A Big thank you to the punters & the comics who made The Big Joke 08
such a wonderful Festival.
It was an awesome four days, and apart
from Jonathan Atherton being stranded in Darwin and missing the first
half of his scheduled gig (he was ferried directly on stage) it all
went off without a hitch.
Julia Morris proved just why she has an
International profile by performing one of the most solid stand up
shows you are likely to see in your lifetime. Peter Berner followed
suit with a slick routine replete with satirical snarl and a small
slice of what he aptly calls 'compassion pie'.
Anthony Morgan was the
stumbling VB toting genius, who teetered on the brink of the comedy
abyss, using Danger as his middle name. He showed his astounding
ability to always always find exactly the right thing to say at the
right time. When someone asked: 'Is comedy like therapy' he mused
thoughtfully 'Yes, except you only tell your side of the story. And
everyone claps. So you go home thinking you are right. I don't
necessarily think that is a good thing.'
34 kids took to the Stage
for the three hour epic that was 'Funny Kids', the Seniors shocked
anyone who might have even dared to think they were past it by
declaring 'seniors week should be run like schoolies week. Our kids
should rent apartments for us on the Gold Coast.'
The Village Idiot
Final was one of the Festival Highlights, with Lap Phan taking out
the honours as Big Joke 08 official Village Idiot!!! Cracked Eggs was
a huge success with a sellout house and eggs having to be bought in
from the Urban Cafe! Women comics showed just why they are so damn
funny.
The Burlesque show was an unlikely hit with unprepared and
nervous underwear clad women bringing the house down in a near naked
visual extravaganza! I even performed my infamous Reverse Strip. Jesus, there are photos!!!
It is with great excitement that we announce The Big Joke 09 dates -
12 - 15 February, 2009. And yes, it takes in Friday 13th and Valentines' Day.
We are already
having a heap of fun coming up with show ideas.
Our mandate this year is to include youth at risk, and to develop a
stand up project that targets that group.
We are also committed to expanding the festival for kids, next year
going under the banner of The Little Joke, including workshops and
performances in magic, juggling , puppet making, short films and more!!!
Stay in tune, stay in touch. The Big Joke just gets better!!!!
xxmandy
Mandy Nolan - Festival Director
PS. To view the 2008 Big Joke Festival website archive, click here!
To visit Mandy's Official Website, click here.
Mandy Nolan & Bangalow Big Joke websites and myspaces by epod.
