Comedy
Comedy clubs, comedians and comedy festivals in Melbourne
Michael McIntyre
Michael McIntyre does things big: big tours, big venues, big crowds and big laughs. He consistently sells out the kind of long runs that could turn pretty much any major rockstar green with envy. He's even played 28 shows at London's 16,000-seat O2 Arena, eclipsing all other comedy acts. So it makes sense that his new globe-trotting arena tour is called simply Michael McIntyre's Big World Tour. The British stand-up star is best known for his appearances on just about every BBC comedy show, and in 2016 he launched his new BAFTA Award-winning series, Michael McIntyre's Big Show. The Australian leg kicks off in Perth on March 20, 2019, and lands at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on March 22. There are also dates in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney.
Stand-up comedy nights in Melbourne
We are so spoiled for choice when it comes to comedy in Melbourne – there's laughs to be had every night of the week, if you know where to look. Keen for a post-show drink? Visit one of Melbourne's best bars so the laughs can keep rollin'. Melbourne's finest late-night snacks may come in handy too.
Melbourne Comedy Festival stars talk mental health and the serious side of funny business
If you think about it, April might just be the most emotional time of the year for the Melbourne Town Hall. Each night, every one of its rooms – some grand and elegant, others makeshift and cramped – will host a person opening up to strangers. Some will fire out peppy one-liners; others will go deeper, pulling out stories from their lives, spinning them into comedy, and hoping that people will laugh – and maybe even relate. Comedians have the power to break down barriers around issues that we find difficult to discuss, reminding us that we’re not alone. Humour can help us heal. And increasingly, comedians are opening up about difficult periods of their lives and their experiences of mental illness. On television, comedian Maria Bamford sensitively portrays living with bipolar disorder in Lady Dynamite, and in 2014, Eddie Perfect performed a song titled ‘Don’t Kill Yourself’ for a mental health-themed ABC comedy panel show (making the point that you’d miss out on Game of Thrones). On stage, comedians like Felicity Ward speak candidly about anxiety and depression. The Australia-born, UK-based comedian became a mental health advocate in 2014, when she created Felicity’s Mental Mission, an ABC documentary in which she revealed her own struggle with anxiety and interrogated the stigma around mental illness in Australia. As part of the documentary, she also began work on her 2015 stand-up show What if There Is No Toilet? – a candid (and hilarious) journey through her battle with
This week in Melbourne comedy
The Big HOO-HAA!
One of the nation's longest running improv nights keeps on improv-ing
Anjelah Johnson
The American comedian, actor and YouTube star is bringing her new stand-up show to Melbourne
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Win a Real Madrid World of Football Experience Prize Pack
Melbourne football fans have been attending the Real Madrid World of Football Experience at Melbourne Museum Plaza in their droves. Fans have been praising the interactive ‘Come Play!’ Zone, loaded with physical, digital and playable technology. In the Skills Arena, visitors have been testing their kicking power, speed and accuracy, and battling it out in the Fuzbol Battle Zone on the gigantic 16-person Fuzbol table. Such is the fans’ fervour that the organisers have extended the exhibition’s world premiere season in Melbourne until Sunday September 30. And they are offering a special prize pack to one lucky reader consisting of: 4 adult flexi tickets to Real Madrid World of Football Experience 4 Real Madrid T-shirts 2 soccer balls Photo package including photo holder, 7 images in total (in different sizes), keyring and digital copies of the photos. Flexi passes are valid any day and time, subject to availability, and must be redeemed by September 30, 2018. To win this prize, valued at $459.95, simply sign up to Time Out’s weekly newsletter, your guide to the best of Melbourne each week. Already a subscriber? You can still enter the competition (and we won’t kick an own goal by sending you multiple newsletters). Fill out my online form. // var z1c60c0l0g0org3;(function(d, t) { var s = d.createElement(t), options = { 'userName':'timeoutlondon', 'formHash':'z1c60c0l0g0org3', 'autoResize':true, 'height':'1118', 'async':true, 'host':'wuf
Australia’s first massage yoga retreat is happening this August
Modern life can be pretty hectic sometimes, especially when you live in a big city. If your usual yoga session (or let’s be honest, 3am ice cream and Netflix binge) just isn’t relaxing you anymore, it might be time to roll out the big guns. Luckily Australia’s first Massoga Massage Yoga retreat is happening in Victoria this August. Lead by Massoga founder Wallis Murphy and three other facilitators, the Massoga Massage Yoga retreat is four-days of blissful relaxation. Located in the wilderness just outside Hepburn Springs, the retreat isn’t your ordinary yoga getaway. Over the course of the retreat guests will be guided through Massoga Massage Yoga – a yin yoga and massage hybrid developed by Murphy over two years ago. The combination of gentle movement and human touch is designed to let participants enter a deeper state of relaxation than in a traditional yoga class. In addition to the Massoga Massage Yoga sessions, guests at the retreat will take part in Turkish baths, meditation, silent nature walks, private massages, slow flow yoga and an essential oils workshops (where you’ll learn how to concoct your own relaxation blend). Meals and snacks are included, with the nourishing vegetarian menu designed by Spade and Blade. The Massoga Massage Yoga retreat will feature downtime as well so you can explore the beautiful Hepburn Springs surrounds and let go of all the tension in your body. The retreat is designed for novice, intermediate and advanced yogis – because everyon
A gin-infused high tea is happening at the Cliveden
The Cliveden is throwing a gin-infused high tea to celebrate their first birthday. On Saturday, September 1 the Cliveden Bar and Dining is hosting a one-off high tea inspired by the widely loved spirit, gin. G&T lovers, your prayers have been answered. On the Cliveden’s gin high tea menu you’ll find a host of edible delights that have been infused with the herbaceous spirit. Try the cured salmon, scones with Negroni jam or picture-perfect gin-infused lemon tarts (which really should be a standard addition to all lemon tarts). The Cliveden have their own bespoke gin, which has been made by the bar’s mixologists and handcrafted at Bass and Flinders Distillery – so it’s only fitting that they celebrate their big day with a healthy dose of quality gin. Naturally, you’ll be able to sip on the Cliveden’s own gin at the high tea, with several gin cocktails available on the day. Like some sparkling to switch things up? For an additional $12 you can get free-flowing sparkling wine to accompany your meal. Even though it’s their birthday, the Cliveden will be the one handing out gifts on the day with lots of prizes up for grabs. This is the perfect opportunity to see how versatile gin can be in cooking, or even your chance to try the Cliveden’s signature, bespoke gin for the first time. The Cliveden Bar and Dining’s one-time-only gin-infused high tea is on from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, September 1. Tickets start at $50 and can be booked online.
Side with Amex in Melbourne's east
The eating is good in Melbourne's east, but it's even better at these leading restaurants. Pay with your American Express® Card and you'll be rewarded with a complimentary side for your first main meal ordered. Want to know more? Check out our Side with Amex FAQ. For more great offerings, return to the American Express casual dining guide.
