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Kid-free activities for the Easter long weekend

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The Easter weekend isn’t just for kids – adults can binge on chocolate enjoy themselves too. Foot loose and child free? Dig in, with not a rabbit in sight:

Adult Easter at Chapel Street Precinct

Adult easter in melbourne cocktails

Cocktails, plus Chocolates that match said cocktails. Need we say more? Ten of the Chapel Street precinct’s most famous locations want to treat you with a stunning drink and chocolate treat to match. Check them out here and plan accordingly

Catch a game at Etihad Stadium

Etihad stadium melbourne whats on

Etihad is merely a hop, skip and a jump from Southern Cross station, and is hosting three fantastic AFL matches this weekend. Catch North Melbourne v Western bulldogs on Friday,  Carlton v Gold Coast Suns on Saturday, or Collingwood vs St Kilda on Sunday. Find out more here 

Have a giggle or two  – Melbourne Comedy Festival

Alanta Parasite Lost Comedy Festival Melbourne 2017

With the festival in full swing, there are plenty of acts to catch over the long weekend. From Alanta Colley’s Parasite Lost to Ahir Shah’s Appearing In Order, there’s something for everyone’s taste. Find the lineup here

Sing your heart out – Rainbow Karaoke

Sing to your heart’s content with Rainbow karaokes 40+ themed rooms. Enjoy pan asian snacks, a full cocktail menu, and a sports bar for those who aren’t so sure karaoke is their thing. Located at 206 Little Bourke street, you can find out more here

Record store recommendations melbourne

International Record Store Day – April 22nd

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At the hotels we all love our local vinyl record shops. Did you know all three of our Concierges own turntables and have substantial vinyl record collections? This month gives us the perfect excuse to go record shopping on Saturday April 22nd, the International Record Store Day. It’s the 10th anniversary of this fabulous day where special limited edition releases flood into record stores and bands play in or outside the shops.

This year our choice of venue is only a few minutes’ walk from our hotels and being only 9 months old it’s one of Melbourne’s newest record shops. Situated in the gorgeous art deco Mitchell House (358 Lonsdale Street), Rock Steady Records is a really cool shop owned by Pat who is fresh from a short stint (14 years) working at Basement Discs and before that the much loved (and much missed) Au gogo Records.

Pat seems to be relishing finally owning his own place and his enthusiasm is evident even before you walk into the shop when you see the amazing large neon sign he had constructed for his first floor window. Inside the shop you’ll find and eclectic mix of all types of good music on either new or second-hand vinyl as well as books, artworks and even turntables.

It’s a vinyl lovers paradise open every day except Sundays, but make sure you check it out on International Record Shop Day when a huge line up of live musicians will get a Rock Steady party vibe happening from about midday. Come along and buy our Concierges a beer or three!

MICF Review: Desperate & Dateless

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As comedy shows go, Ginger and Tonic’s ‘Desperate and Dateless’ is funny but not overly hilarious…. however it doesn’t matter at all, this fabulous foursome of ladies in red have voices like naughty angels, offer all the fun and entertainment of  Pitch Perfect, but without the hideous cup song and put forward cheeky, relevant content about the modern world of being single, desperate and well…. dateless.

Their repertoire was a mix of original lyrics to familiar tunes (our favourite, Tinderella, is one that we guarantee you won’t be able to walk away from the theatre without it stuck in your head), plus parodies and some straight up covers – including an awesome Salt n’ Pepa rap from Laura “Burzy’ Burzacott – fantastic!

The 2017 Melbourne International Comedy Festival offering has taken a definite shift this year to be more inclusive and cognisant of the LGBTI community, it’s a refreshing move and one that unifies Melbourne’s festivals as cultured, educated, appealing and open to all, and we were exited to see that this show was on board with this direction.

Sexy, sassy, slightly bogan a capella at its shiniest and best.

Ginger and Tonic is made up of talented singers Laura Burzacott, Stefanie Jones, Danielle O’Malley and Jane Patterson, and runs until the 9th of April. Take your girlfriends for a cheeky night out.

