The laughs roll on with Comedy Westside
Published on 08 March 2018
The best of the fest is coming back to the West with another bumper Comedy Westside program for 2018.
Presented by Festival City in partnership with Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Comedy Westside will feature four main events in its bumper program, including the always-popular C.O.W Open Mic Night.
Last year’s C.O.W. winner, student Sam Gebreselassie, is back to defend his crown in 2018. Born in Sundan to Ethiopian parents before immigrating to New Zealand, then Australia, Sam is looking forward to bringing his unique comedic style back to the C.O.W stage. “My diverse background has definitely contributed to my comedic style, because I got to experience the world differently - therefore shaping my unique perspective on everyday life,” he said.
“It is very beneficial to have events like C.O.W Open Mic Night because usually comedians are practicing their material in small rooms around Melbourne to other comedians, continued Sam. “To have a live audience from the community listen to the material you’ve been working so hard to perfect is amazing, and their response is what drives us to write more and become better. I look forward to having another crack at the C.O.W bell in 2018!”
The (Very) Big Laugh Out will head to the pop-up park in Yarraville on 24 March after wowing audiences in its first stint out West in 2017. The Indian Showcase on 7 April will also delight audiences at Kindred Studios, showcasing the very best of emerging and established comedians from across India.
The 2018 program also includes a RAW Heat at Kindred Studios where amateur comedians will battle it out for a spot at the RAW Comedy National Grand Final at Melbourne Town Hall during the 32nd Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Damien Hodgkinson, Executive Director of Melbourne International Comedy Festival said, “Melbourne International Comedy Festival has always had a big audience out West, and it’s been great to be able to partner with Council to bring some of our key shows to an audience that clearly has a strong appreciation for the arts.”
“We look forward to a successful Comedy Westside program in 2018 and hope that our audiences out West enjoy some of the best local acts, and funniest artists from across the globe.”
The (Very) Big Laugh Out Westside
An annual highlight of Festival for two decades, the Festival’s free, family outdoor program is stepping out of its inner-city home into Yarraville after a successful show in Footscray last year.
Ballarat St Pop-Up Park, Yarraville
Saturday, 24 March
12pm
Comedy out West Open Mic
C.O.W Open Mic returns to the West for its fourth edition at Kindred Bar. This night of comedy is not quite raw, more medium to well done, as local and imported comedians battle it out for the all-important audience vote. This free event gives you, the audience, the power to decide who takes the award for best Comedian in the West, and gets to walk away with the much coveted Cow Bell for 2018.
Kindred Studios, 3 Harris St, Footscray
Saturday 14 April, 7.30pm (Doors 7pm)
Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au
Recommended for 15+
Indian Showcase
This one-of-a-kind showcase brings the freshest and finest comedians from across India to Footscray for one night only! This is your chance to grab a huge and hilarious dose of comedy culture.
Kindred Studios, 3 Harris St, Footscray
Thursday 19 April, 8.30pm (Doors 8pm)
Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au (might be work putting in a direct link: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2018/shows/indian-showcase-westside)
Recommended for 15+
Tickets: Full $25, Concession $20 via trybooking.com & at the door
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