STAGE GUIDE
Shows to catch in August Words by Ben Lamb
More Than Words Can Say We’re all accustomed to stories being told a particular way: hearing them. This stage show turns that on its head. More Than Words Can Say deals with a number of deaf artists, who will be creating stories that will be shared with audiences. There’ll also be a discussion about the importance of deaf theatre, and its future in a rapidly-changing artistic environment. This show is taking place at the Arts House in North Melbourne from August 26 until August 27.
Chris Rock Slap or no slap, Chris Rock is arguably the biggest stand-up of the era, and he’ll be hitting our shores this month. Star of the 2022 Oscars, Saturday Night Live, Grown Ups, and a celebrated stand-up career, Rock will be bringing his Ego Death Tour to Margaret Court Arena. The comic isn’t afraid to get heavy in his stand-up, so this isn’t one for the faint of heart.
Laurinda Hitting the Melbourne Theatre Company stage this August is Laurinda, popular writer Diane Nguyen’s stage adaptation of a best-selling Alice Pung book of the same name. The show centres around Lucy Lam and her journey throughout high school, battling with bullies and trying to find herself and her place in the world. The production will feature the acting talents of Fiona Choi, Gemma Chua-Tran, Ngoc Phan, among many more.
Chris Rock’s Ego Death Tour will be happening at Margaret Court Arena on August 10 until August 11.
He mightn’t be a household name just yet, but the shortest-lived SNL comedian of all time (we think) is definitely worth YouTubing. He’s been on stages across the world and found many fans with his laid-back stand-up approach. Gillis featured on Just For Laughs - named the ‘Up Next’ comedian - an important award in the comedy world, and he’s also a staple of the podcast space, with his own show, and regular appearances on Joe Rogan Experience. Shane Gillis is performing at the Athenaeum Theatre on August 13.
Come From Away Come From Away follows the incredible real-life journey of 7,000 air passengers who were grounded in Gander, Newfoundland in Canada in the wake of the September 11 tragedy. It’s one of the most successful musicals of recent years, and after an insanely successful run here pre-lockdown, it’s returning to Australia. This show is taking place at the Comedy Theatre from August 27.
Laurinda will be happening at the Southbank Theatre. It runs from August 6.
Amleth: No-Lander Mark
Minuscule Musical
Hairspray
Yon from Tripod has a podcast called Minuscule Musical, where guests write and perform a short musical, before dissecting their performance immediately afterward. He’ll be bringing that unique concept to the live stage this August, hitting The Butterfly Club. On August 6, Yon’s guests will include Sammy J and Gillian Cosgriff - there’s almost no question you’ll laugh.
The multiple Tony award-winning musical is one of the most outlandish feel-good Broadway hits over the last few years, and after a bunch of revivals across the biggest stages, it’ll be hitting the Regent Theatre this August. It’s a star-studded affair as well; you’ll be able to catch Rob Mills, Todd McKenney, Rhonda Burchmore, Asabi Goodman and Shane Jacobson, who stars as Tracy Turnblad’s mother, Edna.
This show is taking place at The Butterfly Club. The first performance is on August 6.
Hairspray is performing at the Regent Theatre from August 7.
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Shane Gillis
If the name isn’t familiar, Amleth is the name of a legend in Scandinavian folklore, who was the direct inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This show is directed and performed by Elnaz Sheshgelani, a talented creative who will provide a highly interesting spin to this classic fable. Amleth: No-Lander Mark only goes for 25 minutes, so we reckon you’ll only be getting the good stuff. This show is taking place at La Mama. It runs from August 24.
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