Where: Coopers Malthouse, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
When: 30 March – 9 April. Tues – Sat 8.15pm, Sundays 7.15pm
More information & tickets: Check out the MICF website

Photo credit: James Terry Photography

MICF Review: Sink Full of Forks

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The first show we were invited to attend as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival was Jacqueline Mifsud’s – ‘Sink Full of Forks.’

Jacqueline is an already established performer, a co-host of the CH31 news satire program ‘The Leak’ and also works with Fox Sports as a warm up comedian, she’s someone who’s taken time to hone her craft and we, the audience get to enjoy the fruits of her labour.

Sink Full of Forks (and yes, this phrase DOES get a well-linked reference in the material presented) is Jacqueline’s second MICF show and includes tales of her time in France rock-starring as an unpaid tour guide surviving on tips alone, references to meaningful conversations with staplers, heartbreaking woes of going through a break up as well some serious home truths for the intelligent, independent woman.

Jacqueline is is charming and funny, and not just haha funny. We literally had tears running down our cheeks from laughter, even pausing after one particularly awesome punch line to have a ‘Pete-and-Manu-like knowing glance’ between us.

This show is delivered with a fabulous fast-paced flow, sharp and witty and mildly crude at times but only where relevant, you’ll struggle to keep up with her, but someone still manage to get everything.

We loved it. 4-stars!

Jacqueline’s show runs until the 8th if April and you’d be mad to miss this one, especially with a wine after a long day at work.

Where: Tasma Terrace, 6 Parliament Plac
When: Now – 8 April 2017
More information & tickets: Check out the MICF website.

Stuck for the Easter Weekend? Hop on in…

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Who doesn’t love the Easter long weekend? Come rain or shine, Melbourne is ready to play with a variety of events and activities on across the city for all ages. Here’s our top picks:

Kids Big and Small – Big Games Adventure at HarbourTown

Oversized boardgames anyone? Enjoy lifesizes Hasbro, NERF HQ, Garden Games, a Jumping Castle and, of course, an Easter egg hunt. While you’re there, enjoy a ‘kids fly free’ deal, when accompanied by a full paying adult on the Melbourne Star. Keep an eye out for the roaming Easter Bunny, and be sure to collect your Adventure Passport – stamps collected from all five locations of the Free Games Adventure puts you in the draw to win an amazing Hasbro prize pack.

Set amongst the shopping precinct of Docklands, enjoy up to six hours of parking for only $10, and explore a variety of local food and beverage options to refuel.

When: Daily from 11am till 2pm, 3rd to 17 April 2017

Where: Harbour Town

 

 

Old traditions made new – South Melbourne Markets

2017 sees the Western Christian and Eastern Orthodox easter celebrations overlap, the perfect time to celebrate the holiday as a community. The South Melbourne market is the ideal smorgasbord of cultures, brought out in the world’s oldest form of coming together – Food!

Dedicate a day to sampling the market’s finest, from sweet tsoureki (Greek easter bread with the red egg) from Vangeli’s Deli, to traditional Italian Easter wine, Vin Santo, from The Little Wine Shop. Enjoy roving jazz bands, and Easter Themed face painting in the Food Hall, as well as an Easter Egg hunt on Easter Sunday.

Where: South Melbourne Markets, corner of Coventry and Cecil Street, South Melbourne

When: 8am – 4pm through the Easter weekend (Closed on Good Friday)

 

 

This is too adorable to exist – The Gourmet Pawprints Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs

Easter isn’t just for humans! Get your beloved pooch down to Westbeach Bathers Pavilion on St Kilda beach for possibly the cutest Easter egg hunt possible. Buried in the sand, your furbaby will discover special carob chocolate Easter eggs treats, a safe chocolate alternative. If that doesn’t already have your heart melted, attendees will enjoy an Easter bonnet competition, with the best dress dog being ceremoniously awarded for their fancy headwear.

For the humans, enjoy a brunch of hot cross buns, croissants and scones, with your choice of tea, coffee or mulled wine. Kids enjoy brunch, an Easter egg and a soft drink.

