ADELAIDE FRINGE 2013 RECOMMENDATIONS AND HEADS UPS

Well kids - it's here again. The reason I started this blog in the first place. Adelaide Fringe. Freaky February and Mad March. Four weeks, where unlike other more sensible cities all over the world, Adelaide decides to stage every comedy, burlesque, arts, film, writers, car race and cultural festival, ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I sometimes wonder what was going on in the brain of whoever was in charge of that decision. let's fill the city up with lovely people who are interested in art, culture, humour, wit and put them in exactly place and time as tens of thousands of people who want to drink beer and watch cars go round.

I started this blog to collect my reviews of Fringe shows and to make recommend things that you should consider getting along to see. And this is my pre-Fringe suggestion list. It's pretty epic. But so are you and you deserve it.

I'm going to break this up into sections.

COMEDY

This years Fringe is missing some of the comedy acts that have become my favourite regular visitors for fringe, so this year there is no Felicity Ward, Axis of Awesome, Dead Cat Bounce, etc but we are not left wanting with masses of top notch comedy heading our way, with not only international and national acts appearing, but one of the most exciting line-up's of home grown shows in years.

ANDREW McCLELLAND feat DJ IAN BELL

HANG THE DJ

The Deluxe , Garden of Unearthly Delights

Mar 8 & 9, 15 & 16

Okay I admit, recommending my own show first may seem a little...forward. But there is a lot of shows for you to read about in this post and I'd hate for you to lose interest before I suggest you come to ours. HANG THE DJ is a late night comedy show about music, DJ's and DJing. You are in good hands with myself and Melbourne's Andy McClelland AND then it turns into an funtastic dance party til extremely late. Last two Friday and Saturday nights. Thanks for your indulgence.

ADELAIDE COMEDY 360 GALA

Arkaba - MON FEB 18 7:30pm

Debuted at last years Fringe the Adelaide Comedy 360 Gala was a massive success. Essentially a taster plate for some of the best acts in the Fringe and a great way to get an idea of show's you'd like to see. The format is unusual as the stage is in the centre of the room with audience on all sides. Acts announced on www.adelaidecomedy.com very soon.

ADELAIDECOMEDY.COM INAUGURAL ROAST : GREG FLEET

ARKABA

Mon Feb 25

Greg Fleet loves Adelaide. Adelaide loves Fleety. This may well all change after Mr Fleet is popped on the comedy rotisserie and given a flaming by a gathering of top comedians. Another first for Adelaide Comedy.

JAMES McCANN

NUNOPOLY : HOW TO PLAY WINNING MONOPOLY & LIVE A FORFILLING LIFE IN CHRIST

Rhino Room - Beer Garden

Mar 5 - Mar 16

There is a position vacant in the Vatican and there are many people making suggestion for who would be a good decision for the top papal gig. I think it's time for a woman. Or at least a male comedian dressed as a nun to be Pope. One who knows how to win at Monopoly. James McCann is the nun for the job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E6Pq-O0zfY

ANGUS HODGE

ANGUS HODGE HAS PENT UP REGRESSION

The Runt - Gluttony

Feb 15 - Mar 1

I saw an early preview of this show and it's pretty damn good. Young Master Hodge has developed into a sterling stand-up and this show has some crackers!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0CYHJLd3QU

CHRIS KNIGHT

FUNCOMFORTABLE

The Runt - Gluttony

Mar 2 - Mar 17

He is a strange fellow this Chris Knight chap whose full and manly beard can sometimes make him look like a Xmas tree decoration of Santa. His brain and his humour weave a hypnotic, sometimes confusing, but extremely rewarding path paved with comedy gold. 

LORI BELL

A GOOD RED

Crown & Anchor

Feb 25 - Mar 2

She's a legend. She wins awards for doing this stuff. She's my favourite lesbian. Five shows only.

RUBY WAX

OUT OF HER MIND

The Deluxe- Garden of Unearthly Delights

Mar 5 - Mar 17

Ruby Wax is American but was part of the 'New Wave' of alternative comedy in 1980's UK. She has made great TV, appeared in movies, been a stand-up forever and this is her first tour of Australia.

