Capitol Theatre, Thursday 31st October 2024

with Stephen Hall, Mark Humphries, Sammy J, Veronica Milsom, Emily Taheny, Christie Whelan Brown and special guest appearance by Tosh Greenslade

Apologies from Michelle Brasier who could not get the night off her musical in Sydney and Dan Ilic who was in Texas.

I booked this a while back and passed on getting the book also as I did not quite have the money at the time. Also the same reason I did not go to John Saffran’s book launch the previous week as I had a busy couple of weeks with the Melbourne Fringe Festival and did not want to do three nights in a row again.

I had enjoyed Shaun’s previous book even if I did only listen to it from the library on my morning walk via Bolinda audio. Certainly a lot better than John Cleese’s book which I could barely finish. I did particularly like the description of 1950s Australia being all busted up as I have actually seen from my own research in old newspapers that World War II rationing went for almost 10 years after the war. Also conservative values persisted a long time in Australia even with the arrival of multiculturalism.

I have been on board with Shaun’s work since when he first started on the ABC. Not so much on Channel 7 but he was more involved in that one and there were a lot of fans specifically from his work on that. I was surprised at the amount of work he did on that show from his last book. Got to throw it back in the face of someone who could not help themselves bagging it out.

I thought this was going to be a panel type event with some “roast” style elements but it ended up being more of a variety and tribute night, not that I am complaining. I have had had panel events until they were coming out my ears.

Shaun was not on stage for most of it even though it was his book launch which kind of took the pressure of the people doing their bits not having to look around for his approval.

The Wheeler Centre did film this event but it is a lot different being in the actual room and it was a special night.

Special shout out to Tosh Greenslade who got big laughs just for doing two cameos in the show and not an actual segment.

Sammy J told of his work experience with Ted Emery and being left to sit on a couch for an entire week at ABC Ripponlea. I actually remember going to the studios in 1999 and getting a photo of Francis Greenslade in the halls and a photo of myself in the Seachange bar. RIP Joe Murray as it was the follow up for Recovery the 10.30 Slot I was invited to go to a taping of. Shaun did not remember meeting Sammy J at all, this sort of thing happens a lot in showbiz and even with me as people know me and I don’t know them just from taking photos.

Mark Humphries paid tribute to Micallef Tonight on the Nine Network which only lasted 13 episodes but I still remember the “into the bin!” bit until this day. I don’t even remember watching all of the episodes but do remember watching the McFeast interview with Chopper that got her show cancelled on the same night.

I have actually seen Stephen Hall do a set at Espy Comedy Gold back in the day and posted the review for him on socials which he also remembered doing. Stephen took the title literally and did a eulogy for Shaun including the only appearance of Milo Kerigan for the night. I don’t know why I did not go see him at the comedy festival I went to a lot of shows I probably should not have this year due to no money. The pathos of this segment rang true and caused Shaun to complain that he felt actual emotion from this part of the show.

Veronica Milsom did her own gameshow based on questions about Shaun with audience members at the contestants. Was a funny part of the show.

Emily Taheny did a reading from the book with Shaun of an unproduced sketch. Was quite good and I am not sure why it was not in the actual show.

I have gotten order mixed up but Christie Whelan Brown did a version of Xanudu where she repeatedly apologies for having laryngitis. I would not have known if she did not mention it.

It was a great night and even someone like me who thought they knew a lot about Shaun Micallef and listens to podcasts about comedy like Josh Earl and the Late Show podcast learned stuff from it.

During the break I did go down and get the book and got to meet Shaun after the show and show him what books I was reading (Michele Brasier and It Came From Something Awful) and talk about a couple of other people who I thought might interest him. I did not try and impress him as that is so boring, just trying to elevate other people. Still kicking myself I did not ask if Lorin Clarke has interviewed him for the documentary about her dad.