Humans: $45

Dogs: $5

Small humans: $15

Really really small humans (Under 8): Free

Tickets must be booked prior to the event so stake your claim here

When: Easter Monday the 17th of April 9am – 11am

Where: Westbeach Bathers Pavilion, 330A Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda West

Something a little different – Dulce Latino Good Friday Eve Salsa Dance Classes

Melbourne easter activities adult what to doDance away the chocolate binge with some seriously sensuous moves. The Melbourne Central Lion hotel hosts Salsa dance classes from 7pm with Pablo, who will teach you the sultry Cuban salsa with latino roots. Only $5 per session, and Salsa, Merengue and Reggaeton playing in the main room from 9pm to show off your new moves.

To book, SMS 0488 275 437

 

Where: Melbourne Central Lion Hotel, 211 Latrobe St, Melbourne

When: Beginner class at 7pm, Intermediate 8pm.

A thrilling hunt – The Great Luna Park Easter Egg Hunt

Combine exhilaration with delicious Master Confectioner Chocolatier with Luna Park’s famous Great Easter Egg Hunt. Scattered about Luna Park, the hunt is divided into four rounds, with a separate hunt for different age groups to ensure the biggest and littlest of attendees are sure to enjoy themselves and take home a tasty prize or two. Keep your eye out for balloon artists, special holiday rides, and of course, the Easter Bunny himself.

Attendance to the Hunt is free with your unlimited ride ticket or family pass ticket should you decide to stay a little longer to enjoy the rides. Alternatively, entry is $3 to enter the park on these special event days, and can be purchased at the ticket box on the day.

When: Easter Sunday the 16th of April

Where: Luna Park, the Esplanade, St Kilda.

Top 5 – MICF Under 30 Club

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We’re always keen to check out some up and coming Melbourne International Comedy Festival performers to round out a full festival experience, and 2017 will be no exception. Not only are tickets to these shows cheaper than larger more established names, you’ll also get the supreme pleasure of saying to your friends in 2 years’ time…. ‘I totally saw them before they were huge..’

Enter, our top 5 picks for shows this festival featuring comedians under 30 who are making their mark (or already have) this MICF.


Sam Taunton – Taunts Down for What

Sam was a RAW Comedy finalist and has self-appointed himself as Australia’s premier yarn man. His show covers important topics like his regretful teenage years, travel, and whether he cleans his bed enough. 30 March – 23 April 2017. Tickets and more information on MICF website.

Becky Lucas – Little Bitch

Becky has previously written for TV’s Please Like Me, and has already opened for big names like Wil Anderson and Joel Creasey. Her show, Little Bitch has been described as ‘Refreshingly Real, with No Gimmicks – code for: sass, at its best. 31 March – 23 April. Tickets and more information on MICF website.

Rhys Nicholson – I’m Fine

A Barry Award nominee, Rhys has been described as an impeccable sartorialist with a smart mouth, and he brings his brand new show to the 2017 MICF. A brilliant comedy pedigree, he’s supported the likes of Amy Schumer, Kathy Griffin and Wil Anderson and is definitely one to watch. 31 March – 23 April. Tickets and more information on MICF website.

Demi Lardner – Look What You Made Me Do

Demi has a list of awards under her belt as long as our arm, from Best Newcomer at the 2016 Sydney Comedy Festival, to Winner – Raw Comedy in 2013, and more. Her show description reads thus: Come see a 23-year-old act out her mid-life crisis under the guise of a sh***y stepdad who builds luxury doghouses. 31 March – 23 April. Tickets and more information on MICF website.

Claire Sullivan
I Wish I Owned a Hotel for Dogs

Not really stand up, not really sketch, an in-between concept perfect for weird comedy and dog lovers alike. Claire’s show is about dogs, feminism, the inner-monologues of joggers, gross poetry, dogs and more dogs (but no ACTUAL dogs in the show…) 30 March – 8 April. Tickets / more info on the MICF website.

Lastly, if you would rather see five up-and-comers in one hit and get some serious bang for your buck, we highly recommend heading along to see The Comedy Zone, which features: Danielle Walker, Tim Hewitt, Tom Ashman and Rohan all in one night, at the Trades Hall in Carlton, 30 March – 23 April. Tickets and more information on the MICF.

If you are quick, you can go into the draw to win 1 of 2 double passes to COMEDY ZONE. Check out our ‘Rather Large MICF Giveaway’ page for details.

