Strangely enough, given the title, this show is about bad words. Lots of them. There is ample warning if you are somewhat offended by naughtiness, and the audience participation element of yelling out your favourite curse word should be enough to send any meek participants into bright red mode (I was part of a ‘fuck’ audience, which reverberated around Trades Hall as it was bellowed by the full house).

Alexis manages to tread the line between informational overload and casual conversation with grace and ease, all the time swearing like a gutter monkey. It’s magnificent. He educates on the history of the potty mouth from ancient times through to the modern day, interspersed with stories and anecdotes from his own journey, all the while building to a very clear conclusion – that the art of language is fascinating, regardless of the words you use.

This show is actually quite light on the gags, and it’s a refreshing change. The traditional cymbal-roll jokes that Alexis has opted to avoid are instead replaced by his wit, charisma and enthusiasm for the subject. It doesn’t matter that every second line doesn’t have a punchline – he is obviously entertained by the process of teaching you about the magic of swearing, and it certainly rubs off.

I have never before learned so much while laughing out loud.

Vachel Spirason, Joel Tito, Pat Miller, Tim McDonald and Nick Russell from the Monash Law Revue Gold Alumni tell a pan-dimensional story of religion, history and silliness that is truly astonishing. Tale of the Golden Lease shows that regardless of budget, it is pure talent that will entertain, and these boys have it in spades.

This is an incredibly tight performance that overcomes every hurdle thrown at it. With a large number of scene changes, actors playing multiple characters and minimal props, the magical illusion of a continued story is never lost. The audience is continually spellbound by the antics of these rather manic, energetic and overwhelmingly entertaining performers. Lightening-quick scene changes ensure that boredom never sets in, and what they obviously lack in funding for props (the golden lease, holding the deed to earth’s future, is a phonebook badly wrapped in gold foil), they make up for in confidence and ability.

I really stuggle to find anything wrong with this performance – very few scripted jokes fell flat – with the exception of an inevitable law joke that went straight over my non-legal head. Combining very strong acting talents with no shred of shame enables these boys to keep the fourth wall of the theatre incredibly solid.

It is hard to avoid the feeling that, watching this performance, you are witnessing the birth of a new generation of comedic actors. Like the D-Generation or The Chaser, intelligent, informed talent has to start somewhere, and I predict we’ll be seeing much more of this crew in the future. Please, someone give them a TV show! If these five boys can produce a show so entertaining with little more than some devil horns, an oversized latte, black cloth and their awesomely tatty golden lease, just imagine what they could rise to.

All The Thoughts I’ve Had Since I Was Born is stand-up, plain and simple, and will appeal to all those punters who come to the festival for an experience that will excite, confuse and amuse them without stepping over any standard comfort levels. An impromptu start to the show with Watson appearing from within the audience should entertain those with a passion for pantomime, while Watson’s predictable audience banter feels more at home in a kids’ variety show, albeit with much filthier material.

It is very easy to be drawn into Watson’s somewhat bumbling, chaotic style. His stories and anecdotes shoot off into complete random tangents, each one getting him more excited than the last. His self-deprecating, self-reflexive and somewhat self-indulgent brain goes a million miles a minute, and gives you the impression of watching a monkey with ADHD undergoing electro-shock therapy.

Watson talks. A lot. In the few times he pauses for breath, a sigh of relief can be heard from the overwhelmed audience as their brains catch up with his manic speed. His delivery is spot-on every time, and his constant commentary on life is very sporadic, somewhat autistic but overall entertaining.

Watson delivers a performance that most people will like – it’s not theatrical, experimental, musical or overtly offensive. His over-the-top manic disposition will make most audiences feel they have really taken part in a ‘crazy’ show. Unfortunately, this comes at the detriment of any cohesiveness to his show, and you’ll most likely come away unable to remember a damn thing he has said. I’m sure it was funny, I do remember laughing, but what on earth about?

There are times when Kenneally’s material does require a certain amount of political, news and cultural knowledge, which could leave some audience members scratching their heads. But that’s not to say his whole show is above their heads – through his relaxed attitude and everyday references, he manages to make the most complicated of issues seem like a casual conversation in a bar. Kenneally’s heightened self-awareness really allows his sometimes bumbling nature to shine, allowing quick self-deprecating remarks to be off the cuff and responsive to his performance.

