There is one comic that I always look forward to at every comedy festival, Andy Balloch.
Returning to this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Andy Balloch brings a brand-new show titled ‘The Wedding’. In a one-man comedy sketch performance, Andy takes on multiple roles at the wedding of his ‘close friends’, Dave and Tony. Hosted at Storyville Melbourne, this one-hour show is full of laughs and wacky characters.
Entering the venue, Andy was standing up on stage, dressed in classic monochrome formal attire, welcoming us ‘guests’ to the wedding. On each seat was a pamphlet that contained the names of people that consulted on the show, as well as credits for music and direction.
On the stage was a single table, with various props and drinks. Behind the table, a coat rack with several items of clothing, and to the right of stage, a microphone stand. Although Andy was mic’d up with a lapel mic, I was curious as to why there was a dedicated mic stand, but it became evident very quickly!
Andy introduced himself as the MC for Dave and Tony’s wedding and welcomed us all to the celebration. He exclaimed how they were waiting for a DJ to arrive, that was seemingly late and had to stretch out the introductions. Well, Andy does this with hilarious results, taking on the personas of different attendees at the wedding.
I honestly lost count at how many characters Andy took on, but each one was flawless and easily distinguishable from each other. We had a cousin that was a typical ‘bro’ trying his best to be an ally and there was a Maid of Honour that had clearly had too much to drink. But the best character of the night would be the Father that spoke of how proud he was of his son, in a beautiful and very moving speech.
Andy Balloch shows are more than hilarious comedy and sketch antics, there is always a deeper heartfelt message hidden underneath. His sketch comedy has me keeling over in hysterics every single time and The Wedding was no exception. My jaw was aching from laughing so hard after the show, but my heart was also so very full!
The heart of this show is Andy Balloch’s open and honest conversation with himself about the Trans Community and what he feels he could be doing better to support them. They were all with him as he marched for marriage equality, but the feeling hasn’t been as reciprocal as he would have liked.
During the production of The Wedding, Andy went on a journey to discover more about Trans people and what they face on the regular, both medically and socially, consulting with the Trans Community on how to best work these topics into the show. Andy, you have outdone yourself yet again.
The love and care that Andy Balloch puts into his work to ensure it that is not only funny, but informatively moving is profound and unlike anything else that I’ve ever seen. Somehow, Andy Balloch keeps surprising me. The vulnerability that he effortlessly and masterfully shows on stage is thoughtful, sincere, deeply moving and I am thankful to Andy that he’s bringing the topic of Trans rights to the people. I left knowing a lot more than I did before, and I am thankful for it.
If there is one show that you must see and support at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, let it be Andy Balloch’s The Wedding. Nobody does it like Andy does. This show is a fun rollercoaster of hilarious sketch comedy that is overflowing with knowledge, understanding, depth and above all, inclusive love.
Andy Balloch’s The Wedding is currently playing at Storyville Melbourne until April 20th, as part of the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/andy-balloch-the-wedding
https://www.instagram.com/theandyballoch
Photography supplied.