This Sunday is the FIFA World Cup bid edition of Political Asylum, and our last show for the year. We've got a super lineup for you:
- Nazeem Hussain (Fear of a Brown Planet)
- Damian Callinan
- Mathew Kenneally
- Stella Young
- Ben McKenzie
- Micah D Higbed
and MC Jon Brooks

Sunday 12 December @ 7:30pm
The Brunswick Green
313 Sydney Road Brunswick
Entry $10/$5 at the door.

We're doing things Australian Soccer style at this gig, so if you'd like a seat in the front row, slip me a pineapple on your way in and I'll fail to secure you any sort of seat whatsoever.

See you there, punks!

Simon

These are just some of the topical issues you can expect to hear gags about at Political Asylum on Sunday:

• the Inverbrackie Detention Centre;
• John Howard's memoirs;
• airport security;
• Mary MacKillop;
• banks;
• the Iraq and Afghan wars;
• fair trade;
• asylum seekers;
• Kanye West;
• Q&A;
• Joe Hockey: finance supremo;
• Jeff Kennett: bullet dodger;
• euthanasia;
• the upcoming state election; and
• Dave Bushell's penis

What's not to love? (maybe that last one)


Sunday 14 Nov, 7:30pm
The Brunswick Green
313 Sydney Road
Brunswick


RSVP to the Facebook event here.


See you there,


Simon

Political Asylum kicks off our summer season with a bang, with the following lineup of amazing acts:
- Toby Halligan (MC)
- Dave O'Neil
- Aamer Rahman
- Dave Bushell
- Jack Druce
- Scott Abbot
and Mathew Kenneally

Comedians will be making wisecracks about current events in the order those events are distributed. No comedian will pass on a joke simply because they don't agree with the perspective of the joke on offer.

And note, we're now back to our original 7:30pm start time, so you can take maximum advantage of the summer sun before settling in for some evening laughs!
Sunday 14 November, 7:30pm
The Brunswick Green
313 Sydney Road
Brunswick VIC
$10/$5 at the door.

We will miss you. May you return 3 years hence.

Following our pre-election shenanigans around Melbourne and Canberra, Political Asylum is back at the The Brunswick Green this Sunday afternoon at 5:30pm. Join us as we analyse the aftermath of the hung parliament, and the rise of the independents. How many Oakeshott/Highlander jokes can we produce in two hours? Come along and find out. Featuring new, topical material from:

• Michael Chamberlin
• Mathew Kenneally (MC)
• Courteney Hocking
• Toby Halligan
• Jack Druce
• Neil Sinclair
• Paul Culliver 
• Scott Abbot

Political Asylum
Sunday 12 Sept, 5:30-7:30pm
$10/$5 at the door
The Brunswick Green, 313 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Australia

Melbourne 12 August
SOLD OUT

Canberra 17-20 August
BOOK HERE!

POLITICAL ASYLUM THIS SUNDAY
Sun 8 Aug, 5:30pm at The Brunswick Green
313 Sydney Road Brunswick

Despite our election specials, the regularly monthly show this Sunday is actually going to be one of our biggest shows yet. Check out the lineup we've arranged for you:
Matt Elsbury (MC), Dave O'Neil, Anyone for Tennis?, Stella Young, Courteney Hocking, Scott Abbot, Ben McKenzie, Toby Halligan and Mathew Kenneally.
This is the best comedy bargain you'll get this month. Only $10/$5 at the door.
Facebook event here.

POLITICAL ASYLUM'S 2010 ELECTION EXTRAVAGANZA! - MELBOURNE SHOW
Thu 12 Aug, 7:30pm at Trades Hall
Corner of Lygon and Victoria Streets, Carlton.

Advanced sales are moving steadily for this one-night-only election special, with half the tickets already snapped up. It's no wonder, you don't see an all-star election lineup like this very often:
Rod Quantock, Damian Callinan, Catherine Deveny, Mathew Kenneally, Courteney Hocking, Ben McKenzie, Toby Halligan, Scott Abbot and, fresh from hospital, none other than K-Rudd himself!
Only $25/$18, available online or at the door if there's any left.
Facebook event here.
Book tickets here.

