Australia’s Sunburnt History on display at the MICF

An Irishman, an Englishman and their camels embark on an epic journey across Australia…

Sounds like the start of a joke, doesn’t it? Truth be told, Burke and Wills’ exploration expedition of 1860 largely was, and Long Range Theatre are presenting an hysterical account of Australia’s most famous expedition at Loop Bar for the MICF.

It has been 150 years since the infamous adventure to The Gulf of Carpentaria, so Charlie Ranger and Nicholas Waxman are bringing their show A Sunburnt History to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to celebrate.

Ranger and Waxman explore what really happened at such a defining moment in our country’s history, and why the exploration committee brought along with them such outrageous items as 1360 kilograms of sugar, a Chinese gong, the stationary cabinet and a cartload of shonky planning on the 3,250 kilometre journey.

While the show is only currently scheduled to play at Loop Bar (which Ranger describes as ‘extremely intimate’ – maximum capacity of 30 per night) for the MICF, the pair believe the piece has legs.

“The show is so interesting, not only in terms of Australia’s history, but for regional Victoria. I think it has a lot of potential to hit a regional area”, said Ranger.

Charlie Ranger is no stranger to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival having previously written, directed, performed and produced shows for the last four years. He holds a degree in Acting from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy, and has worked professionally in both theatre and TV.

Nicholas Waxman enters his second Melbourne International Comedy Festival having last year directed It’s all fun and games…(until someone gets hurt) and also holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Theatre from the University of Ballarat. He is the Artistic Director of Wax Acts Theatre Company and is also involved in writing, producing. While being devoted to comedy as an art form, Nick also uses his talents to pass on his knowledge of drama in his other capactiy as a teacher. He has also written the educational components for A Sunburnt History, 

If you’re someone who loves a good historical gaffe then join Ranger and Waxman on their own (slightly less laden) journey. Just don’t pack any sugar.

Venue: LOOP Bar, 23 Meyers Place, CBD

Dates: 11^th, 12^th, 14^th, 15^th, 18^th, 19^th, 21^st, 22^nd April

Tickets: $20.00 Full/$15.00 Concession

Times: Wed, Thurs: 9pm  Sat, Sun: 6pm

Bookings: 0414 298 836 or at the door