Craft & Co pasta making workshop melbourne

Be a Pasta Master

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Where can you find a place to learn, eat and drink? At The Craft & Co workshop! We attended their pasta making class, and gosh did we love it.

Don, the head chef of the restaurant teaches you step by step how to make the perfect pasta at home. This informative class also provides you a booklet which you can take home. On top of everything, the décor of the restaurant is rustic and earthy. The class is held just in front of a room where they brew beer.

The class begins with Don explaining how to perfect your pasta from making the dough. He gives you time to ask as many questions as you desire. (Here is a small tip from Don if you are unsure how much flour you need for just two people – 300 grams will be plenty!) Don then shows you how to make different types of pasta – spaghetti, tortellini, ravioli and more. The best part of the class is that you get a hands-on session and actually make your own dinner, and meet other pasta lovers.

The class ends with a complimentary house brew beverage, house made salami and your freshly made pasta! To finish up your night on a high note, the restaurant offers bite size desserts for you to enjoy!

So roll your sleeves up, get some flour on your hands and become the pasta master amongst your friends!

Where: The Craft & Co, 390 Smith St, Collingwood
When: January – April
More information: Check out their website.

Our rather large MICF giveaway

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We know how it is. Every year the Melbourne International Comedy Festival rolls around, you lose your mind trying to plan ahead and see as many shows as possible, and then just end up missing out on everything.

What if we took that planning away from you.

What if we had a huge bunch of FREE tickets to giveaway, to check out some seriously talented performers.

And what if you could take a friend?

Well, all of your little Melbourne Comedy Festival dreams have come true. We’ve got double passes to see all of the shows listed below, just take your pick, enter below before the listed cut off date and you’ll go into the draw. Check back here regularly as we add new performances to this list. It’s that simple.

Terms and conditions of entry available here.

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The Comedy Zone

Where: Trades Hall – Old Council Chambers, Cnr Lygon & Victoria Streets, Carlton
When: Monday, 3 April @ 8.15pm
Catch these exciting new stars in action before they’re breaking news worldwide. Do not adjust your sets – these are the best and brightest new comedians, handpicked for your enjoyment! Featuring: Danielle Walker, Rohan Ganju, Tim Hewitt, Nat Damena and Tom Cashman.

Entry has now closed:

 

James Acaster (UK) – The Trelogy

Where: Lower Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, Melbourne
When: Wednesday, 5 April @ 8.20pm (60 mins)
Undercover cops. Jury duty. Witness protection. Comedy. All this and more as James Acaster brings three of his best-loved shows  from the past 3 years to Melbourne – Recognise, Represent and Reset.
Entry has now closed.

Anya Anastasia – Rouge Romantic, Serenades from a Delinquent Diva

Where: Melba Spiegeltent, 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood
When: Wednesday, 29 March @ 8.00pm
Armed with a biting wit, fuelled by a lust for revenge and backed up by her new kick-ass full band Anya’s Rogue Romantic is a seductive and exhilarating night of music, theatre and fun.
Check out our review from the 2016 Melbourne Cabaret Festival here.
Entry has closed

2017 MICF Interviews

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The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is returning in 2017 with a spectacular line up of local and international performers in over 500 shows – running for four, hilariously entertaining weeks. We caught up with three local performers, and got their thoughts on the festival, tips on how best to enjoy it and the inside oil on their upcoming shows….

Gillian Cosgriff – 8 Songs in 8 Weeks

What about the MICF gets you excited?

Seeing as many shows as I can, especially new ones. This year I’m hanging out to see Liam Ryan, Double Denim, and Alice Tovey. Also, eating my own body weight in potato cakes.

What’s your top three recommendations for visitors to Melbourne to get the most out of MICF?
1. Take a chance on a show you’ve never heard of before – a new venue, a new genre of comedy, someone who flyers you in the street.

2. Go to the Festival Club to see a bunch of comedians in one show. It’s a great way to find a comedian you like and then go see their full show.

