Comedy Festival: Tom Gleeson – Great

Going to Tom Gleeson at the comedy festival is becoming a bit of a tradition for me, in fact Tom had the honour of taking my comedic virginity at last year’s festival. Last year I saw him in a back room of the Town Hall with about 40 other people. This year it was a sold out performance at the Comedy Theatre. While I loved the intimacy of the Town Hall, being in that packed theatre to see one of my favourite comedians was such a great experience.

Tom Gleeson is the laid-back Aussie comedian with a knack for political observations that always keeps me laughing. His hour long show was a rollercoaster of political satire and familial observations that are relatable and hilarious. Plus, his windmill impression is on pointe. Nobody is spared from Gleeson’s mirth – his daughter, his parents, his wife or the snarky barista in Sydney – nobody is safe.

‘Great’ doesn’t even come close to describing the night we had. Tom even let us pick apart his own show and find out how many lies he tells in a night – the verdict? His shows are picked from his real life with only a few embellishments or twists for the full effect a comedy show gives you. And, spoiler, the story about his daughter is 100% true.

-Charli
Charli W. is a creative writer, food lover, and Harry Potter aficionada in her last year of a History degree. She is sure she will find a way combine these things one day, to great success. If not, she’ll pack up and become a bartender somewhere in the Caribbean with a fabulous year-round tan.

Tom Gleeson’s last show is the 16th April at the Comedy Theatre. This venue is wheelchair accessible. 

Check out our guide to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for more great shows.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Token.