Comedy carnival in Docklands

Docklands’ own entertainment hub came alive last month with a show full of comedy, intrigue and death-defying stunts, writes Bethany Williams.

Hosted by the UK’s Miss Behave, the Wonderland Carnivale saw a range of comedians and circus stars perform at the Salon de Elegence spiegeltent at Wonderland Fun Park.

Docklands News went along to find out more on April 3 and was treated to a night of classic, old-school variety.

The show kicked off with an introduction by Miss Behave, sword-swallower extraordinaire and our host for the evening.

Then came Head First Acrobats, a double-act who showed off their muscles with some gravity-defying stunts, balancing precariously and very close to the audience.

Having been informed by Miss Behave that one of the lads had already taken a spill earlier in the day, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one holding my breath, wondering if the duo’s name was a sign of things to come.

Luckily this wasn’t the case and the pair (not to mention those sitting in the front row) escaped unscathed.

A trio of comedians also took to the stage, with Mickey D and Dave Thornton warming up the crowd before headliner Bev Killick.

Although he started out a little shaky, Mickey D managed to win back the audience by the end of his set.

Local Dave Thornton also impressed, but did appear tired, likely a symptom of his early starts as commercial radio host.

Bev Killick was definitely the standout performer, with a bit more time on her hands to work with the audience.

The mother-of-two (a six-year-old and a teenager) highlighted the fact that she was definitely not a “yummy mummy” and was certainly not a gym-clothes wearing, pilates-doing, Briiiiiggghton mother.

The night ended with more sword swallowing by Miss Behave and the 80-odd audience members again collectively holding its breath.

The Wonderland Spiegeltent hosted the Wonderland Carnivale from March 27 until April 19 as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

For more information about spiegeltent events see http://www.wonderlandspiegeltent.com.au