Comedy, Chaos & Finding A Weird Little Corner of the Stage

There’s something instantly likeable about Frankie McNair. Maybe it’s the way she throws herself headfirst into joyful chaos, or how she talks about comedy like it’s a big group hug for all the weirdos. Either way, her story is a reminder that you don’t need a five-year plan or a perfect setlist to make it in comedy — just a love of being silly, some guts, and a great community around you.

 

🎭The Booth Variety Spectacular & Formal Apology Hour!
📍Member’s Lounge - Arts Centre Melbourne
🗓️running until 20 April
🎟️https://comedyfestival.com.au

Step back in time to 1969 and witness live television descend into chaos!

The final episode of The Booth Variety Spectacular & Formal Apology Hour was meant to be a grand farewell, but instead, it became one of Australian TV’s greatest disasters—and now, you’re part of the studio audience.

Tabitha Booth is desperate to hold onto her title as the ‘Queen of Late Night,’ but fresh-faced newcomer Isaac Haigh is eager to take her place. Can she exit with dignity, or will she sabotage her own farewell to cling to the spotlight forever?

Join award-winning Melbourne International Comedy Festival Best Newcomers Frankie McNair and Isaac Haigh as they bring an immersive alt-comedy spectacular to life, packed with Hollywood glam, puppets, breakdowns, surprise guests, and Melbourne’s top comedians.

This is the niche comedy crossover you never knew you needed—but absolutely don’t want to miss!

 

Frankie McNair (she/they) is an award-winning comedian, actor, and screenwriter. Winner of “Best Newcomer” at the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Frankie blends stand-up, absurd sketch comedy, and queer joy. Frankie has appeared on Thank God You’re Here, Just For Laughs Sydney, and her independent mockumentary "The Telling of the Untold Story of Tabitha Booth" debuts on Aunty Donna’s YouTube channel Grouse House in March 2025. Frankie creates work that is both deeply heartfelt and deeply silly.

 

Isaac Haigh (he/him) is an award-winning comedian, filmmaker, and composer. His most recent accolades include winning the Best Newcomer Award at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. His work has been recognized across several prestigious Australian festivals, including Tropfest, St Kilda Film Festival, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and Melbourne Fringe. Isaac infuses his work with a comedic, ostentatious edge and continues to push boundaries in comedy and film, offering audiences a fresh, entertaining and immersive experience.

 

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