The much loved comic Anne Edmonds returns to the stand-up stage for Melbourne’s International Comedy Festival. Perhaps most recognizable for her iconic character Helen Bidou on satirical morning show Get Krack!n, Edmonds brings her self-deprecating humour to delighted audiences in this year’s festival.
Edmonds is incredibly relatable, very likeable and ultimately, very funny. The show revolves around an incident with the misogynist “Frank” outside a hospital and the fallout from that encounter.
Whilst Edmonds is charming, the ever-so-Aussie way of bringing ourselves down in order to make others laugh sometimes misses the mark and garners sympathy rather than mirth from the audience. Either lacking in confidence of the material or not as familiar with it, Edmonds stumbled over pieces, which slowed the show’s pace and made some gags difficult to land.
There was some absolute champagne comedy however, moments that I’m still giggling about days later. As Edmonds recounts her year of “losing her marbies” she is endearing and when she discusses her future as a flight attendant for Regional Express, she is downright hysterical. Edmonds is the everywoman of Australian comedy; smart, sassy (even if she doesn’t think so) and an absolute delight to spend an hour of time with.
Her material is fresh and at times raw, and despite a few nervous bumps, her show What’s Wrong With You? Is a must on your Comedy Festival list.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
What's Wrong With You?
by Anne Edmonds
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall - Lower Town Hall | 100 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC
Dates: 28 March – 21 April 2019
Tickets: $25 – $45
Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au
