Mixing pre-recorded visual and audio comedy with his live show, Eaton shows a large amount of faith in the gods of technology, along with his rather impressive comedic timing.

I do have a word of warning for those intending to see the show. Sausage Sizzle is merely the title of the show, not a description of what will happen. I’m saying this so that other people don’t make the same mistake that I did. But even though there was no food, Sausage Sizzle easily filled my quota for comedy in one sitting.

Eaton has travelled from Perth for this year’s festival, bringing with him tales about his life, and hopefully a lot of made up stories. Otherwise, I would hate to see his therapist bills. This show has a rawness that simply proves that without a doubt, Eaton is not only a damn fine comedian, but also someone to keep an eye out for in the future.

However, Austen’s latest show, The Merchant of Menace, did not evoke the same feelings. Yes, it is funny. Possibly blurring the line of political incorrectness, but what is good comedy if it doesn’t blur the lines occasionally?

There were, for lack of a better term, low points throughout the show, when jokes were taken past the point of being funny. The material in Merchant of Menace would feel more at home in bars across the wide brown land of ours, rather than its current setting.

Hardly a reinvention of the form, Austen Tayshus doesn’t shy away from interacting with his audience, often using audience members to draw inspiration and better focus his work to appeal to the mass populous.

Craig Millar does an excellent job of supporting the show. Although the two artists come from different times, they both seem to have a mental link in regards to political views, which is quite possibly the reason for the pairing. I await a future solo show from Millar, who certainly seems capable of such an event.

Unfortunately, this movie is very difficult to follow, with poor scene connectivity and little overall direction. Although the cinematography is good, and the music occasionally foot-tapping, it doesn’t make up for the headache you will get from attempting to follow this movie.

While the movie is billed as being both comic and absurd, there was only one occasion when I laughed out loud. The majority of the jokes are either incredibly juvenile or so obviously telegraphed that the humour is lost by the time the punchline comes around.

I consider myself a rather easygoing and tolerant kind of person, and in my entire life I have only walked out of one film. However, McDull, The Alumni very nearly became the second. This film is infantile, and if it weren’t for the gun-wielding kidnappers, or the sexual references, I would say that it would make a great film for kids.

Being a wrestling fan myself, I was intrigued as to what level of fandom Chuter had attainted in order to be crowned ‘Wrestling’s No. 1 Fan’. The film answers this question with a quick sweep of her home, revealing over 3000 photos and posters that consume the walls. And that’s before you see the numerous collectables’including a ‘Slammy’ÔøΩÔøΩshe acquired while pursuing her greatest passion.

Lovestruck is the brainchild of film critic Megan Spencer, who has graced both the airwaves and the small screen. When Spencer introduced the film, she spoke of Chuter’s life, and the heartbreak and joy that came from making the film. One thing that surprised me about Lovestruck is the fact that it doesn’t pull any punches’unlike some wrestling superstars. Chuter bravely lays her life out on the screen for all to see, and the result is very endearing.

With never-before-screened footage of the wrestling heyday, this film is a wrestling fan’s dream. It features some of the wrestling greats, including Shawn Michaels, brothers Bret and Owen Hart, and the infamous Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler. But don’t fret; it’s not all about spandex-clad guys who roam around and hit each other. In fact, if that’s your reason for seeing this movie, you will be disappointed. This is a film well worth watching, and will entertain both wrestling virgins and aficionados alike.

A Few Old Blokes (Short)

A short in which several elderly men are questioned about their lives, from their everyday routines to their passions. These men have tales to tell, and the film captures them with humour, zeal and compassion.

A Soap touches on some very sensitive material, which allows us to be drawn into the lives of each character. Though at times I felt the film pulled some of its punches. The result is a film that strums the heartstrings rather than plucks them. Though it has a large feminine slant, guys shouldn’t be discouraged. There are plenty of moments to stop you nodding off in the cinema. The naturalistic lighting and handheld camera style add an element of realism to this movie: the first feature length film by director Pernille Fischer Christensen.

