Big Gigs really are big!
Mandy Nolan’s Big Gig free comedy evenings at the Ballina RSL Club are proving to be popular.
In fact, Mandy, the queen of North Coast comedy, describes last month’s as ‘a riot!’, with 350 people packing into the Ballina RSL to enjoy the monthly free comedy evening.
“I don’t usually like doing free gigs because the audience can get the wrong idea. They might think that the reason that it’s free is because it’s amateur,” Mandy says.
“The shows I am presenting are fully professional and feature some of the best acts in the country.
“This is really a huge treat for Ballina. The audience laughed for a solid two-and-a-half hours, proving that the Big Gig can extract a damn big giggle.
“The comedians were so impressed with the audience that I’ve had calls from comics ever since wanting to play the RSL. We are on to a good thing, and if the numbers continue, we will keep it free!
“The comedy keeps rolling, and this month we feature one of Australia’s best.”
Mandy says you might never have heard of Dave Grant, but you should.
“He’s a Melbourne-based stand-up comic with more than 17 years experience in the industry,” Mandy said.
“Down south he’s a legend. Every comic on the circuit will admit that Dave is a powerful entity, even Wil Anderson from ABC TV’s recently axed Glasshouse is in awe of the maestro and raves:
‘He is one of the best working stand-up comics in Australia today’.”
Mandy says that Dave Grant’s comedy appeal is to the wider demographic, which makes him a crowd favourite.
“Dave’s high-energy and rapid-fire delivery is matched by few in the industry and promoters all over the country list him in their top 10 comics for his ability to connect with the crowd and deliver an excellent show every time,” she said.
“Dave has performed throughout Australia, New Zealand and the USA including the famed Improv Comedy Club in L.A.
“He has appeared on all major television variety shows, most recently Rove Live and Stand Up Australia (Foxtel). He has consistently performed in national comedy festivals, for which he has written and performed one-man shows including the acclaimed MAN series.
“He is also a passionate ambassador for Mensline Australia, and the Foundations: Be a Man Campaign.
“Dave’s skill lies in being able to passionately present men’s issues and struggles with a capacity to find the funny side of serious issues. He’s a comic that every man should see, and every woman will rejoice in being allowed a glimpse of what really goes on in the masculine head!”
Dave Grant is the feature comedian at the Big Gig on Thursday 28 June. He is joined by Brendan Lovechild.”
The entire evening is brought together by the Madam of ceremonies, the very funny Mandy.
“The show starts at 8.30pm but be warned, you might need to get there early to secure a seat! And yes, it really is free,” says Madam Mandy.
PICTURE: Mandy Nolan — guaranteed to not give you the blues!
