The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Allstars Supershow hit the Palais Theatre stage on Monday night (31 March) to an audience passionate about comedy and looking for a place to lose themselves in laughs.
A selection of more than 20 acts hit the stage across the evening. It of course could not be ignored that this was a re-do after a tragic incident halted the original show on 26 March. Audiences filed in and there was a palpable sense that this particular group of comedy lovers were back for a reason – truly looking forward to a night of escapism and laughter.
Highlights were Amy Gledhill and her questionable pedicure experience, Dave Hughes reflecting on a month in the African jungle, Rosie Jones with her sharp self-deprecation, Takashi Wakasugi comparing sake to wine, and Guy Montgomery making a shocking revelation about dog and horse racing. Guy was hyper-aware that the audience had already heard his set less than a week prior to this night. . . And he was super grateful for the crowd’s willingness to give him just as much (if not more) applause and cheers the second time around.
Anisa Nandaula - Image © Nick Robertson
The exceptional situation gave the Supershow a different atmosphere – throughout the audience a collective, unspoken awareness of the circumstance and, as a result, an even bigger incentive to laugh, and to revel in the joy comedy can create.
Michael Hing was a fantastic, charismatic fit as host for the evening, emerging every few acts to regale us with tales of marriage, calls from the cops, and a Nissan Cube.
This was an eclectic and dynamic group of funny folks; a perfect smorgasbord of LOLs to tantalise the tastebuds at the beginning of what is sure to be a massive 2025 festival. It’s always fun to be part of a taped show – the audience are encouraged to laugh as hard as possible and the set-ups of cameras and equipment bring a much more ‘official’ feel to the proceedings.
Tom Cashman - Image © Ian Laidlaw
This reviewer must give major props to everyone involved in the Supershow – from the organisers, to the crew, to the comedians themselves. . . It must have been a major feat to reschedule such a mammoth event and keep its line-up totally intact, especially given Melbourne International Comedy Festival is now well and truly underway for 2025.
It felt extra special to support the line-up of comedians on this night, and the entire point of comedy – to make us laugh – was particularly important.
You can catch the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Allstars Supershow 10 April on ABC.
This reviewer sends sincere condolences to the family involved in the tragic loss that occurred at the Supershow’s original date (26 March).
