battle of the Yarns
Cheeky and loud, black and proud, Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s national comedy competition, Deadly Funny unearths the freshest, fiercest and funniest Indigenous talent from around the country. A trip to Melbourne and $2000 is up for grabs! Deadly Funny is always a significant and vibrant annual event.
Celebrating its 11th year with a bang, Deadly Funny’s showcased 14 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander emerging and inspiring comedians on the 8 April 2017, at Melbourne Arts Centre. Each participant had previously participated in their local state heats and where they were selected to compete in the finals. The day commenced with the participants working with their mentors, Sherilee Hood, Andy Saunders, Kevin Kropinyeri and Sean Choolburra to practice and work on their routines.
When the clock stroke 4:30pm the crowds came rolling in with a sell-out show of over 200 people coming to support Indigenous comedy’s new talent. Co-hosts Sherilee Hood, Andy Saunders, Kevin Kropinyeri and Sean Choolburra took to the stage to welcome everyone with their loud personalities and presence, and for some they took a walk down memory lane.
The first comedian Benny Eggmolesse (QLD) embraced the stage with a hilarious parody song of Michael Jackson’s “I Want you Back”, which was a song he wrote “Black Fulla Style” to woo his ex-girlfriend back! It was well received by the audience, and his ex-girlfriend as she no longer holds the title “ex”.
Following Benny was 18-year-old Raymond Rankin (QLD) who had a calm and relaxed presence. He went on to talk