Political Asylum (MICF)

As one of the many staples of MICF, Political Asylum has cultivated a following of switched-on comedy fans seeking refuge from the shitstorm of topical news. Conceived and fronted by Mathew Kenneally and Toby Halligan, the "Late Night Riot" brings together a cavalcade of comedians to mock the powerful and influential while hopefully changing some minds along the way.

Unfortunately for the Asylum, anticipation is palpable and the hurdles are hard to clear for many of the comics on the bill. Perhaps their reputation precedes them, or their late night time-slot builds too high of an eagerness in the audience, but much of the material on offer just doesn't hit the mark. It feels like it's all been heard before, and the masters of in-depth political analysis are just scratching the surface of the world's current affairs.

The most likely explanation for the lacklustre performance, however, is that the world has gone to hell in a hand basket, and what's needed right now is for these comedians to tear the government a thousand new arseholes, and the guests tonight just feel a little too reserved. Sameena Zehra brings a shallow look into the UK political world, and Rod Quantock falls short of his regular comedic mastery.

Nonetheless, when it seems like Political Asylum have sealed their fate for another year, their special guests kick a new breath of fiery scorn into the proceedings. Thank god for Andy Zaltzman and Mae Martin, who bring their take on England and Canada respectively to freshen the proceedings and reignite the flame.

There's far too much going on around the world for Political Asylum to be forgivably uninspiring, but for another year the collective has given enough for the crowd to want plenty more. Let's see what 2018 has to offer.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival presents Political Asylum till 23 Apr at Melbourne Town Hall.