It was an awesome four days, and apart from Jonathan Atherton being stranded in Darwin and missing the first half of his scheduled gig (he was ferried directly on stage) it all went off without a hitch.

Julia Morris proved just why she has an International profile by performing one of the most solid stand up shows you are likely to see in your lifetime. Peter Berner followed suit with a slick routine replete with satirical snarl and a small slice of what he aptly calls 'compassion pie'.

Anthony Morgan was the stumbling VB toting genius, who teetered on the brink of the comedy abyss, using Danger as his middle name. He showed his astounding ability to always always find exactly the right thing to say at the right time. When someone asked: 'Is comedy like therapy' he mused thoughtfully 'Yes, except you only tell your side of the story. And everyone claps. So you go home thinking you are right. I don't necessarily think that is a good thing.'

34 kids took to the Stage for the three hour epic that was 'Funny Kids', the Seniors shocked anyone who might have even dared to think they were past it by declaring 'seniors week should be run like schoolies week. Our kids should rent apartments for us on the Gold Coast.'

The Village Idiot Final was one of the Festival Highlights, with Lap Phan taking out the honours as Big Joke 08 official Village Idiot!!! Cracked Eggs was a huge success with a sellout house and eggs having to be bought in from the Urban Cafe! Women comics showed just why they are so damn funny.

The Burlesque show was an unlikely hit with unprepared and nervous underwear clad women bringing the house down in a near naked visual extravaganza! I even performed my infamous Reverse Strip. Jesus, there are photos!!!

It is with great excitement that we announce The Big Joke 09 dates -
26th - 29th March 2009.

We are already having a heap of fun coming up with show ideas. Our mandate this year is to include youth at risk, and to develop a stand up project that targets that group.

We are also committed to expanding the festival for kids, next year going under the banner of The Little Joke, including workshops and performances in magic, juggling , puppet making, short films and more!!!

Stay in tune, stay in touch. The Big Joke just gets better!!!!

xxmandy

Mandy Nolan - Festival Director

PS. To view the 2008 Big Joke Festival website archive, click here!

Want to see some photos of the 2008 festival? click here!