Does not feel like it has been three years since Gabbi Bolt last did a show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Just seeing people on socials does not really show you that much about their actual life as it is usually only the bits that they think are the best to share. Even though she is living in Melbourne I have not seen her out at any gigs unless she specifically does not go to any, I am at which would be pretty hard.

The premise of this show is that Gabbi has been asked to give a presentation at her old school due to being someone who is successful in her field and she does not really feel it is justified. Particularly one comment from a former teacher that still stings as she mentioned in the show.

This show felt like it was a bit more stripped back and did not rely on stuff like a screen which can and will go wrong. There were several instrument changes including they keyboards, accordion (the strap saga is a story in itself!) and the vocoder/sequencer panel for a couple of songs.

There is some political content in the show where Gabbi bemoans male comedians getting famous for doing such things while women tend to lose opportunities because of it. Also, the great song “Commie Boyfriend” with the singalong.

The nature of fame and the origin of the term “tall poppy” is explored with the aside that any resemblance to person or persons in the current day is strictly coincidental. I have recommended this show specifically to someone who was complaining about having to use socials to promote their album launch when they know their audience doesn’t do socials.

The “IT girl” song comes a bit out of left field, seems somewhat different from the other songs. I also recommended this one to Melbourne musician VIGILANTONIE as it reminded me of one of her songs.

A nice strong return to the festival circuit for Gabbi Bolt and I hope the accordion strap thing eventually gets resolved before too long.

Show details:

Prices:

Adult: All Tix $33.00

Concession: All Tix $29.00

Preview: All Tix $25.00

Tightarse Tuesday: $25.00

Times and dates

Thu 26 Mar – Sat 28 Mar: 8.50pm;

Sun 29 Mar: 7.50pm;

Tue 31 Mar – Sat 4 Apr: 8.50pm;

Sun 5 Apr: 7.50pm;

Tue 7 Apr – Sat 11 Apr: 8.50pm;

Sun 12 Apr: 7.50pm;

Tue 14 Apr – Sat 18 Apr: 8.50pm;

Sun 19 Apr: 7.50pm

Location:

The Malthouse – Playbox, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank

Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/gabbiboltofficial

https://www.tiktok.com/@fettuccinefettuqueen

MICF website:

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/gabbi-bolt-small-poppy/