Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2017: Wrestlebrainia

Now here is a very fun Sunday afternoon delight, wrestling fan or not. Wrestlebrainia delivers upon a premise so simple yet entertaining: panel style wrestling trivia, set out over different rounds and games, and testing the knowledge of local wrestlers and quick-witted comedians.

At the price of a blue dollar note, a wrestling enthusiast or comedy hopper is really getting the best value for money this festival. This show is fun, well curated, and the atmosphere is spot on and entertaining.

This is the product of the collaboration of some of the great minds of the comedy scene. Clem Bastow, Cameron Tyeson, and Geoff Setty lead the fare, with Timothy Clark also providing expert quips and sideline antics (set up strongly as introducing himself as the ‘bad’ one).

The first show of the season brought along Tom Walker to the mix as a guest, and wrestlers Dowie Jones and JXT, who all added their own ‘flair’ to the mix. (Reference intended). This week saw Tyeson handle the role of host, scheduling his own mix of questions and games, and generally proving he can smash out a show with comical ease and natural charisma.

What results throughout the show are quirky questions with a special level of difficulty; but it is the impromptu reactions of the panel and the deductions of answers brewed form sharp minds and experts in the field that really send the show up on the entertainment stakes.

Banter is present and hilarious, yet sufficiently controlled, and the audience are eagerly encouraged to get rowdy when appropriate moments arise.

It is worth noting that the format and hosting responsibilities will shift between shows, and so variety is guaranteed upon each viewing. With Geoff Setty at the wheel this Sunday, expectations are set for a grand, yet different, repeat performance.

– Corey
Corey M. Glamuzina is a Melbourne-based actor, writer, improvisor and comedian with an avid involvement in the art of theatre and film.

Wrestlebraina plays every Sunday of the festival, (2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd of April), 4pm (60mins), at The Imperial Hotel. Purchase tickets now.
The venue is accessible.

Read The Plus Ones’ guide to MICF 2017, and visit often to see all our reviews.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of ‘Wrestlebrainia’.
Image credit: Melbourne International Comedy Festival.