It was a thrill to attend the Brisbane Comedy Festival to review Tom Gleeson’s show Sure Thing for Scenestr magazine last Friday night. Following on from Rich Hall, Animated! by ImproMafia this was the first time Karen and I went to see a performance in the Auditorium at the Brisbane City Hall which has been renovated in recent years. I sent a picture to my mother as my great grandfather had been a caretaker at City Hall. It turns out he played on that organ for her when she was a little girl.
It’s a grand venue but not a natural fit for a stand-up comedian so only one at the height of their powers would perform in such a room and only a major headliner would get the chance. Tom Gleeson is such a comedian who I primarily know from all of his television performances. It is not a surprise that he was edgier on stage but he remained as likeable as ever and we had a good laugh. You can read my review here http://scenestr.com.au/comedy/tom-gleeson-review-brisbane-comedy-festival-2018-20180327
In a nice twist the review has been shared on Gleeson’s professional Facebook page with him mentioning “I haven’t heard of this publication but they like my live show, so now I like them.” The review has accordingly gotten some approval from him and his fans. I can’t deny that I’ve enjoyed that and am happy for the magazine.
This is the 50th post I’ve had published with Scenestr 1 year, 1 month and 3 days since my first published post. Out of those 50 posts I have done 17 interviews, 14 films reviews, 14 reviews of theatre shows and 5 reviews of stand-ups performing. I feel really blessed.
Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. Celebrating 25 years in 2018 of publishing history they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They still publish magazines in print for Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts including festivals, stand-up comics, fashion, theatre and film. I feel very fortunate to get to write for them.
-Lloyd Marken
Back to the Drawing Board Productions 
Doing stand up at the Brisbane City Hall in front of such a huge and magnificent organ is a total gift to a comedian. And it lights up. And it plays tunes.
The dome above also changes colours. It’s pretty spectacular place that I don’t think people come to enough given the shows that are often there.
I had never heard of him, but enjoyed the clips. Your review was good too, Lloyd. You are really getting up there mate!
Cheers, Pete.
Thanks Pete. He’s mostly famous in Australia so that makes sense, I wasn’t even sure you would enjoy the TV clip since it all relates to local knowledge but he’s funny eh? Glad you liked the review.
Congratulations, Lloyd. You have found your niche and I’m happy for you. I would love to visit Brisbane.
Thank you Cindy, I hope so. It’s a really nice side gig and I’m running with it. Scenestr in particular have given me some great opportunities and I have two really great editors I submit work to. Hope you’re having a fantastic Easter weekend!