Media release

5 INCREDIBLE ARTISTS, 1 NIGHT ONLY

Featuring Nath Valvo, Samuel Gebreselassie,
Sonia Di Iorio,  Alex Hines, Prue Blake and Matthew Vasquez

Laugh the last of winter away with the third instalment of Footscray Laughs, bringing some of the nation’s funniest acts to the West on 25 August 2023 for one night only. Hosted by local favourite Sam Gebreselassie, Footscray Laughs returns with a line up of stellar artists known and loved from TV, radio and stage. 

Headlining Footscray Laughs is Nath Valvo, an award-winning comedian with a global following, impressing critics worldwide with his high-energy, physical  comedy and wit. Nath’s debut show at Edinburgh Fringe scored him a coveted Best Newcomer Nomination and praise from UK royalty Graham Norton, whilst his show I’m Happy For You saw him nominated for the legendary Melbourne Comedy Festival Award. In addition to his comedic talent, Nath is a regular on Australian commercial radio.

Rising star Sonia Di Iorio has taken the comedy stage by storm with impressive performances opening for Ronny Chieng and Tommy Little, appearances at renowned events like Splendour in the Grass and currently working as a writer for Network Ten’s The Project. Sonia brings a razor sharp set to the  stage displaying her confident comedy prowess.

Set to bring her keen observational character work and energetic presence to Footscray Laughsis highly decorated comedian and performer, Alex Hines. In 2022, she received critical acclaim and awards for her show To Schapelle and Back including the Golden Gibbo and nominations at Melbourne Fringe.

Matthew Vasquez’s unique comedic charm and warmth has spread to festivals across the country. His jokes about his life and Chilean background granted him a place in the Raw Comedy Grand Final and will no doubt find a place in the hearts and funny bones of the Footscray Laughsaudience.

Keeping the lolmakers on track and providing the lols himself is host and comedian Sam Gebreselassie.  A bold artist behind the mic, Sam hails from Ethiopia via New Zealand, provoking thoughts and laughs as he tackles the ‘uncomfortable’ topics.

Footscray Laughs is a celebration of diversity and inclusion. The evening is AUSLAN interpreted for members of the hearing impaired and deaf community by highly experienced comedy interpreters, Marc Ethan and Linda D’Ornay — with their AUSLAN interpretation as mesmerising as the performers themselves.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Friday 25 August
Time: 8—10pm
Venue: Performance Space, Footscray Community Arts
45 Moreland St, Footscray
Tickets: $25-$34
Bookings: https://footscrayarts.com/event/footscray-laughs/
Tel: 03 9362 8888

Artist images can be found here

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Michaela Hall  – 0419 113 633 / michaela.hall@bigpond.com