Though A Soap has many heart-wrenching moments, there are numerous instances where it’s laugh-out-loud funny, which gives the film a nice balance between two extremes. There are some who might be turned off this film due to the fact that all the dialogue is in Danish but they are missing out on something tremendous. A Soap portrays the lives of two people, both at odds with life, who are also suffering identity crises with regard to their place in this world. This film won a Silver Bear Award for Best Debut Film at the 2006 Berlin Film Festival. It’s

Jimbo’s Big Night Out has been banned from several locations around this great red land of ours for being too severe when it to comes to language and content. So once again, this is not a show for those who get easily offended. Audience participation is a must!

Coppin’s show Spiders’ Man! is unlike any other show I have seen to date. His unique blend of English humour combined with his worldly experience make this one show not to missed. The title Spiders’ Man! comes from Coppin’s arachnophobia, which makes you wonder why he has travelled to a land with some of the most dangerous spiders in the world.

Coppin deals with events that have shaped his life in ways that endear him to the heart of each and every audience member. This show is well worth the price of admission merely to see the highly improvisational style of show due to the self-proclaimed lack of preparation. Still??no worries, hey?

Playing at the illustrious Elephant and Wheelbarrow on Bourke Street, Coppin is one Englander who I would be happy call an ‘adopted Aussie’. In his third year at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Coppin sets a new benchmark for international comedy. At least, he does for those who hail from England.

Beware the bunny suit.

Chisholm cleverly intertwines the celebrities we love (and loathe) into situations that they would never find themselves in, to hilarious effect. Thanks to this fact, Don’t Tell Mum is a gut-busting, knee-slapping experience that will have you tapping your toes and holding your sides. With audience interaction welcome through the show, this is definitely a show for those who like to join in the action.

Playing at the stately Elephant and Wheelbarrow on Bourke Street, Chisholm’s show is an experience no fan of impressions should miss. Not the usual show you would expect to see at this year’s Comedy Festival, but definitely worth a look.

Aaron Keeffe and the Artist Formerly Known as Harry is Keeffe’s attempt to reclaim himself from the common misconception that his is, in fact, a fictitious student at a place that does not exist. Throughout his performance, Keeffe opens up to his audience, inviting them deep into his own personal life and that of his closest friends. Something that will surely get him into trouble one of these days.

Keeffe recently took part in the massive attempt to break the record for the world’s longest running comedy gig. He admits to staying up for roughly three days straight, which shows his dedication to his art and his lack of all common sense.

Appearing at the elegant Elephant and Wheelbarrow on Bourke Street, Keeffe’s enthusiasm and energy draws you into his performance in ways that have to be experienced. An utterly enjoyable and highly entertaining evening.

Just don’t call him Harry.

Mind Bending does exactly what the title suggests’it bends your mind. The Space Cowboy delivers a barrage of mental marvels that will shatter any preconceptions. Some may call it magic; others may disbelieve – but everyone will agree that it is an outstanding evening’s entertainment. Mind Bending is a performance that can stop your heart and raise a lump in your throat. It is an act for all ages, and one that you will remember for years to come.

Umbrella Revolution, being exactly what anyone would picture when I say the words ‘big top’, is the perfect location for these unbelievable feats of body and mind. You can also enjoy premium refreshments. If you don’t have a drink before, you may need one after.

Tucked away deep within Trades Hall, this late night collaboration of comics delivers a performance that is always worth much more than the price of admission. The mishmash of styles ranges from burlesque, music and vaudeville to stand-up, characters and cabaret, guaranteeing that there is always something for everyone. A well-stocked bar, along with sparkling comedy routines and toe-tapping, head-bopping, hip-shaking music means that if you aren’t having a good night, you simply aren’t trying hard enough.

With the line-up changing from night to night, you never really know what you’re in for when you attend Midnight Trade. Any show that includes guests such as Eddie Perfect, The Drowsy Drivers, The 4 Noels, Birdmann, Captain Frodo, Geraldine Quinn, Austen Tayshus, Wilson Dixon, Tim Minchin, Queenie van der Zandt, Rebecca Macintosh, Duck Music and many, many more, has my stamp of approval.

Ensconced in an ambiance that one can only get from the infamous Trades Hall, Midnight Trade is the perfect show for those who like a little of everything, but don’t want to pay for it.