I must admit, though, I found Kenneally’s show all the more entertaining for a purely coincidental reason. His half an hour devoted to poking fun at the Greens (and party leader Bob Brown) was made all the more amusing when, after the show, I introduced myself: ‘Hey Matt, nice show – I’m here to review you for The Pun. I also work for Bob Brown.’ I’ve never seen someone so worried they had offended a public figure before. So Matt, don’t stress – I think Bob would agree with me that your delivery, material and political knowledge is top-notch.

Quick-witted, intelligent and informed, Kenneally has a very likeable (if somewhat nervous) stage presence that will appeal to everyone who hates the Herald Sun.

Based at Baird’s Melbourne head office, the successful applicant will commence as a sub-editor/feature writer compiling three global trade magazines and an extensive online maritime news service.

While not essential, an interest in matters maritime would be useful.

Written applications only.

Journalist / Editor

Leading Melbourne based publisher Blitz Publications is seeking an enthusiastic, Journalist/Editor with a passion for triathlon, to work on Triathlon & Multi Sport Magazine.

SYN, or Student Youth Network, is a print, TV, radio and online media organisation run by the youth of Melbourne for the youth of Melbourne.
Panorama is a one-hour-long radio show that airs daily and provides young people with an independent, alternative and accessible source of information.
Our aim is to make the latest news in politics, science, education, health, technology, business and the arts meaningful by making stories jargon-free, engaging and relevant.

Panorama Positions up for grabs include presenting, panelling, producing and reporting. You don’t have to be studying media or journalism to apply.
Full radio training is provided. For more information and application forms e- mail Executive Producer Georgia Ride at panorama@syn.org.au, or check out www.syn.org.au/panorama. Applications close February 5.

For more informatione-mail Executive Producer Georgia Ride at panorama@syn.org.au.

Position:
Area – Marketing / Publicity
Part-time – 8-12 hours for between 13 and 26 weeks (negotiable)
Responsible to – Program Manager, Events Coordinator and VWC Co-editors
Commences ‘ February / March 2007 (negotiable)

Duties:
Assisting in Event publicity
Event promotion through Television, Radio, Print and Internet media
Email bulletins
Leaflet/Posters

Assisting Event Coordinator and Program Manager in
Further development of Marketing Program, e.g. expanding markets, market research
Assisting VWC Co-editors in canvassing advertising for the Victorian Writer newsletter

Criteria:
Essential
Ability to prioritise tasks
Ability to show initiative
Good research skills
Time management skills
Good interpersonal skills
Ability to work to deadlines
Able to communicate and work effectively in a creative team environment

Desired
Experience in Marketing & Publicity through past or current outside employment and/or study
Applications, including a letter and curriculum vitae should be sent to:
Mary Napier, Administrator, Victorian Writer’s Centre, 1st Floor, Nicholas Bldg, 37 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000.

Any queries should be directed to Mary Napier at info@writers-centre.org or tel. 03 9654 9068.

Applications close January 31, 2007

www.changelings.com.au

The weird folk at changelings are searching right now

For a fine graphic designer that will make them say “wow!”

We’ve frittered by day and skittered by night

Searching for some-one whose perfectly right

With the heart of a lion and grace of a dove

And fine graphic talents the whole world will love

We’re putting together a magical book

So go to our web site and take a quick look

You’ll need to know In-Design and Photoshop too

The vision and magic we’ll leave up to you

So contact our patron – his details below

We promise you now he’ll give you a go

Just send him some samples of magical work

And tell him about your secretive quirk

Before we can all say ‘fiddle de dee’

You’ll be creating an artwork the whole world will see

xoxox

R.T Hines + the changelings collective…

R.T.Hines
Founding Director
the changelings collective
raymondhines@changelings.com.au
www.changelings.com.au
www.myspace.com/changelings_arts_portal

Full details – including the position description, selection criteria and how to apply are on the website at http://www.expressmedia.org.au/events.php?content_id=283

Applications close on Friday, 16 February.

Nillumbik Shire Council invites writers from across Australia to enter this annual short story competition held in memory of the great writer and former resident of Eltham, Alan Marshall.

There are three prizes up for grabs.
‘ $2,000 Open Section Award for a short story of fiction up to 2,500 words. Open to any Australian writer.
‘ $1,000 Local Writers’ Award for writers who live, work or study in the Shire of Nillumbik for a short story of fiction up to 2,500 words.
‘ $400 Young Writers’ Award for a short story of fiction of up to 1,000 words for teens aged between 15 and 19 years old.

