Melbourne: Comedians to support Green Left Weekly at annual debate on Saturday

May 11, 2018
Issue 
Comedians Pauline Fartson and host Rod Quantock. Photo: Moreland Leader.

 

The 18th annual Green Left Weekly Comedy Debate is set to take place on June 16 at 6.30pm at Brunswick Town Hall. Bookings are available online at Trybooking.    

The event has been running since 2000, each year raising a significant amount to contribute to the annual Green Left Weekly Fighting Fund.

Once again, Rod Quantock, well known for his particular brand of politically-driven stand-up comedy, will be the master of ceremonies and judge of two teams of comedians who are set to debate the very pressing question: Will Trump tweet us in to oblivion?

In the era of US President Donald Trump, one could be forgiven for thinking that satire is dead. When the ridiculous becomes reality, all we can do is laugh or cry. Laughter at those in positions of power, in turn gives us some power back.

While there is certainly plenty of content to draw on to support the argument that Trump will indeed Tweet us in to oblivion before his term is up, the team arguing the negative have a challenge on their hands. It is not clear how they will spin their arguments, but it is guaranteed to induce laughter from the audience.

This year’s line-up of comedians are all Green Left Weekly Comedy Debate veterans. Helchild is the comedic impersonator behind a number of characters, mostly based on political figures, including Donald Dump, Pauline Fartson, Baloney Abbott, and Malfunction Spinbull Turnip.

Sean Bedlam featured in this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival with his Death to America show, from which he is likely to draw content to address this year’s debate topic.

Gabe Hogan also appeared in this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival with her Pretty, Witty and Gabe show.

Kirsty Mac has previously appeared at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Show and is known for her Feminazi and Manflu shows.

Frank Hampster was the nominee for Best Comedy Fringe World 2017 and 2018. He is known for his show Cardinal Sins, which draws on his experiences as a survivor of sexual abuse as a child.

Morven Smith has also previously appeared at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Show with her show One in a Million.

Previous comedy debates have seen comedians debate a range of important questions, such as Does Australia need an Abbott-proof Fence?, Should Gina and Clive run the country? and Can we survive the Abbottoir? The event is well attended by unionists and activists from a range of campaigns and more often than not it’s standing room only.

To support the paper that supports every progressive and pro-worker issue don’t miss out on this year’s comedy debate. Pre-book your tickets at Trybooking.

You can also take out a subscription to Green Left Weekly for yourself or a friend. Or you can donate to our Fighting Fund to keep Australia’s best source of people-powered media going via our website here or by emailing us or by phone on 1800 634 206 (free call from anywhere in Australia).

Direct deposits can also be made to Green Left, Bendigo Bank, BSB: 633-000 Account Number: 160058699. Otherwise, you can send a cheque or money order to PO Box 394, Broadway NSW 2007 or donate on the toll-free line at 1800 634 206 (within Australia).

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