Melbourne comedy festival: 10 top tips from Celia Pacquola and Sam Simmons
Switching back from her onscreen dalliances on TV shows Utopia and Offspring, Celia Pacquola returns to her first love with an encore season of her Amuse Moose award-winning show Edinburgh show in Melbourne. Pacquola tackles her vision of a terrifying future and her disturbing lack of planning for it.
Celia Pacquola Let me know how it all works out, Victoria Hotel, Melbourne, 28 March to 18 April
Celia’s pick of the crop
Aunty Donna: I have massive sketch envy when I watch these dudes. High energy, fast, silly and hysterical. Check them out on YouTube for a taste, or just trust me. TRUST ME.
Aunty Donna, ACMI, from 26 March to 19 April
Katherine Ryan: Canadian comedian usually based in London. So funny. It’s her first time to Melbourne and she is going to storm it, get tickets early.
Katherine Ryan – Glam Role Model, Melbourne Town Hall, 26 March to 15 April
Anne Edmonds: If you live in Melbourne and like comedy you’ll have encountered Anne and you don’t need me to tell you how great she is. This chick has funny bones, a funny brain, funny ears, funny – look she’s just hilarious. Go.
Anne Edmonds - You know what I’m like, Melbourne Town Hall, 26 March to 19 April
Dane Baptiste: He’s a UK comic and was nominated for best newcomer in Edinburgh last year. A fantastic joke writer and teller. Get on this train early.
Dane Baptiste, Greek Centre, 26 March to 5 April
Geraldine Hickey: Gez is one of my best friends and also happens to be one of the funniest/best people I know. I’m just sorry that you only get an hour with her. Stuff it, go twice.
Geraldine Hickey - Listen out for the castanets, Melbourne Town Hall, 26 March to 19 April
Sam Simmons
Sam Simmons on his show with Dr Brown: ‘If you like Super Dumb fun, then come. Fanta, balls, anarchy.’ Photograph: Mandee Johnson/supplied
Absurdist in the best possible way, Sam Simmons had a great year last year, picking up the best comedy performance prize at the Helpmann awards and a nomination for best comedian at the at Edinburgh fringe festival. Now based in LA, Simmons returns to Melbourne with two shows: his own hour and a double act with close clowning pal Dr Brown.
Sam Simmons - Spaghetti for Breakfast, ACMI - Beyond, 26 March to 19 April
Sam’s pick of the crop
Becky Lucas: She has THE thing. Like a nasty Claudia O’Doherty. She is very funny, leaving you with a bittersweet aftertaste, like a tart Granny Smith apple. Super funny lady.
Becky Lucas - High Tide, Portland Hotel, 26 March to 19 April
Sam Campbell: He’s a total brat. I’ve known him since he was 16. I can’t help but think about a turd like Adrian Mole when I watch him. He’s such a funny little shithead. He will have a great year. He’s got the devil in him.
Sam Campbell - Campo’s on Top, Portland Hotel, 26 March to 19 April
Anne Edmonds: If you’re not across Anne, you should be. She is all class like a weird mashup of Jane Turner and Lucille Ball. Love, love, love.
Anne Edmonds - You know what I’m like, Melbourne Town Hall, 26 March to 19 April
Eric Hutton: Eric is the most underrated comedian in Australia. He is a young John Doyle (Roy and HG). He has the ability to become HUGE! Big ideas and big talent. Take a punt – you’ll love him.
Eric Hutton - Eat my Talk! The Tuxedo Cat, Melbourne, 25 to 31 March
Dr Brown and Sam Simmons: Yep, self-promotion, but warranted. Dr Brown (Phil Burgers) has won every big award in live comedy. The Barry Award, the Edinburgh Comedy Award and more. We made this show together in LA. It is very, very good. It’s punk comedy. If you like Super Dumb fun, then come. Fanta, balls, anarchy.
Dr Brown and Sam Simmons - Ceremony, Melbourne Town Hall, 26 March to 5 April
Melbourne International Comedy festival runs from 25 March to 19 April at venues citywide – see the full programme and follow live coverage on Guardian Australia culture