Judith Lucy and Denise Scott in 'The Spiral'

Not an empty seat in sight! The Princess Theatre in Melbourne sold out for the two Funny Ladies, Judith Lucy and Denise Scott. Just by reflecting back on their extensive list of contributing to the Melbourne Comedy scene, names were enough to sell a show.

Judith Lucy is perhaps well known for her work on 'The Late Show' back in the 90s along side Mick Molloy and Rob Stitch for her rather negatively toned attitude to which she successfully delivers her comedy. In satire sketches and even conversational set pieces, Lucy is able to share the most sensitive of topics with her audience from adoption to her sex life to her alcoholic abuse. This 'no shame' attitude that Judith attains allows her audience to connect and laugh with her as she delivers thoughts and accounts to thousands.

Denise Scott may be known to you as the 'Winners and Losers' mother and her motherly figure does not leave the stage. Speaking about the back fat created by her minimiser bra, Denise is willingly keen to share with you some of her self-inflicted embarrassments. I had seen Denise live at The Comedy Gala a few years ago and I must say she has executed her routine to perfection in her 'laid back' delivery style.

Together, both Judith and Denise complement each other and it was really fantastic to see them up on stage together at the same time. The Spiral is a dual stand up performance as they perform side by side, even admiring each others work.

This show is set up a bit like a book launch as they shamelessly promote their recent written works whilst they share with their their personal writer's notebook. From minimiser bras, passing out and to suggestive dance moves these ladies have no boundaries or restrictions. To wear a bather- like nude suit on stage, dancing to Rihanna's SnM whilst they unpicked their numerous wedgies, a lot of guts and admiration goes to those ladies. It's great to see that they will do anything for a laugh...and a stomach hurting laugh (or dozen) they received by the audience in return!!!

I was fortunate to have a chat to these ladies after the show and they were extremely appreciative of the complements that they received and took the time to converse with each person waiting in the 'sign line' and posed for a photo!!

A Date with Effie

I was going to get tickets to see Effie as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, however before I could book, lucky swung my way and I won a double pass. Just as well because the show sold out and I got to see in person a character who I comedically appreciate!

Effie Stefanedes, Jim's cousin Effie from the 90s comedy, Acropolis Now. The hairdresser with credentials and potentials in the film industry. Logie award winner. The Greek on the Roof. THE EFFIE!

She was the final act performing at the Yarraville Club. I have seen a lot of comedy and have found local comics just as hilarious as the big and well known however, I was quite disappointed with the MC of the night. His comic delivery consisted of unnecessary use of profanities dropping the f-bomb far too many times. In fact more so as if it were being used to replace punctuation. I'm not a prude when I come to a comedy show but this was excessive. To be honesr, if it weren't for the flashback visuals of the 70s-80s, his routine would of just been completely unfunny.

However that was quickly made up by the support act of the night- Gabriel Rossi! Talking about his life growing up with Italian parents in Australia and some of the influences his culture had in his life whilst growing up. All told comedically, Gab was able to create huge amounts of laughter, which was needed after the first act. The audience was captivated by his humour and I believe that reinstated their trust that attending the show was worth it. My highlight from Rossi's work would have to be his parodies particularly his Aussie/Wog versions of the classic song 'Jack and Diane'.

Then the act everyone was dying to see! Effie! Her first show in a long time, Effie has recovered, made sure her hairs are not flat and dressed to impress as she shares no embarrashment with her criteria to find the right guy. A Date with Effie is a confessional and an act of desperation for Effie as she lowers her standards to find a guy! (He just has to be rich and preferably old too!) She is gold digging to find the right guy and her show is a fine example of just that! This show incorporates interactivity after commencing as a stand up routine. If you love Acropolis Now, you won't be disappointed. This Greek raises the Roof and even does signings and meet and greets after the show. Mary Coastas alter ego is not ashamed to spill her guts for her fans and loves every moment of it!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Absolutely loved this musical! It had a fun and lively feel that carried across the whole show! Very energetic, funny, witty and clever wordplays too! I've been to quite a few musicals over the past couple of years and Chitty matches up amongst the best! The set design, stage effects and props are amazing! From fireworks to a flying car, the stage was constantly filled with intriguing scenery and an appropriate atmosphere was crafted together.


Outstanding dance routines and costumes were present whilst the Vulgaria set blew me away with its vibrancy.The performance by George Kapiniaris drove the show; it was spectacular. It was so great to see such a full venue laugh and appreciate his comic timing and comedic skills (and voice) through Goran! It was very clear that the spies and their Vulgarian-stupidity broke up the performance extremely well.

The cast and little boy and girl were also fantastic and so was Alan Brough. We mustn't forget the car too! It sure is a character in itself! It was such a catchy and lively performance I would go again, the routines were engaging and visually spectacular! The season has finished from Melbourne and I encourage Adelaidians to go and see Chitty Chitty!

Book tix at www.chittychitty.com.au

YouTube Tuesday

Lygon Street Meltdown

Nicky Bomba leading the Melbourne Ska Orchestra

For those who don't know, Ska is a style of reggae music which has its origins from the offbeat tunes of Jamaica in the 1960s. It's got the island beats, vibes, brass and playfulness which can be clearly adapted to the works of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra. I was introduced to this style of music a fair few years ago in a live performance at Federation Square in Melbourne. My Dad's cousin, Nicky Bomba, leads the band and he instantaneously brings to the stage (and even the crowd) a blast full of energy and a characteristic presence. Unlike a typical orchestra, you will hear no dramatic or serious type of performance, in fact you will be encouraged to join the playful atmosphere and get off your seats and start to bop and dance.  You will be immersed in entertainment, laughter, character and fun! This band brings to an audience an  arrangement like no other! You will be wanting more, break from the constraints of your seat and catch the ride of the reggae wave. 

I have just viewed this video clip and I was truly amazed at the simplicity of the black and white effect and how it is enough to capture the attention of an audience through a slapstick style performance and music. Entitled, Lygon Street Meltdown, a story is told in a comedic and underbelly based style optimising the ridiculousness of 'organised' crime. I love the literal vision of the wording demonstrated in this clip. ie- backstabbing (someone is physically getting stabbed in the back). The cartoonistic feel of this clip also makes it so lovable! Sort of a cross between the Three Stooges fight against crime and the Pink Panther. The catchy beat is infective and I believe this video clip does the orchestra justice through its capturing of the pure essence of the ensemble. 

Go check them out!

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Nicky Bomba

Melbourne Ska Orchestra