POLITICAL ASYLUM'S 2010 ELECTION EXTRAVAGANZA! - CANBERRA TOUR
Tue 17 - Fri 20 Aug, 7:30pm (8:30pm on Thu) at C Block Theatre
Gorman House Arts Centre, Batman St, Braddon

The word has obviously hit the watercoolers that the Diary Leaks authors are coming to town, because advance sales have been surprisingly strong. In my last update I announced the EARLYBIRD discount password ruddroll, a variable discount based on demand that started at $5 off per ticket. Well it has dropped to $4 for the Tuesday and Wednesday shows, and down to $3 for the Thursday show. With more tickets selling daily, it will drop further, soon. Lineup:
Mathew Kenneally, Aamer Rahman, Nazeem Hussain, Courteney Hocking, Toby Halligan, Jon Brooks, Scott Abbot.

P.S. One more thing for Melbourne readers: Check out this fun promo youtube clip for occasional Political Asylum performer Paul Culliver's community TV show "The Inquiry News 24". Looks good.

___

1. Political Asylum regular gig - Sunday 8 August, The Brunswick Green, Melbourne
2. 2010 ELECTION EXTRAVAGANZA! - Thursday 12 August, Trades Hall, Melbourne
3. 2010 ELECTION TOUR - Tue 17 to Fri 20 August, Canberra

My fellow fans of political pattycake,

It's election season, and that means comedy gold for the crew at Political Asylum. It's a scientific fact that, at this point in the election cycle, political comedians AUTOMATICALLY PROCESS THE DAY'S EVENTS WHILE SLEEPING and wake up in the morning with hilarious topical gags FULLY FORMED IN THEIR MINDS!!!

Let's get to it. Here is your schedule for comedic laughter in the lead up to the August 21 Federal Election: (Canberra readers can skip straight to #3)

1. Regular monthly gig going ahead as per normal. Sunday 8th August, 5:30pm at The Brunswick Green. With new gags from regulars Mat Kenneally, Courteney Hocking, Toby Halligan, Scott Abbott and Ben McKenzie, plus the return of crowd favourite Stella Young and guest hosted by the fantastic Matt Elsbury. Tickets $10/$5 at the door.

2. Melbourne, this is the big one.

POLITICAL ASYLUM'S 2010 ELECTION EXTRAVAGANZA!
Thursday 12 August, 7:30pm at Trades Hall.

We've pulled together all our best comedians with all their best topical material to completely blow the lid off this election, live on the big stage. Not only do we have an amazing lineup of Political Asylum regulars, but check out this guest list: ROD QUANTOCK. DAMIAN CALLINAN. CATHERINE DEVENY. We've never had a show this big before. It's going to be AWESOME.

On top of this, Mathew Kenneally will be launching his new run for federal office during the show. The last time Mat sought the top job was before the previous election in 2007, and he picked up the BEST COMEDY award at Melbourne Fringe for his efforts. Three years on, he's back with a host of new policies that promise to be even more ridiculous than before.

One show only! Don't wait to get your tickets, this event will sell out. BOOK HERE.

3. Canberra, we're coming your way.

POLITICAL ASYLUM'S 2010 ELECTION TOUR
Tuesday 17 - Friday 20 August, C Block Theatre, Braddon ACT.

Calling all constituents! Vote with your funny bone and come along to Political Asylum's 2010 Election Special! Two hours of topical gags inspired by Julia's policies and Tony's speedos, delivered by a superb lineup of Australia's best political comedians.

Featuring:
Mathew Kenneally (Best Comedy, Melbourne Fringe 2007)
Aamer Rahman and Nazeem Hussain from Fear of a Brown Planet (Best Newcomers, MICF 2008)
Courteney Hocking (Best Political Show, Comedy @ Trades 2008)
Toby Halligan (co-author of the underground hit Journal of a Rudd Staffer)
Jon Brooks (award winning comedian, and drummer with the Guantanamo Bay City Rollers)
Scott Abbot (wisecrack specialist - no relation to Tony, that's he's aware of)

We were going to do a 6 night tour through to August 22, but then the PM got in the way by calling the election! So we'll be in town for 4 NIGHTS ONLY! Tickets are available online now, and we implore you to book early, Canberra! The last time Mathew Kenneally and Toby Halligan came to town we had to turn away literally dozens of people at the door. But don't fret - I have developed a cunning incentive scheme for you:
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT - Blog subscribers and Facebook fans can use the promotional code ruddroll when you book to get a $5 discount per ticket! Don't wait too long though, this discount works like airline pricing - the more people who book the less you save. The discount will reduce to $4, then $3 and so on as more people book, until it disappears. Does not apply to the Friday night show. Full pricing details are here.

