Melbourne International Comedy Festival

[watt price tully]

Saw Damien Callinan last night in his final gig. This man is a wonderful story-teller. He travels around the country so if you get a chance his gigs are truly worth going to.

The show we saw tonight is called:The Lost WW1 diary. It's great.

I've been raving about this guy for ages. If you get a chance to see him do so, you won't be disappointed.

This is a review from the Adelaide Now news earlier this year by Katie Spain (Jacks sister, not):

Some performances move you with such force they�re in your thoughts well after the theatre lights dim and you�ve left the venue. This is one of them.

Comedian Damian Callinan delivers a laugh-packed show about a very serious topic � war. Based on the discovery of a diary in a Warrnambool op-shop, it is the story of Paddy, a young Australian who sets off to serve in World War One.

His journey broaches rocky waters, the blood-soaked shore of Gallipoli, loss, love and the endearing larrikin nature of young lads far from home.

Callinan moves between soldiers with convincing characterisation, deft use of black humour and an impressive collection of vintage headgear.

His self-confessed obsession with war, deep respect for the Anzacs and extensive research make this a respectful tribute to history and those lost. Audience interaction is faultless.

We laughed, we gasped and wiped tears from our eyes. Memorable, moving, brilliant.

This is his gig guide while touring regional Victoria, SA, Tassie & WA this year. His footy show the merger is equally wonderful:

http://www.damiancallinan.com.au/gig-guide/

I can't recommend him highly enough.

[John Wren]

this year i went to see my sis-in-law, eddo. also went along to see mark watson. both well worth a look.