3. Make a night of it! I’m big on pre-show dumplings and post-show whiskey.

What should audiences expect from your show?
My show is musical comedy – it’s me and my piano, singing songs and doing stand-up. There is also a great story about an abandoned Russian cruise ship, if you’re into that kind of thing…

What do you do during the festival when you are not performing?
I see as many shows as I can. I eat everything. And sleep until midday. My parents are so proud. 

Gillian’s show, 8 Songs in 8 Weeks is on at The Butterfly Club, March 28 – April 9, 8:30pm. Tickets: www.thebutterflyclub.com

Nadine Sparks – Teacher

What do you love most about MICF?
Melbourne is most alive during MICF, you can feel the endorphins in the air from people getting the opportunity to sit in a room and watch people make them laugh. Also, comedy is totally my thing, so as a performer it is amazing to be in a festival that attracts such hysterical people. 

What are your top tips for getting the most out of MICF for visitors to Melbourne?
Speak to people flyering, many of whom are promoting their own shows or shows they are working on in some capacity. Obviously they are hoping you will come to their show, but for the most part they know the scene and will be able to advise visitors on different acts and who might be useful to see. The ticket booth can do similar, but they only manage some artist’s tickets. 

What should audiences expect from your show?
I am fast paced, quick witted and I love physical comedy. My show is the very best bits of my 15 years as a high school teacher. There are lots of really entertaining stories. There is something for everyone, but it will not be a PG show.

What do you do during the festival when you are not performing?
It’s a great opportunity for me to hang out with some people I only see during MICF. I tend to spend a lot of time seeing shows and dancing the night away with other artists. I do spots at showcases and I also do an improv show called ‘Improv Against Humanity’ which is at The Tickle Pit. I also try to look after my health, with good food and exercise. 

Nadine Sparks show ‘Teacher’ is on at Tasma Terrace 10th -13th of April and 18th -22nd of April Tickets on sale through Trybooking.

Evan Hocking – The Morning After

What is your favorite part about MICF?
Stressing about getting people into my show and constantly thinking “Is this good enough?” 

How would you recommend visitors to Melbourne get the most out of MICF?
Plan ahead so you can see a few shows in the one night. My show’son at 7pm at Hotel Barkly and “The Suburban Footballer” is on at 8.30pm at the same venue. You’re welcome!!!!!

What should audiences expect from your show?
Very little, then they won’t be disappointed… no it’s about waking up “The Morning After” with no recollection of the night before. During the show I detail one of the biggest stuff ups in my life. 

What do you do during the festival when you are not performing?
Refer to question 1 and try and see a few other shows and get drunk and wake up “The Morning After” with no recollection of the night before.

Evan’s show, The Morning After, is showing at The Hotel Barkley in St Kilda, 7.00pm, March 29-April 23 (5.30om on Sundays). Tickets are available on the door or via the Comedy Festival website.

Check out our review of Evan’s 2016 show ‘Evan is a Place on Earth,’ here.

Choose Trainspotting Live

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You know the drill. Choose life. Choose a career. Choose a family…. Choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and tin can openers.. and so in.

We all know it, we all love it, and an exciting news, this cult-classic Irvine Welsh novel adaptation is hitting Melbourne stages from 22 March – 13 April 2017.

Not many people know, but the stage adaptation of Trainspotting was actually written before the movie was made by Harry Gibson. Presented by Andrew Kay, Associates and Kings Head Theatre, and in it’s 21st year, it continues to simultaneously make it’s audience laugh, cry and cringe as they are fully immersed into the heroin-fueled world of Renton, Begbie and Sickboy.

Trainspotting is entirely immersive, meaning you as the audience are actually a part of the story. It’s pitched as raw, uncomfortable (in the best ways possible) and kicks off with a rave complete with strobe lighting and glow-sticks – so you know it’s going to be non-stop.

It comes with a warning: Don’t wear your best clothes….. we say, ‘Choose casual comfort.’

Where: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
When: Wed 22 March – Thursday 13 April 2017 (times vary)
More Information and tickets: Check out the Trainspotting Live or venue website.

We Know Melbourne is giving away a double pass to the exclusive opening preview on Wednesday 22 March at 8.00pm. Entry has now closed. Thank you to all who have entered.

Terms and conditions available here.