---

Last month's Political Asylum show came right on the heels of the Israel/Palestine blockade stoush, as well as inflated interest in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Check out this YouTube clip for just a handful of the show's better moments.

To other news, and in a dramatic and completely unexpected turn of events overnight, Comedian Jon Brooks has succeeded Mathew Kenneally as host for this Sunday's Political Asylum show. Apparently, Kenneally stood aside when he realised that he no longer had the support of various nameless powerbrokers. Brooks is the first ever Adelaide-based host of Political Asylum, but we're not gonna make a big deal about that. His natural hair colour is unknown.

Political Asylum: Spilt Milk Edition
Sunday 11th July, 5:30pm
The Brunswick Green
$10/$5 at the door

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Political Asylum is this Sunday 11th July, 5:30pm at The Brunswick Green. $10/$5 at the door.

Hosted by: Well, I'm not sure who'll be hosting to be perfectly frank. Kenneally is scheduled to host, and he was nominated as host by the will of the collective. But some are saying that his hosting of late has been sub-par. There have been no overt signs that anyone is plotting to replace him, though who knows? These things can happen mighty fast. You'll just have to turn up to Political Asylum on Sunday to see if the person playing host is who you think she'll be.

Regardless, you can expect much laughs from the following fine performers:

Guests:
The amazing, award winning Damien Callinan
Political Asylum fan favourite Nelly Thomas

Regulars:
Mathew Kenneally
Courteney Hocking
Nazeem Hussain
Ben McKenzie
Jon Brooks
Scott Abbott
Toby Halligan

Last month's show was standing room only and it's sure to be another cracker this time around. I would say "see you there" but unfortunately, for the first time, I won't be. Please be kind to my comedian flock in my absence!

Simon Barber
Producer

---

Gaza Blockade Edition:
- Audience capacity will be limited to a “humanitarian minimum”
- Entrance assessed on a case-by-case basis

NEW EARLIER TIMESLOT!!!
We've moved the show to the winter-friendly start time of 5:30pm

Featuring the standup comedy stylings of: Rod Quantock (MC), Mathew Kenneally, Dan Burt, Courteney Hocking, Paul Culliver, Ben McKenzie, Toby Halligan, Jon Brooks, Scott Abbot

Sunday 13 June @ 5:30pm
The Brunswick Green
313 Sydney Road, Brunswick

$10 Full / $5 Conc at the door.

It was another "Stella" performance at Political Asylum on May 9th, with a full house and great laughs had by all.


Video from the show is now online at www.youtube.com/politicalasylumvideo so if you didn't make it along, you can catch up on the jokes in your own time.


The next gig will be on Sunday 13th June at The Brunswick Green, Sydney Road Brunswick, so put it in your diary.


In the meantime, you might want to get along to the 10th Annual Green Left Weekly Comedy Debate on May 29th. It features Political Asylum regulars Toby Halligan, Courteney Hocking, Mathew Kenneally and Ben McKenzie, and will be adjudicated by Rod Quantock. Should be a fun night!


Lastly, if you're not already a fan, you should check out Mathew and Toby's hilarious parliamentary diary blogs, Journal of a Rudd Staffer and Diary of a Liberal Frontbencher. Both are updated regularly with new entries.


Ok, that's it for now. See you next month!

Hey everybody,

Last Friday Political Asylum put on its big special event at the Comedy Festival, and it was AWESOME! Having sold almost all tickets in advance, the last few seats were snapped up at the door. The audience was treated to two hours of the best political comedy that the Comedy Festival had to offer, including a feature spot by US comedian Jamie Kilstein, and they loved it. The success of the event confirms that Political Asylum is THE home of topical political comedy in Melbourne.

POLITICAL ASYLUM: COMEDY CAUCUS 2010

Special event at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

BOOK TICKETS HERE


This is it - Political Asylum's first ever Comedy Caucus. Bigger stage, bigger crowd, bigger jokes, bigger guests, this is one Political Asylum gig you don't want to miss!

We'll have new, topical material from all the Political Asylum regulars, plus two BIG guests:
- Rod Quantock, the godfather of Australian political comedy; and
- a surprise international guest comedian (who? I'd love to give you the name but alas, cannot. Trust me, they'll be worth it)

One night only! Don't wait - these tickets are already starting to move and we haven't even advertised them yet.

Swiss Club, 89 Flinders Lane
Friday 9 April, 11pm (two hour show)

And don't forget, our regular performers all have their own shows at the festival. Follow the links below for more details.

Lineup:
Mathew Kenneally
Courteney Hocking
Aamer Rahman
Nazeem Hussain
Ben McKenzie
Toby Halligan
Jon Brooks
Rod Quantock
+ an international guest comedian

Comedy Festival website
Facebook event

Comedy Festival is around the corner, and Political Asylum is gearing up for a big blockbuster show. But before we get to that, come along this Sunday 14 March and watch Australia's finest political comedians as they test their topical chops on the past month's news and views. Laugh along as they discuss insulation schemes, hospital schemes, and maybe even some sort of scheme to make sure that the next time a politician gets lost in the outback, they stay lost.


Lineup:
Michael Chamberlin
Anyone for Tennis?
Courteney Hocking
Mathew Kenneally
Ben McKenzie
Paul Culliver
Toby Halligan
Stella Young
Scott Abbot


Link to the Facebook Event

Tony Abbott must have felt his ears burning in hell last night after the onslaught he suffered at Political Asylum. Another fabulous lineup (including great spots from a bunch of Political Asylum newbies) had the packed house in stitches once again. Melbourne clearly loves its topical political comedy.

Great Merch

The Tony Abbott hate has been so great of late that Political Asylum co-founder Courteney Hocking is expressing her rage via some awesome new merchandise. If you'd like to proudly remind Mr Abbott of the personal political power that you wield, then grab one of these fab badges and stickers.



Purchase them here: ifuckandivote.blogspot.com




The Anonymous Liberal Frontbencher is back!

Fresh from his Hawaiian holiday, Australia's favourite frontbencher is roaming the corridors of power once again. Or, more likely, cowering under his desk trying to hide from Barnaby Joyce.

Read the latest entry here, or start from the very beginning.

Join the Facebook event.

Ahhh, Valentine's Day. A day for romance, love, and for many people probably also a day for sharing ''the greatest gift you can give someone, the ultimate gift of giving''. Thanks for that one Tony.

It's also a day for comedy. So come on down to Political Asylum for your monthly dose of topical laughs!

Sunday 14 Feb @ 7:30pm
The Brunswick Green

Lineup:
Mathew Kenneally
Courteney Hocking
Stella Young
Ben McKenzie
Toby Halligan
Neil Sinclair
Scott Abbot

What are your political predictions for the year?
- Kevin Rudd continues on his quest to BLH (Be Like Howard)?
- Turnbull quits Parliament to become a satirical blogger for The Punch?
- The Shooters and Fishers Party finally bags a catch by securing the defection of Wilson Tuckey?

For observations, predictions and taunting of politicians in general, don't miss Political Asylum this Sunday, 7:30pm at the Brunswick Green.

Join the Facebook event.

Welcome back peeps! We have a surprise for you - the world is just as messed up this year as it was last year, and to add insult to injury, the Australian Cricket Team is actually managing to get worse. What to do? Why laugh of course! This Sunday, at Political Asylum, with all your favourite topical comics providing a new batch of political humour, live, for you, in the newly airconditioned and climate change denying bliss of The Brunswick Green.


Lineup:
Courteney Hocking (MC)
Mathew Kenneally
Nelly Thomas
Rod Quantock
Nazeem Hussain
Ben McKenzie
Toby Halligan
Micah D Higbed


See you there!