The biggest names in comedy are hitting Melbourne International Comedy Festival – and they all made a start somewhere.
Thanks to Pilot Comedy, an initiative spotlighting promising up-and-comers, the new kids on the comedy block get a place in this huge event – where audiences get a sneak peek of the next big things.
This year's line-up presents Emma Armitage-Ho, Erin Almeida, Patti Fawcett, Stella Hall, and Mali Hawke.
“We're striving to equip young comedians with everything they need to take the next step in their career – not just the performances, but professional headshots and videography, creative development and networking - all completely free,” Pilot Comedy Producer Dylan McBurney says.
Emma Armitage-Ho is keen to bring her jokes to the MICF stage.
“I have great fun while doing comedy and I want to enjoy that with the audience – and hopefully, they’ll enjoy it too,” Emma says. “I always try to bring something out of left field to stage, as I love seeing the audience’s surprised and shocked faces.”
“I’ve had the greatest experiences – and most laughs – at shows with ‘lesser-known’ or ‘upcoming’ comedians. Through ‘inexperience’ you could say we’ll have the best experience, as we are just enjoying the moment of our first show and won’t be constricted by expectations. Of course, it is also good to give upcoming comedians a chance to better their craft and give audiences a chance to discover new talent.”
“['Pilot'] is a truly unique show where younger people have brought their thoughts, stories, and comedic creations to life,” Stella Hall adds.
Pilot Comedy is a showcase of talents from all across the country, and Dylan McBurney and fellow Producer Ethan Gallagher both come from comedy and performance backgrounds. They saw a gap in the festival's youth programmes, that they wanted to fill.
“Typically, when you watch comedy it’s more experienced people. Many of our jokes will hit hardest among young people since it’s written from a young person’s perspective and sometimes, for young people,” Emma Armitage-Ho says.
“I feel like this show is for anyone who kept their high school uniform pants because 'without the logo they aren’t that bad',” Patti Fawcett adds.
These young comics are no strangers to the stage, but the opportunity to present a whole set is a far cry from the short ones they do in line-up shows.
“It’s going to be so much fun,” Patti says. “And when all these people are famous you get to say you went in the early days.”
The 'Pilot' shows play DoubleTree by Hilton (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 27 March-1 April.