WOLF CREEK THE MUSICAL

FORMAT

Mar 4 - Mar 17

There has been several previews of this show and I missed every single one of them. At one of these previews the guy who made the real Wolf Creek movie secretly turned up and gave them his nod of approval. Great cast, great idea - I will see this.

DAVID QUIRK

SHAKING HANDS WITH DANGER

Rhino Room - The Howling Owl

It's no secret that I am a big fan of David Quirk's work. He goes to some seriously dark corners of comedy but it's always worth the journey. In the guide it says 'a good show by a bad person'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1LK68AS3Qo

DAVE CAMPBELL

BIPOLAR BEAR

Rhino Room Beer garden

Feb 16 - Mar 2

He dresses like Slash with ADD and he is a bit of an oddball, but in the best way possible. One of the stalwarts of Adelaide Comedy who keeps getting better and better.

GEORGIE CARROLL

NURSE CASE SCENARIO

The Maid (Stepney)

Feb 15 - Feb 28

With good reason Georgie Carroll was the recent winner of Adelaide Comedian of the Year and a national finalist in Raw last year. Her natural stage presence, A1 material and impeccable timing has fast made her one of the most loved stand-up's in Adelaide. She is a nurse so if anybody dies laughing she'll be able to revive them without too much trouble.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkaCV8qY4Aw

FRISKY & MANNISH

The Deluxe - The Garden of Unearthly Delights

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Feb 15 - Mar 17

Frisky & Mannish are like a two person comedic Scissor Sisters. It's glitz and glamour and mad humour, pop music parodies and buckets of fun. Totally pumped to be sharing a venue with these guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-15C5WkWOc

DUNGEON CRAWL

Gluttony - Pig Tales

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am that Dungeon Crawl is coming to Adelaide. It's a monthly event in Melbourne that see a cast of comedians improvise their way through a Dungeons & Dragons style story, but always with a twist. Sometimes it's a musical, sometime Star Wars themed. The brain child of excellent Melbourne folks Ben and Richard McKenzie Dungeon Crawl will quickly be a word of mouth smash. Consider this your heads up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7MFJClhl7U

LINDSAY WEBB

CHITTY CHATTY BULLSHIT

Rhino Room - Howling Owl

Mar 5 - Mar 16

The hardest working man in Ho Ho Business returns to his adoptive second home. Webb is the consummate stand-up. Lightning quick wit, smart, delightful stage presence, great material, great face that can deliver a punch line with the rise of a solo eyebrow. Lindsay always pulls a big crowd in Adelaide and is a firm Fringe Festival - book early. Mr Webb is also hosting Adelaide Comedies Sunday Sessions at the Marion each Sunday afternoon.

GOLDEN PHUNG

GOLDEN PHUNG SELL OUT

Harrys Bar

Feb 20 - Mar 16

Fantastic collection of local talent doing live sketch comedy - It's fast and furious and fucking funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUL0XbXH_wc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TYFWCAHC9Q

EUROWISION ADELAIDE 2013

Gluttony - Pig Tales

Mar 9 ONLY

It breaks my heart to know I am going to miss this years EUROWISION as it clashes with my own show. Comedians from around the world come together to battle it out for the title, complete with crazy European-ish hosts. Last year was fantastic.

DEANNE SMITH

LETS DO THIS

Tuxedo Cat - Cat Bowl

Laser precision comedy from a smart cookie. She's Canadian. They are like us except they have more Mooses.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvP3JuiYKHo

GORDON SOUTHERN

THE KERFUFFLE

Rhino Room - Howling Owl

Feb 15 - Mar 2

Last year the irresistible Southern thrilled sold out houses with his show A Brief History of History (which he is also doing two shows only of at Rhino Sat 16 & Sat 23 Feb) which included some of the some of the most enjoyable stage time of the entire Fringe. I like him - go see him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onVPaLly5hE

BRYN ADAMS & DEMI LARDNER

The Runt - Gluttony

Mar 2 - Mar 17

Demi Lardner is going to be a big star. She looks like a 12 year old boy. Her material is sophisticated, polished and extremely funny and she is a natural on stage. Bryn Adams likewise is set for a big future is extremely likeable on stage. Both specialize in wonderful awkwardness and you should while you still can. Opening night sold out already so get on it!

