TRIPOD - MICF 2023 (VIC)

Presented Smartartists Management and Concert Lab

Reviewed by Annika Loci

The Famous Spiegeltent (forcourt) at Arts Centre, Melbourne

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2023

Playing 30th March - 23rd April, 2023

Tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2023/shows/tripod

- Perfect for introducing new fans and reaquainting those who missed out in 2022 -

Tripod has been a highly consistent part of the live Australian comedy scene since starting off in Melbourne pubs in the mid-1990s. Over the years it has developed a strong and dedicated fan-base from work in national and international comedy & fringe festivals. From humble beginnings of comedy clubs & pubs, Tripod now have over a dozen albums to their name and have found award winning success in skit and songwriting across television and radio, to highly successful collaborations with well-known Australian artists such as Cat Empire, Eddie Perfect and the MSO.

Tripod’s success now has the group as a much loved fixture on the MICF lineup. The 3 comedians of Scod (guitar, keyboard, vocals), Gatesy (guitar, vocals) and Yon (vocals and supporting instrumentals like tambourine) work like a well-oiled machine, able to put together a combination of a relaxed, rehearsed “gig” style shows with the ability to add or allow interruptions for standup or improv based on audience reactions. Having their own unique sound and style, together with impressive vocal and musical harmonies, the direction of their show is expertly timed to provide maximum comedic impact.

In 2022 unfortunately Tripod, like so many MICF shows, were affected by the global health crisis, and resulted in many shows being cancelled or shut down early. Therefore, the group has chosen to repeat their show from last year, with a few new songs included. Tripod are specialists in turning social commentary into comedic reflection demonstrating that they can find, and are willing to raise, humor or stupidity in some of the most serious of issues. Something that is much needed in the world today!

Whether you missed the 2022 show or not, you can expect to hear the Tripod’s signature style addressing a full range of social and political comedic material about becoming middle aged as well as some classic dad jokes, activities during lockdown and of course it’s not a Tripod show without some reference to the church and atheism and a few other recent hot topics.

As a long Tripod fan from their pub era, I booked blindly, looking forward to often their regular structure of new and fan favorites mixed. Whilst this show was still humorous and musically excellent second time around, it occasionally felt a bit outdated (especially the lockdown references) given so many world events the past twelve months and would have benefitted from new material. They do cover topics of religion, politics, and some coarse language - if this is an issue then, this might not be show for you.

This year’s Tripod show is still a very enjoyable show which will thrill their many fans who missed out last year, entertain new fans, as well as please their die-hard fans.

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Adult:

All Tix $45.00

Concession:

Wed & Thu $39.00

Sun $39.00

Group (6+):

Wed & Thu $39.00

Sun $39.00

Tightarse Tuesday:

$35.00

Thu 30 Mar - Sat 1 Apr: 6.15pm;

Sun 2 Apr: 5.15pm;

Tue 4 Apr - Sat 8 Apr: 6.15pm;

Sun 9 Apr: 5.15pm;

Tue 11 Apr - Sat 15 Apr: 6.15pm;

Sun 16 Apr: 5.15pm;

Tue 18 Apr - Sat 22 Apr: 6.15pm;

Sun 23 Apr: 5.15pm

The Famous Spiegeltent at Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne