life, the lead up to it and the sobering days after. He delves in to the reality that comes with the fun of being young and doing what people do in small country towns. We hear of tall tales that come with boys being boys and the discovery of the small things in life, like when it’s important to keep your knees together and what photos might “poop” up in your future.

It’s important to note that this show touches some very serious topics and often looks at the funny side of it so those with particular sensitivities may choose to steer clear of this. However if you’re hardened to reality, and are prepared to see a man bare it all for comedy, Rosebud simply cannot be missed.

Put simply, this show is brilliant. It is perfectly assembled, eloquently articulated and a little bit embarrassing.

5-stars

Steele Saunders will be performing at the Imperial Hotel until April 20th (not Mondays) – click here for more details and to book tickets.

Saunders is also at the Downstairs Lounge of the Swantson Hotel every Saturday throughout the festival recording a live episode of I love Green Guide Letters – for details and tickets to this, click here.  The Laughing Kiwi also attended this – check out his review.