By Chris Marlton (with the portion on Chris Marlton by Allan Sko)
Canberra comedy fans are in for a treat this Spring with a three-day fest at the Canberra Theatre. Six comics commandeering crisp new shows come to town from 10 – 12 October, with iconic favourites and hot up-and-comers. BMA and Comedy’s own, Chris Marlton, guides us through the odyssey of chuckles that await…
Laura Johnston – That’s Brave
LOL Season kicks off with cresting Canberra star Laura Johnston and her show That’s Brave. Fresh off her first tour of the UK, which included a month at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Laura is bringing her overseas experience back home for a guaranteed laugh-packed hour of comedy.
A sketch comedy veteran from her days writing, performing, directing and producing university comedy revues, Laura has firmly made her mark as a solo performer. That’s Brave is a joyful continuation of her craft, giving a mix of sketch, musical and stand-up comedy from a highly talented musical comedian.
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre – Thursday 10 October @ 7pm
Maddy Weeks – Never Gonna Die
Melbourne-based comic Maddy Weeks returns to their old stomping grounds with Never Gonna Die, set to cure what ails you. Nominated for Best Newcomer at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the show has it all: stories, gags, and pathos aplenty.
Weeks can do it all. Described by the ABC as having “bucketloads of joy and energy on stage,” Maddy is quickly becoming one of the most captivating acts on the Australian stand-up scene.
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre – Thursday 10 October @ 8:30pm
Andrew Hansen – Everyone Else Is Wrong
Chaser star Andrew Hansen is one of the country’s best known comedians, being a regular on the TV screen since the early 2000s with iconic sketches and songs from The Chaser’s War On Everything and Australian Epic. Now in 2024, he’s treating us to his latest comedy show, Everyone Else Is Wrong, to Canberra audiences as part of LOL Season Comedy, with an hour of brand new laughs you have to see.
With a piano, a guitar and unshakeable conviction, the hilarious Hansen has all the answers in this incredible new show that opens up the second night of comedy at this Spring comedy festival.
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre – Friday 11 October @6:30pm
Frankie McNair – An Intimate Evening with Tabitha Booth
Canberra’s own Frankie McNair is back in town starring as Tabitha Booth, the iconic and heavily medicated lounge singer we all know and love.
Think Judy Garland crossed with Marilyn Monroe; Tabitha Booth is unstoppable, engaging and SO-so funny in this intimate evening of comedy unlike anything else.
Winner of the Best Newcomer Award at the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, McNair is going from strength to strength, featuring on channel Ten’s Thank God You’re Here, Just For Laughs and ABC’s Question Everything. Grab your tickets before they’re all gone.
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre – Friday 11 October @ 8pm
Paul McDermott + 1 – REDUX
You know him from The Doug Anthony All-Stars, Host of Good News Week and JJJ; Paul McDermott is still at the height of his powers with his show REDUX.
Joined by guitarist and comrade Glenn Moorhouse, you’ll be swept off your feet by the songs and unable to catch your breath from the laughter with this controversial and captivating hour of comedy.
As a star of stage and screen for over 40 years, McDermott is still going strong, and you’ll love this hour of irreverent and observationally sharp comedy. Due to demand, this show plays twice on the festival’s final night, at 5pm and 7pm. Don’t miss it.
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre – Saturday 12 October @5:00pm, and @ 7pm
Chris Marlton – Eggplants and Cigarettes
Why, hello there, you big ol’ comedy lover, you! Allan Sko here, relieving Mr Marlton of his duties spruiking the talent of others so I can wax lyrical about his delicious new show, Eggplants and Cigarettes.
It is my distinct pleasure—nay, HONOUR—to extol the virtues of young Christopher. He’s one of the kind-hearted and deliciously compelling people I know, and unselfishly pours many-a personal hour in supporting other comics, as well as the scene.
He is also, mercifully, really bloody funny.
The King of Character Comedy, his new show features three of your favourite characters talking about everything from copyrighting fruit, life-hacking your cooking, optimised parenting tips and a wild ride around the world.
Marlton’s immersive accents and epic stories have been described as “a transformative experience” by me, just then. And I’ve heard loads of other people say that, too.
Fresh off touring Eggplants and Cigarettes interstate earlier this month and releasing his latest special on YouTube, Marlton is a joyous must-see, as makes for a fitting final show for the LOL Season Comedy Festival at The Canberra Theatre, capping proceedings off in style.
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre -Saturday 12 October @ 8:45pm
LOL Season runs 10-12 October at The Canberra Theatre Centre. Tickets start from $22 and can be purchased via the website. GET IN QUICK!
