Were you feeling drunk before you entered Gluttony? Well you certainly will when you sit down to watch an hour of late-night comedy with Liars & Clowns! 

Hosted by comedian and filmmaker, Kyle Dolan, Liars & Clowns assembles a few comedians from across the festival to perform ten minutes of standup: some are doing excerpts from their solo shows, some are trying out new material, and some are taking the opportunity to get wild. 

In his opener, Dolan takes the opportunity to commiserate on the impossibility of breaking into the film industry when literal Obama can just start a production company, the potential for more film remakes (but make them musicals), and growing up with Shrek. Shockingly, being the only kid in the class with a Scottish accent can pave the way for some early childhood character building…

Jon Wapole is the first to enter the stage, not with his traditional adult material, but with the alluring goal of testing out a children's show. A full cast of characters plays out in this farmyard setting, all played by Wapole jumping about the small stage. Misunderstandings follow in a different tale of the Chicken and the Fox… misunderstandings decidedly not safe for children. When did eating chickens get so complicated

Rosie Russell followed with the rarely tapped-into genre of funeral comedy - to the tune of their father’s eulogy. A strong oh no vibe passed through the audience when Russell thanked us all for coming and then commented on the interesting amount of colour. But don’t worry - he would’ve loved it. The vibes get more and more uncomfortable, as she continues to put on more clown themed items of clothing… I don’t think I’ll ever be the same after seeing Russell top a cream pie with her father’s ashes and slap it in their own face. 

The Burton Brothers commenced the second half of the show with a humorous impersonation of two disapproving teachers telling off the audience for their ‘disrespectful behaviour’. Although thoroughly chastised, this did not stop audience laughter – and we were grudgingly rewarded with nostalgic orange slices. While neither my partner nor I were offered an orange, we watched from afar as others enjoyed the citrusy treat (we must assume this was to honour the integrity of this honest review and to ensure our unbiased opinions – not because we were in the back.)

One impersonation was quickly followed by another, as the Burton Brothers transformed into dodgy Vegas entertainers – ready to predict the audiences’ futures using… intriguing methods. The Burton Brothers delivered extremely entertaining improv comedy, interacting with the audience in a welcoming manner that made the intimate, open-air venue feel like a group of close friends. 

Their act was followed by Scout Boxall, winner of ‘Best Emerging Artist’ of 2019 Melbourne fringe. Disarming the audience with their self-deprecating humour – describing themselves as a “proud lactose intolerant, green voting slut” – Boxall delivers a classic stand-up act with her own unique twists. Boxall’s observational humour provides a fresh and quick-witted outlook on modern Australia whilst simultaneously keeping the audience laughing throughout, finishing their act with a hilarious diss rap directed to Max Verstappen. It was seriously good. I want it on Spotify. 

No two shows are the same, but you’re sure to be cackling in no time in the absolute fever dream that is Liars & Clowns.