MICF: Mastress of Ceremonies

Weddings. It’s a word that conjures a cocktail of emotions. Love, happiness, fulfilment, contentment, and sometimes, depending on whose ceremony it is, sadness and regret. In Heather Valentine’s hit comedy show Mastress of Ceremonies, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the oh so very funny collide, making for a hilarious and laugh-out-loud time. 

Now on stage at The Motley Bauhaus in Carlton, Heather Valentine’s new show is the love child of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Fleabag, and Bridesmaids. Heather plays Michelle, a bridesmaid for Alex and Nicole’s wedding, and unexpectedly becomes the MC. Denouncing the ‘master’ in the title for its masculine energy, Michelle seeks the audience’s help to decide on an alternative. This is where ‘Mastress of Ceremonies’ comes to life. 

Michelle is the type of bridesmaid who is supportive of her mates’ wedding but harbours deep resentment and heartbreak. As she emcee’s the event, Michelle paints an imperfect picture of a sexually free French grandmother, a wildly attractive Aunt Doreen, a belligerent best man named Jesse who is stuck in Brisbane due to COVID. Throughout the ceremony, Michelle tries to hold it together, knocking back drink after drink, as she also navigates her own complicated feelings for the bride and groom. 

Heather Valentine is a hoot as Michelle – she is a natural comedian. Heather’s French accent and embodying an apathetic meathead were on point and generated the most laughs. Kudos to Heather for fashioning a very bold, very broccoli green bridesmaids dress, fitted with all the horrors of tulle you could come to expect. 

With bridal props on each table, Mastress of Ceremonies is the perfect comedy show fit with all the favourite wedding cliches, bad toasts, and Nutbush. 

4.5/5 

Mastress of Ceremonies
The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin Street, Carlton, 3053
On stage till Sunday 10 April 2022, 7 pm
comedyfestival.com.au/2022/shows/mastress-of-ceremonies