My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

THE ASPIE HOUR Comes to the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival

By:

THE ASPIE HOUR Comes to the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Image

Be transported somewhere over the spectrum to New York City in The Aspie Hour; an irreverent and inventive cabaret that tackles the many misconceptions about being an "Aspie" today. Sophie Smyth and Ryan Smedley are a fresh, dynamic duo who combine their song-writing and storytelling skills with their own experiences.

The Aspie Hour premiered in October last year at the Ballarat Cabaret Festival, and became the surprise hit. Connecting with Aspies and the neurotypical alike, The Aspie Hour blows away misconceptions about Asperger's Syndrome. Ryan and Sophie explore what it's like to be Aspie through the prism of their identical love: musical theatre. Actually, 'love' doesn't touch the sides. Try 'obsession'. If music theatre were a celebrity, they'd be going through its rubbish.

Sophie and Ryan met while studying at Federation University's Arts Academy in Ballarat, where they both created cabarets about being on the spectrum. Together they flail through misread social cues, exhibit awkward behaviours particularly around mating, and sing the hell out of everything. Ryan shares his solo trip to New York City through the original songs, illustrating the battles he had dealing with his demons. Sophie explores her own spectacular range of psychological issues by framing her life as a musical.

The Aspie Hour contains songs and stories that reflect Ryan and Sophie's intriguing, honest, touching and hilarious experiences on the spectrum. The show has connected brilliantly with people with Asperger's, their family and friends, and, basically, everyone with courage, a brain, and a heart.

The Aspie Hour opens on March 28th (Preview March 27th) and runs until April 5th. Occasional coarse language. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

Tickets are $25-$32 and can be purchased at thebutterflyclub.com.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Featured Performer in a Musical - Top 3
1. Ali Louis Bourzgui - The Lost Boys, A New Musical
18.9% of votes
2. Bryce Pinkham - Chess
9.6% of votes
3. Ben Levi Ross - Ragtime
6.3% of votes

Need more Australia - Melbourne Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


In Shadows (Dalam Bayang-Bayang) in Australia - Melbourne In Shadows (Dalam Bayang-Bayang)
Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre (6/24-6/28)
The Music and Life of Barbra Streisand starring Melinda Schneider in Australia - Melbourne The Music and Life of Barbra Streisand starring Melinda Schneider
Hamer Hall (8/07-8/07)
Once in Australia - Melbourne Once
Chapel Off Chapel (5/08-5/30)
Pride And Prejudice* (*sort of) in Australia - Melbourne Pride And Prejudice* (*sort of)
The Athenaeum (6/18-7/18)
Magic School with Tim Credible in Australia - Melbourne Magic School with Tim Credible
Arrow on Swanston (5/30-7/05)
Good Company Entertainment Presents: The Big Chillout in Australia - Melbourne Good Company Entertainment Presents: The Big Chillout
Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (6/13-6/13)
Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl in Australia - Melbourne Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl
fortyfivedownstairs (5/28-6/14)
Waitress in Australia - Melbourne Waitress
Her Majesty’s Theatre (5/01-7/12) VIDEOS
Encore! Songs from the Musicals in Australia - Melbourne Encore! Songs from the Musicals
Regent Theatre (5/28-5/30)
Mackenzie in Australia - Melbourne Mackenzie
Arts Centre Melbourne (7/23-8/09)