As Jane Austen once observed, “All young women are accomplished. They sing, they draw, they dance, speak French and German, cover screens and I know not what.” Well Ms Austen, in the case of female comedic collective the Skirt Network, inimitable attitude seems to rank high on the accomplishment list – and their second annual showcase was no exception.
Appropriately for this session of sheilas doin’ it for themselves, the evening kicked off with some actual sisters. Karin and Emma Muizneiks are two girls and a guitar, and take on that …

For We Are Young and Free begins with a reflection on the significance of ‘girt’ from Peter Dodds McCormack (Michael Roper), composer of our National Anthem, and moves, revue-like, into a political debate between a struggling dad (Dylan Lloyd) and his opinionated teenage daughter (Emily O’Brien-Brown) over the kitchen table.
For We Are Young and Free is a quick-witted theatre piece, injected with daggy dad humour with a serious undertone. Canvassing the state of Australian pop culture and politics (where democratic values are best exemplified on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and …

Austen Tayshus is a name just about every Australian should be familiar with. His piece Australiana was one of our countries’ biggest exports some years ago. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I grew up listening to it as a child, trying to memorise it word for word.
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 …

25 years after being launched on an unsuspecting Australian comedy scene, Austen Tayshus still has the comedic energy that made him so popular in the ’80s and ’90s. Although the audience consisted of about 75 people, Tayshus played to them with the same enthusiasm he might have had were he playing a show to hundreds at Crown casino.
Tayshus kept up a good flow throughout the night, each joke and jibe leading the way for the next, as he poked fun at Greeks, Malaysians, real estate agents, film-makers, and especially Aussies. …

If during this year’s comedy festival your funny bone is hurting after a night filled with laughter and you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind with a few drinks, then Midnight Trade is the place for you.
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, …