Melissa McGlensey is bringing her latest work, “The Briefing,” to the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Known for her biting satire and quick wit, McGlensey’s 50-minute show is a comment on the unique historical and political moment we find ourselves in. Described as “a brilliant example of political comedy” by Squirrel Comedy, “The Briefing” is a genre-defying experience that invites MICF audiences to join the press pack and take aim.
McGlensey, who has studied, performed, and taught improv and stand-up comedy all over the world, incorporate audience interaction and improvisation into her show to keep it fresh and timely.
The show centres around Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the former White House Press Secretary turned Fox News host and Governor of Arkansas. With her political aspirations in full flight, Sanders has embarked on an international propaganda tour, spreading Trumpism far and wide. McGlensey uses this as a jumping-off point to comment on politics both in the US and in Australia.
“Originally being from California, I noticed that Aussies loved to talk to me about US politics but were often less engaged or interested in politics closer to home,” explains McGlensey.
“I decided to do a show that purported to be about US politics to draw them in, only to turn the tables and talk about Australia.”
Directed by comedian and writer Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall, ‘The Briefing’ promises to be a surprising and highly entertaining experience for MICF lovers. Running for a limited time at Campari House in Hardware Lane, the show invites audiences to grab their press passes, ready their mics, and ask their questions.
McGlensey, a writer for The Onion and Reductress, as well as a comedian with credits that include Soothplayers: Improvised Shakespeare and The Big HooHaa, has crafted a debut solo work that showcases her signature brand of comedy. Partisan nonsense, political theatre, and wonderfully dark humour combine in ‘The Briefing’ to create a show that is sure to delight audiences.
“I’m excited to bring ‘The Briefing’ to MICF audiences,” says McGlensey.
“It’s a show that’s always evolving, and the audience plays a big part in that. They help me craft the show every night, and that makes it a different experience every time.”
‘The Briefing’ performs at Campari House from 10-23 April 2023, every weekday at 7:00 pm. Tickets start at $20.00.
For more information, visit the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website.
