After being unable to go ahead last year, Melbourne International Comedy Festival returned with a bang in 2021. With sold out shows across the fest, audiences were more eager than ever to get into live performances again.
Thankfully, the team at Comedy Republic heard this demand and have put together Replay Festival - a showcase of some of the biggest acts from MICF this year staging encore performances of their critically acclaimed and award winning shows.
“Every year I have that ‘wish I'd seen it’ feeling in the aftermath of Melbourne’s great festivals. I always intend to see everything - but sitting on the couch can be so tempting," Comedy Republic co-owner Kyran Wheatley states.
"A season of encores seemed like the perfect fix, one more chance to get off our collective ass and see the best shows of the year. Comedy Republic has been a proudly independent venue for Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Midsumma so far this year, and look forward to hosting many other festival shows in the future."
Comedy Republic opened in 2020 as a reaction to the cancellation of the Comedy Festival that year by Wheatley along with his co-owners, comedian Rhys Nicholson and former triple j host Alex Dyson.
Some of the comics slated for the series include 2021 Golden Gibbo winners Nat Harris And Hannah Camilleri, Aunty Donna's Big 'Ol House Of Fun star Michelle Brasier, cult-favourite late night show Emma's Debutante (from comedians Emma Holland and Frankie McNair), MICF 2021 Best Newcomer Nominee Scout Boxall and 2021 Best Newcomer Charlie Zangel.
"I’m bloody pumped to bring my show back home to Republic for the Replay Festival," Zangel said of the announcement.
"Comedy Republic is without a doubt the hottest new hub for Aussie comedy, and where I got my start. I’m so thankful for the Republic for giving newcomers like me the chance to shine."
For the full Replay Festival lineup and tickets, head to theGuide.