DAVE CALLAN

A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION

Rhino Room Upstairs

Feb 15 - Mar 2 (No Sun/Mon)

One of the highlights of Dave Callans excellent show last year was him perfectly busting out the Single Ladies dance at the end of each show. The site of the large beardy Irishman getting all Bootylicious on yo ass was a festival highlight. In his new show he promises 'A Little Less Conversation' and more utterly hysterical dance moves. DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW - WILL SELL OUT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SZMvZvrLtI

CELIA PACQUOLA

DELAYED

Rhino Room Upstairs

Feb 15 - Mar 2

Without wanting to sound too overly dramatic here. This show is NOT TO BE MISSED AT ANY COST! Celia Pacquola, from Melbourne (and part of the excellent Anarchists Guild sketch comedy group) has been living in the UK for the past few years and we are on the verge of losing her to mother Britain permanently at any moment. I saw this show at MICF last year after trying to get tickets eight days in a sold-out row, and finally lucked out with a last minute cancellation - it is fantastic. A great comedienne, fantastic material, awesome storyteller, magnificent stage presence. I have a comedy crush. Ten shows only.

DENISE SCOTT & JUDITH LUCY

THE SPIRAL

The Vagabond - The Garden of Unearthly Delights

Mar 9-11 Three shows only.

Two of the countries best and legendary stand up's together for the first time. Only three shows.

RANDY

RANDY IS SOBER

The Vagabond - The Garden of Unearthly Delights

Mar 15 - Mar 17

The purple headed one did one performance of this excellent show last year and those lucky enough to have caught it raved about it. I was one of them. It's a show about giving up drinking amongst other things and you'll be amazed at the emotional depth of what is essentially a glove puppet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCsU4BmFz-U

SAMMY J

POTENTIALLY

Umbrella Revolution - The Garden of Unearthly Delights

Feb 15 - Mar 1

The skinny non-puppet one from Sammy J & Randy also returns with a new solo show. I'm not sure why the dynamic duo are not doing a show together this year, but solo shows from each is still a bonus. He released a splendid CD last year and I never leave a Sammy gig without being astounded how anybody can remember and deliver so many lyrics in such machine gun perfection. The loveliest many in comedy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfahRnzvrLo&list=PL33303F68D2DC9C6F&index=1

MARK TRENWITH

AFTER DARK

Rhino Room - Howling Owl

Mar 5 - Mar 16

Now living in Melbourne one of Adelaide's favourite comedy sons returns with a show called After Dark which will start in daylight hours (6:15pm - see even the timing of his show is funny). He really is a smashing performer - I love his material and I'm really looking forward to this show.

ARJ BARKER

GO TIME

Feb 15 - Mar 15

Arj Barker should just move to Australia and be done with it. Always fantastic, world standard, brilliantly funny and unmissable.

MORGAN & WEST

CLOCKWORK MIRACLES

Le Cascadeur

Feb 15 - Mar 17

One of my absolute favourite discoveries at last years Fringe were Morgan & West. I'm not really one for 'magic' shows or the many 'slight of hand' performers that swarm over the town at this time of year. But after going to see these Victorian (era not state) raconteurs on a whim last year they were INCREDIBLE. They do things that are impossible. Things you will not believe and things that do your head in a bit. Astounding.

SAM SIMMONS

SHITTY TRIVIA

Romantiek - Garden of Unearthly Delights

Feb 15 - Mar 17

Fresh from the success of his first TV series 'Problems', the master of the surreal Sam Simmons. Always a favourite of mine, last show (and inspiration for some of the TV show) was a 10/10 show, with possibly the best pay-off joke of any Fringe show I have ever seen. He's loud, he's an oddball, he back.

TOM GLEESON

HELLO BITCHES!

Umbrella Revolution - Garden of Unearthly Delights

Feb 15 - Mar 17

After many years of doing shows at the Rhino Tom Gleeson fever went through the roof last year, with a sold out run and extra shows added all over the joint. This season he's moved to the Garden and is in the gi-normous Umbrella Revolution for the entire run of the Fringe. Never fails to deliver a brilliant show (and I'm sure he'll be turning up at Rhino's late show at some stage).

JASON PESTELL

LET'S GO
Rhino Room Upstairs

Mar 5 - Mar 16

It's been a big year for Jason Pestell. He saved a mans life with his iPhone. He faced a comedians worst nightmare the possible loss of his voice before going under the knife. Now he's back, with a great new show. He's a lovely man (who is a bit obsessed with U2) go and see his show.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151288000163407

GRAVITY BOOTS

Holden Street Theatre - The Arch

Mon 2 - Mar 16

These newcomers are set to become huge. Some of the smartest, well written, seriously hilarious comedy for ages.

CHRIS TAYLOR

THE TAYLOR LECTURE

Paradiso - The Garden of Unearthly delights

Mar 9 - Mar 11 (three shows only)

That Chaser boy, Taylor delivers a lecture on the state of Modern World. Expect feathers to be ruffled.

HANNAH GADSBY

HAPPINESS IS A BEDSIDE TABLE

The Deluxe - The garden of Unearthly Delights

Feb 15 - Mar 2

Hannah Gadsby is right up there with my favourite comedians from anywhere. A gifted story teller whose last three shows have all been utterly brilliant. You might have seen her on the telly, you should go and see her in the really life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwchUNbdW-8

PAUL McDERMOTT

PAUL SINGS

Arts Theatre

Mar 5 - Mar 16

The man, the legend, the God. I spent many nights engulfed in the bosom of the glory that was the Doug Anthony All Stars. I loved seeing Gud. Good News Week in all it's permutations and the Sideshow. And now McDermott (this years Fringe Ambassador) brings his first solo show to the Arts theatre for ten shows. Welcome back you sexy man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUpioV2I-8U

MARCEL LUCONT

GALLIC SYMBOL

Tuxedo Cat - Yellow Room

Feb 15 - Mar 17

Sadly missed last year, say Oo La La, at the return of the most fabulous Frenchman you could wish to be mocked by. Amazing improviser with magic timing. Marcel Lucont is Tres Bon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_8KGSMBnE4

DAVE THORNTON

TALL & POINTY

Le Cascadeur - The Garden of Unearthly Delights

Feb 15 - Mar 3

Another former Adelaide boy made good Thornton is now one of the best stand-ups in the country. Supreme confidence, great material

BARRY MORGAN

ORGAN IS NOT A DIRTY WORD

The Campanile - Garden of Unearthly Delights

Feb 15 - Mar 17

I love Barry and his organ and the promise that he will tackle both Lady Gaga and Skyhooks this time round should really be all I have to say.

DAVE BLOUSTIEN

GRAND GUIGNOL

The Piglet - Gluttony

Feb 15 - Mar 1

also

SOCIAL CONTRACT REDUX

The Piglet - Gluttony

Feb 15 - Mar 1

The Popeye

Feb 15 - Mar 1

Ex-Adelaide stand-up Bloustien brings two shows to the Fringe this year and one of them is on the Popeye - seriously. Grand Guignol is "five rib-tickling tales of terror told by grotesques in outrageous hats". Social Contract Redux takes place on our most beloved South Australia vessel - so you don't want to be late for this show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWBBIjim0NU&feature=share

ABANDOMAN

THE LIFE & RHYMES OF ABANDOMAN

The Cupola, Garden of unearthly Delights

Feb 15 - Mar 17

improvised comedy rapping by genius Irishman. Has been described as Flight of the Conchords meets 8 Mile.

PAUL FOOT

KENNY LARCH IS DEAD

Cinema Nova

Mar 13 - Mar 17 five shows only

In a festival where there are all kinds of weirdos, they all should all bow down and worship their new weirdo King. Paul Foot's over the top show last year had him doing a pre-amble explaining what the show would be from behind a curtain for ten minutes and escalated to him climbing over the audience and more.

COMEDY ACTION RANGERS

Harrys Bar (12 grenfell Street)

Mar 6 - Mar 16

Four of Adelaide's most promising young comedians bring their absurdist "silly, high and low brow" show to an exciting new venue.

AMOS GILL

YOU'VE CHANGED

Rhino Room

Feb 15 - Mar 2

Amos Gill is one of the brightest young comedians in Adelaide. Narrowly missing the top prize in last year Raw. He has great material and stage presence. This show is about growing up, which coming from a stand-up comedian is pretty rich. Really looking forward to this.

I'll do a quick round up of stuff other than comedy in the next day or so but this turned into a bit more of an epic than I had intended.