Bursting onto the scene, Randy Aveda initially had his solo debut at the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Although now that I think about it, I feel his previous show ‘Hello Players’ wasn’t really a solo debut. Randy and his best bro, fellow comedian Brendan Wan (who sadly doesn’t have his own show this year), delighted audiences together with their wacky humour and random skits. In comparison, Randy Adeva’s 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival show ‘Killa From Manila’ really has Randy (for the most part) on his own.
Killa From Manila is about Randy Adeva being proud of his rich Filipino origins, his identity as an Asian Australian, being under society’s Western microscope, guilty of thinking too much, a self-confessed knowledgeable movie buff and a super die-hard sports fan. You don’t have to be Asian to find Randy’s show enjoyable and relatable, but it helps!
Honestly, it must be fun being in Randy’s head, or at least you are never bored. Via his many tales, we are taken through several “What if” scenarios, movie scenes (he puts my movie knowledge to shame), meet Randy’s favourite celebrities that he looks up to, and we even get a snippet of Randy’s singing skills (or lack thereof – we get it, not every Filipino is a great singer and appreciate Randy taking up the minority) and see the return of his formidable quick fire rap skills (previously showcased in last year’s show).
The difference a year makes is evident through Adeva’s newfound confidence in his humour and unique comedy style. Never afraid to poke fun at himself, Randy is willing to laugh along with the audience, creating a natural and very welcoming warmth in the room that you’ll find yourself wanting more of. Although his humour can be self depreciating, it is never dark, always lighthearted and wholesome, like a family member loudly embracing their flaws inappropriately at a party. Randy also requires a little bit of audience participation in Killa From Manila, but don’t worry, he will still be the punchline!
The “What if” scenario skit was one of my favourite parts of Adeva’s new work, due to how real and relatable its topic was. I found myself as well as many other patrons in the room, nodding our heads in unison, while all still smiling.
It may seem like a lot of pressure to be the one of the only Filipino representations at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, but Randy Adeva makes the most of it. If anything, he wears it with beaming pride. Pinoy pride to be exact. Adeva is right at home on any stage and has a true gift of making people smile. This new show is a huge improvement from last year’s work, and I have a feeling that Aveda is just going to get better and better.
Whether you’ve seen Randy Adeva before or not, this proud Killa From Manila is full of shameless, silly fun that’s worthy of a look.
Randy Adeva’s Killa From Manila is currently playing at Storyville Melbourne as part of the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Adeva’s shows are at a friendly matinee time of 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays until April 20.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/killa-from-manila
https://www.instagram.com/RandyAdeva
Photography supplied.