Entries” close at 4pm Friday 23 February. For more details please visit” www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au

1 January – 30 March 2007

We are seeking submissions of half-hour, self-contained radio plays that are original, appeal to a general audience, and can satisfy both a live audience and a radio audience.”

Submissions are now being accepted until 5pm on 30 March 2007 by post or email.

Full details can be obtained by downloading the PDF files in the “Quick Links” box on the right, with frequently answered questions below, for further information.

Two scripts will be chosen to be produced, performed, recorded and potentially broadcast to a national audience.

• 1st Prize: $100

• 2nd Prize: $50

• Both winning scripts will be workshopped, then performed and recorded for our July 2007 season, with copies of the recording offered to non-profit radio stations for broadcast.

There will be three judges, with winners based on the majority vote. At the time of writing, the judges have been confirmed as:

• Rod Lewis, Artistic Director of insight presents

• Myk Mykyta, theatre critic and University lecture (retired)

• Loriel Smart, local arts personality

We look forward to receiving your submissions. Thank you for your interest.

For more information visit http://www.insightpresents.com/competition.htm

Apply to Special Projects Manager, John Carson, Po Box 254, Moonee Ponds 3039. or email john.carson@ruralpress.com

by Friday February 2nd 2007.

# Prahran Area

# Skilled Headline Writer

# Must know Quark intimately

Must be experienced journalist. Skilled Headline Writer Must know Quark intimately Be acquainted with Photoshop. Have keyboard speed of 80+ wpm. Be super proficient with Apple platform. 6am Start / 4-6 hours per day PLUS short Saturday shift. Start: ASAP. TRANSPORT: Public transport is available. To apply, please email sales@biznews.com.au

Reporting to the Online Editor, the successful candidate will have well-developed sub-editing skills gained in newspapers or websites, a thorough knowledge and understanding of Age style, and an ability to rewrite copy and write clever and precise headlines. Web production experience would be considered an advantage.

You will have a high attention to detail, be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

A flexible approach to working hours is essential as you will be required to work to a seven (7) day roster which may include late-night finishes and weekend work.

Interested applicants are invited to apply online quoting reference number 277799.

To be eligible to apply for this position you must have an appropriate Australian or New Zealand work visa.

Mister Ed was an old-fashioned talking horse: he never spoke unless he had something to say. Try telling that to Paris Hilton. This issue is about the costs of communication. Are we throwing away money on voicemail, video calling, answering machines and broadband net access without really getting through to each other? Are the promises we make as good as gold, or is it all just lip service? Should people with money be seen and not heard? And as Elvis would argue, has too much conversation robbed us of the power to act?

For contributor guidelines/more info, visit the Is Not Website.

We’ll consider it all, and pay cold hard $$ for what we like.

And although we are a themed publication, remember the Voiceworks motto:
themed work: good
good work: better
good themed work: BEST

Don’t send us the only copy you have – we don’t send your work back to you unless you request it. If you want your work returned, please send us a SSAE.

If you’re emailing your work, files must be supplied as 300dpi jpegs, tiffs or PDFs at their actual size, in black and white or greyscale. Page dimensions are 21cm x 27cm.

RATES OF PAY
Visual art: $50 for one page, $100 for two pages or more; poetry: $60; fiction, non-fiction and columns: $100.

AGE LIMIT
Voiceworks receives funding to publish the work of under 25-year-olds.

Go to http://www.expressmedia.org.au/voiceworks.php for further submission guidelines.

Email Ryan Paine at editor@expressmedia.org.au with any questions, pitches or brilliant ideas.

Duties will include: administrative duties; raising purchase orders; sales mock-ups; maintaining ISBNs and controlling reprints.

Good communication skills and the ability to work within a friendly team are essential.

A”graduate diploma in publishing would be advantageous.

Please send applications (maximum 3 pages) to the Production Manager via email: publishing@fivemile.com.au before Monday 22^nd January.

# Sound knowledge of Magazine Production

# Interstate Travel

Australia’s biggest-selling marine publications, Trade-A-Boat and Trailerboat are looking for an experienced sub editor. Duties will include subbing copy, proof reading, copy chasing, and writing news and products pieces. Some feature writing as well as some interstate travel may also be involved. The ideal applicant will have a sound knowledge of magazine production, have at least two years experience in a magazine environment and an interest in boating and the marine industry. A remuneration package commensurate with experience will be negotiated.

Applicants should send a detailed resume to: Geoff Middleton Trader Classifieds 73 Atherton Rd, Oakleigh 3166