Silent Comedy On The Yarra River (MICF)

It is often difficult as a reviewer to gauge the quality of a show that changes every night. Does the responsibility lie in scrutinising the class of comics on offer that very night? Or is it in capturing a feel that might hopefully reoccur?

The misleadingly titled Silent Comedy On The Yarra River is indeed waterside, but the laughs are definitely administered audibly. Instead, Arbory has found a way to maintain their bar atmosphere while still offering a spot for punters to indulge in some weeknight comedy.

So, how does a trendy Melbourne hotspot (specifically one directly adjacent to the busiest train station in the city) accomplish a balance of the two? By slamming on some headphones and getting on with it, of course! Armed with a pair of wireless sound-makers, each member of the audience is able to sit back and watch some of the finest comedic talent the festival has to offer (all the while knowing that passersby may have some questions).

Tonight's bill is no exception: Opener and acting MC Bev Killick is one of the lesser-known but higher-quality staples of our humble comedy scene, Simon Taylor is as polished and hilarious as ever, Dolly Diamond is a bombshell of brilliance and Tahir closes out the night as the excellent comic mainstay that he is. But, regardless of who may pop up, this is an event that is well worth experiencing.

Catch Silent Comedy On The Yarra River til 19 Apr at Arbory Bar & Eatery, part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.