Ten shows that stormed Melbourne

Today's Fringe previews are all shows that did well in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival earlier this year...

1. Kraken by Trygve Wakenshaw

Yet another physical comic from the Philipe Gaulier school that seems to be having increasing influence on the British comedy scene, New Zealander Trygve Wakenshaw had one of the stand-out shows of the Australian festival season. This Barry-nominated hour is playful, silly and perfectly executed. Underbelly Cowgate, 20:40. Review.

2. Steen Raskopoulos: I'm Wearing Two Suits Because I Mean Business

If you're a fan of Adam Riches, you'll be a fan of this. Much fun - and, yes, audience participation too - in this smart and jaunty one-man character showcase from a hotly-tipped antipodean talent with gift for generating memorable moments from his quirky-yet-credible creations. Underbelly Bristo Square 20:10. Review.

3. Celia Pacquola: Let Me Know How It All Works Out

On stage, Celia Pacquola seems confident and in control… but she has a dark secret: a near-addiction to seeing psychics. This beautifully constructed confessional, gloriously self-deprecating, makes a hugely entertaining yarn.Gilded Balloon, 20:00. Review.

4. Come Heckle Christ

Controversial. Josh Ladgrove's show in which he adopts the pose of the crucified Messiah and invites the audience to hurl abuse, questions and putdowns in his general direction attracted a lot of Christian flak at the Adelaide Fringe, including calls for a boycott of the festival's bank sponsor. But as Ladgrove points out, he is merely doing the 'turn the other cheek' bit - anything offensive comes from the audience in this fascinating experiment in crowd dynamics. (See also A Young Man Dressed as a Gorilla Dressed as an Old Man Sits Rocking in a Rocking Chair for 56 Minutes and Then Leaves… at the Voodoo Rooms on the 18th). Pleasance Courtyard 22:20. Review

5. Sarah Kendall: Touchdown

A fellow critic nailed this in Melbourne when he likened Kendall's teenage coming-of-age story to the 1980s films of John Hughes. It's a masterful piece of comic storytelling as the awkward Kendall forges an unlikely friendship with the popular kid as she starts to find her way in the adult world. As well as the compelling depth of the narrative, it's very funny too… Pleasance Courtyard, 21:30. Review.

6. Dave Callan: A Little Less Conversation

So this is a little less sophisticated than the above, based largely on the unlikely abilities of an unfit-looking bearded Irishman to cut the moves on the dancefloor. But the energy and joi de danse is infectious; making this a surefire feelgood hour - as long as Callan doesn't do himself a mischief over the Fringe run. Assembly Roxy, 21:40. Review.

7. Luke McGregor: I Worry That I Worry Too Much

Luke McGregor has a wonderful, vulnerable comic voice, exposing all his bashfulness and social insecurities. In Melbourne, this show ran out of steam before the hour was done, but he takes anxiousness to new levels, making him an intriguing comic voice. Assembly George Square, 18:00. Review.

8. Dr Professor Neal Portenza Performs His Own Autopsy Live On Stage. One Night Only (Obviously)

More cajoling and clowning with the less blasphemous alter-ego of Come Heckle Christ Josh Ladgrove. The show's purposefully shambolic, and although it didn't quite click into place when Chortle saw it in Melbourne, the finale's a joyous triumph, and there is plenty of fun with the audience en route. Just the Tonic at The Mash House 18:20. Review.

9. Sam Simmons: Death of a Sails-Man

Talking of chaotic, exuberant absurdist Sam Simmons takes it to new heights with this preposterous narrative. The surreal story of a windsurfer swept out to see has the feel of an artist doing what the hell he likes, and damn you if you don't like it… and in fact many of the laughs comes from him desperately trying to persuade the audience to come on board. It might be a choppy journey riding the waves with him, but there are some great moments and you have to admire his conviction. Underbelly Bristo Square, 20:50. Review.

10. John Conway Tonight

This cheesy, chaotic spoof variety show, driven by crazy energy, is a little hit and miss – but when it peaks, the combination of shambolic car-crash oomph and mad surrealism is a thing of pure joy. A cult in the making. Pleasance Dome, 00:00 Review.

Published: 18 Jul 2014