Rock ’n’ roll comedy in court
Ramshackle raconteur and rock-comedy Lothario, Ryan Coffey, burst onto the scene as a national finalist in the 2008 Raw Comedy Competition.
His unique style has quickly gained him notoriety around Australia and abroad as one of the most exciting and inventive comedians to come out of the Melbourne scene in recent years. Coffey combines his incisive comic eye, his blistering guitar skill, his howling vocal talent, and his mastery of the loop pedal to create hilarious anthems to everyday life – live, before your eyes. His breadth of skill has made him a darling of both comedy and music festivals alike. His debut 2011 Melbourne International Comedy Festival show earned him a nomination for the Golden Gibbo award for Best Independent Artist. He has since performed sell-out shows at Sydney Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne Fringe, Singapore Comedy and Edinburgh Fringe festivals.
Ryan Coffey is the MC at Mullumbimby’s Court House Hotel’s regular open mic comedy night on Thursday from 8pm. Free.
Ophelia’s feminist perspective
Following an amazing performance at Star Court Theatre in May, the producers of the 2013 Vagina Monologues present Ophelia Thinks Harder by Jean Betts and William Shakespeare, directed by Sharon Brodie. This is a feminist rewrite of Hamlet, exploring what would have happened in Denmark if Ophelia had thought a bit more and realised she could live without Hamlet. This is a fundraiser for Heartfelt House, a peer support group for adults sexually abused as children. Nimbin Bush Theatre, Saturday 11 July, dinner at 5.30pm and show starts at 7pm. Sunday 12 July show at 2pm. Cost: $20 for show or $30 for dinner and show. Tickets can be purchased from Nimbin Bush Theatre website – www.nimbinbushtheatre.com/events.
Talking sexual identity
Byron Philo Cafe now meets in Bangalow at the Historical Society’s cottage in Deacon St. This Friday come and discuss the issue of sexual identity led by writer Dr Victor Marsh, the author of Christopher Isherwood’s biography called Mr Isherwood Changes Trains. Marsh will discuss the individual’s developing sense of self and of social attitudes that are hostile to one’s survival. Food available, BYO. From 5.30 to 8pm. $5 contribution.
The Denise and Dave show
Two of Australia’s most-loved comics team up for a quick tour of northern NSW getting out of Melbourne’s cold and enjoying the warmth of northern rivers climate, and audiences.
Denise Scott first started working as a professional actor and comedian nearly thirty years ago, but it has been in the last decade or so that Scotty has gone supernova – winning awards, selling out theatres, appearing on high-rating TV shows and writing two popular memoirs.
Scotty has been and remains a favourite guest on many of Australia’s favourite TV shows, including Spicks and Specks, The Project, and Talkin’ ’bout Your Generation, in addition to starring as Trish Gross on Channel 7’s high-rating drama Winners & Losers.
Dave O’Neil has been in the business of comedy for more than 25 years. Onscreen you will have seen Dave as team captain in the ABC TV comedy quiz show Tractor Monkeys, as well as dishing out life advice in The Agony of Life, The Agony of Modern Manners, Can of Worms, plus messing about on Adam Hills In Gordon Street Tonight and Good News Week. He is probably most well known for the honour of being the guest with the most appearances (more than 50) on ABC TV’s ever-popular Spicks & Specks.
He has written several books, including Everything Tastes Better Crumbed… and Other BIG Statements, has written and acted in films (including starring alongside Eric Bana in The Nugget), and contributed to numerous sketch comedy shows. Wednesday 8 July at Byron Brewery and Thursday 9 July at the Bangalow Bowlo. Tickets $30 at the door.
Shaw good theatre
Becky Shaw closes this week. Catch the fantastic cast deliver a modern, sharply witty and very, very funny, acerbic comedy with great panache. Becky Shaw runs Friday and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Book online at www.drillhalltheatre.org.au or at The Bookshop, Mullumbimby. Tickets are $20 and $15 concession.
NAIDOC Screening
The Arakwal Corporation, Flickerfest and iQ present a selection of inspiring Aboriginal short films selected from the finalists of Flickerfest 2015. Highlights include Bush Mechanics. Set in the central Australian desert, four Warlpiri men travel to visit a powerful elder at a remote outstation. On the road they must overcome mechanical mishaps and the trickery of a mischievous spirit. It will take all of their bush ingenuity to keep their car running and themselves alive. There is also One Fine Day – a film focusing on one young woman trying to stay strong for her family but realising some things are beyond her control; High Tide and How do we get to space: Love Punks & Satellite Sisters. Tix available at The Byron Theatre and online or at door. $10/8
Details/info: www.iQ.org.au or phone 0414 779 881. Tuesday from 6.30pm.
No Turning Back
Warren Miller, the most esteemed name in winter sports films, announces his 65th annual feature film.
No Turning Back continues the tradition, from around the globe, to the top of the world’s highest mountain skiing peaks. Join Warren Miller in welcoming this winter season.
Commences screening this Thursday at Pighouse Flicks, great fun for the whole gang. Extra holiday sessions – see Cinema section below for screening times.
Ballet on screen
Screening just in time for school holidays, Frederick Ashton’s joyful ballet La Fille Mal Gardee (The Wayward Daughter) contains some of his most virtuoso choreography, and has been a firm favourite with audiences for more than 50 years.
Set in a storybook village, it follows the youthful affections of Lise and Colas under the nose of Lise’s larger-than-life mother, Widow Simone.
Presented by the UK Royal Ballet and captured live from London’s Covent Garden in May this year, La Fille Mal Gardee screens at Palace Byron Bay Cinema on Sunday at 1pm and Wednesday at 11am. Tickets $15–24.
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