By George Dixon.
The 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival is in full gear. If you love comedy, it’s the best time of the year.
With so many types and styles of comedy, there is something for everyone.
For instance, Luke Rocca’s set “Spineless” is by design different.
Rather than a static, solo stand-up style, Rocca presents a fast, physical, high-octane series of comedy sketches, complete with props and lighting effects.
This one-person performance keeps Rocca on his toes as the presentations move from one segment to another in a chaotic, hotch-potch style.
Clues are given via the images on the back screen, a sound or a lighting effect. Which may or may not be synchronised.
Part of the show includes group audience participation, which is not only fun but also totally unscripted, including the non-verbal instructions.
The comedy is clever, with some true-life stories and photos that reinforce the punchline.
As with this type of comedy, some sketches are hits and others are misses. It also depends on the night and the audience.
The challenge and skill are for the comedian to continue regardless.
Rocca not only reads the room; his comedic style also takes the reactions in his stride.
The audience was very receptive, and the sketches were very funny. There were zero flat spots in the one-hour show, which is very entertaining.
For something different, Rocca’s Spineless is worth the experience.
