david strassman tour 2023 adelaide

David Strassman in The Chocolate Diet

From London to New York, David Strassman's comic genius has shocked and surprised. Now it's your turn to experience Strassman's uproarious comedy with those infamous favourites, the loveable Ted E. Bare and the evil Chuck Wood.

Strassman’s newest show is The Chocolate Diet. Ted E. Bare’s health quest is hilariously painful, and one we can relate to. Meanwhile, Chuck is going through an identity crisis Strassman is one of Australia’s favourite international comedians. A master of his art, his sell-out tours deliver a truly hilarious night out.

“ Strassman is nothing short of astounding! ” – The Scotsman “ Hilarious! ” – The Guardian, London

Recommended Age & Warnings This performance is rated MA. Children 12 to 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No-one under 12 admitted. Strobe and Haze.

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Since the early eighties, David Strassman has been a master of the craft of ventriloquism, from humble beginnings busking on streets to huge sell-out stage shows across the world.

First performing on Aussie shores in 1991, he’s back touring his beloved “second home” with the evil and cheeky Chuck Wood and adorably loveable Ted E. Bare in tow. Tierney Seccull caught up with Strasso for a yarn about his new show, The Chocolate Diet.

Tell us about your new show! It is, I think, one of my funniest shows yet. All of my characters go through amazing issues they have to resolve. One of them is that Ted E. knows he gained some weight from the lockdowns. And we don’t really mention those two dark years – because no-one wants to really remember them anymore – but he is addicted to chocolates, as we all are, and I try to convince him that he has to wean off the chocolates, and he doesn’t want to, ‘cause he loves them, it’s all he eats.

And so, we finally convince him that you can have chocolates, but you have to have a healthy diet as well. And he commits to going on a diet, and he comes back impossibly thin, he went too far. So that’s a hilarious routine. Then he comes back later on in the show and goes the opposite way, he’s enormous. Ted E. Bare goes through three physical transformations in this show, and it’s absolutely stunning and hilarious. It’s funny.

Two huge journeys for your puppets in The Chocolate Diet. What inspired the show? I always do cultural and current affairs in my show, it’s not like I’m a political comedian or someone trying to preach, you know. Jim Jefferies is great because he talks about society’s ills, but ya know, I’m a puppeteer, it’s a puppet show! Except my puppets are twisted and all have issues that reflect our issues – I’m kind of holding up a mirror to all of us. And the great thing about these puppets is that they can say sh-t that no one’s supposed to say, because we know they’re not real.

They can certainly get away with being a bit cheeky! If they’ve not had the pleasure before, what can audiences expect from your show? It’s a laugh every moment. I’m a grown man that plays with dolls, but the dolls or puppets are twisted. It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s not for little children, it’s not for the overly religious, but it’s definitely for someone who wants to laugh so hard – and this is no joke – that your face will be hurting by the end of the evening.

Ventriloquism is such a unique craft requiring a lot of skill – there’s a lot on the go managing the puppet’s body and their words, as well as your own. Is that difficult at times or have you just been doing it for so long that it comes naturally? It comes naturally, it’s almost second nature. When I know a script so much and it’s ingrained in my memory … that’s when my show blossoms and the characters improvise. They take on truly a brand new life of their own.

It’s astounding to me sometimes, because they’ll say things and think of things that I don’t think of, and it will literally cause me to stop and cack myself laughing in front of the audience because I’m surprised at what came out of their mouth!

You regularly tour Australia and NZ with your live shows – what is it that keeps you coming back? I’ve a long history with the Northern Territory, and Australia is my second home. You’ve gotta love a place where the slogan is “she’ll be right, mate” and “let’s have a sausage sizzle at Bunnings on Sat arvo”.

I first came to Alice in the mid-nineties, and I’ve spent a lot of time in the outback camping, travelling. I’ve been to Hermannsburg and Ntaria, and I’ve been between Alice and Darwin. I love the outback mentality.

One thing I love is that you are aware that nature is more powerful than you are. When you’re living in a city, like Sydney or Melbourne, it’s different – everything is muted. But the person that lives in the NT or in the outback, you are a sturdier person, in my opinion.

That is one of the reasons I keep coming back, not just to do my shows, but to explore the surroundings. It’s the power of the country.

David Strassman – The Chocolate Diet WHEN FRI 5 & SAT 6 MAY | 7PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $49-$89 INFO yourcentre.com.au

Photos: Adam Shane Photo

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David Strassman in The Chocolate Diet

NEW SHOW ADDED! SECOND PERFORMANCE AT 9:15PM

From London to New York, David Strassman 's comic genius has shocked and surprised. Now it's your turn to experience Strassman's uproarious comedy with those infamous favourites, the loveable Ted E. Bare and the evil Chuck Wood Strassman's newest show is The Chocolate Diet. Ted E. Bare's health quest is hilariously painful, and one we can relate to. Meanwhile, Chuck is going through an identity crisis Strassman is one of Australia's favourite international comedians.

A master of his art, his sell-out tours deliver a truly hilarious night out.

"Strassman is nothing short of astounding! " - The Scotsman "Hilarious!" - The Guardian, London

BUY TICKETS

ADAM SHANE PHOTO

This performance is rated MA. Children 12 to 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No-one under 12 admitted.

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Ticketing terms and conditions

We regret to advise that there are no refunds or exchanges as per the Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Practice. Should any performance be postponed due to intervening circumstances, you will have the option to transfer your ticket to the rescheduled performance or receive a full refund. Likewise, should any performance be cancelled due to intervening circumstances a full refund will be issued.

The Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Practice can be found  here .

• Friday, 19 May 2023 | 07:00 PM - 08:45 PM
• Friday, 19 May 2023 | 09:15 PM - 11:00 PM

Friday, 19 May 2023 | 7:00PM to 8:45PM  Friday, 19 May 2023 | 9:15PM to 11:00PM

Ticket Prices

VIP (Red on seating plan) $99

A Reserve (Blue on seating plan) $69

B Reserve (Yellow on seating Plan) $59

This performance is rated MA. Children 12 to 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No-one under 12 admitted. Language: Yes Strobe lighting and Haze: Yes

Act 1: 45 mins Act 2: 45 Mins

• Comedy/Stand-Up
• Magic & Illusion
• Musical Theatre & Cabaret

David Strassman in The Chocolate Diet

15 to 20 November 2022

Athenaeum Theatre 1

From London to New York, David Strassman’s comic genius has shocked and surprised.

Now it’s your turn to experience Strassman’s uproarious comedy with those infamous favorites, the loveable Ted E. Bare and the evil Chuck Wood. Strassman’s newest show is The Chocolate Diet. Ted E. Bare’s health quest is hilariously painful, and one we can relate to. Meanwhile, Chuck is going through an identity crisis.

Strassman is one of Australia’s favorite comedian’s, a master of his art. Once again, he delivers the ultimate night out. A truly remarkable performance appears to defy reality - The Adelaide Advertiser Hilarious - The Scotsman (UK)

Running Time

Presented by.

Information

Athenaeum Theatre 188 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000 Phone: 03 9650 1500 | E-mail: [email protected] www.athenaeumtheatre.com.au

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Foster Entertainment presents David Strassman The Chocolate Diet

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From London to New York, David Strassman's comic genius has shocked and surprised. Now it's your turn to experience Strassman's uproarious comedy with those infamous favourites, the lovable Ted E. Bare and the evil Chuck Wood.

Performances : Wednesday 9 November, 7.00pm Wednesday 9 November, 9.15pm

Strassman's newest show is The Chocolate Diet. Ted E. Bare's health quest is hilariously painful, and one we can relate to. Meanwhile, Chuck is going through an identity crisis.

Strassman is one of Australia's favourite comedians, a master of his art. Once again, he delivers the ultimate night out.

"A truly remarkable performance appears to defy reality" - The Adelaide Advertiser.

"Hilarious" - The Scotsman (UK)

Warning: MA 15+. Children 12 - 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children under 12 not permitted.

Riverlinks Westside

Echuca Road, Mooroopna

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David Strassman in The Chocolate Diet

From London to New York, David Strassman's comic genius has shocked and surprised. Now it's your turn to experience Strassman's uproarious comedy with those infamous

favourites, the loveable Ted E. Bare and the evil Chuck Wood Strassman's newest show is The Chocolate Diet. Ted E. Bare's health quest is hilariously painful, and one we can relate to.

Meanwhile, Chuck is going through an identity crisis Strassman is one of Australia's favourite international comedians.

A master of his art, his sell-out tours deliver a truly hilarious night out.

"Strassman is nothing short of astounding!" - The Scotsman "Hilarious!" - The Guardian, London

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Published on August 15th, 2016 | by Admin

David Strassman Tour EXTENDED Due To Huge Demand

Strassman’s iTedE introduces an amazing new technology that brings the world’s most advanced Puppetronics to the stage. In a world-first feat, Strassman simultaneously operates 5 characters in a hilarious never-before-done, 6-way conversation, using a handheld wireless remote control that sets new standards in ventriloquism.

Combined with cutting edge lighting and  state-of-the-art production , Strassman and his well known puppet characters will bring mayhem and theatrics to a set designed by one of New York’s most renowned stage designers, Luke Cantarella.

“A  truly remarkable performance that appears to defy reality.. . NEVER has watching a grown man unravel with five puppets tugging at the strings been as entertaining as David Strassman’s iTedE.”    Adelaide Advertiser 2016 “It is amazing what this man can do with ventriloquism…it really must be seen in person to appreciate the magnitude of Strassman’s ability in ventriloquism and puppetry.”    Broadway World 2016

“Whether you’re a fan of his work or just looking for a fun night out with the world’s cutest teddy bear, David Strassman’s iTedE is worth seeing.”   Australia In Daily 2016 MELBOURNE   from Sept 29 | Athenaeum Theatre |  ticketek.com.au FRANKSTON  4 Oct | Frankston Arts Centre | 03 9784 1060  artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au MT GAMBIER  18 Oct | Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre | 08 8723 8741  countryarts.org.au WARRNAMBOOL  19 Oct | Lighthouse Theatre | 03 5559 4999  lighthousetheatre.com.au RENMARK  21 Oct |  Chaffey Theatre | 08 8586 1800   countryarts.org.au MILDURA  22 Oct | Mildura Arts Centre | 03 5018 8330  milduraartscentre.com.au BENDIGO  23 Oct | Ulumbarra Theatre | 03 5434 6100  thecapital.com.au GEELONG  24 – 26 Oct | Playhouse, GPAC | 03 5225 1200  gpac.org.au RINGWOOD  28 Oct | Karralyka Centre | 03 9870 2888  karralyka.com.au BALLARAT  29 Oct | Wendouree Centre for Perf. Arts | 5338 0980  wcpa.com.au SHEPPARTON  30 October | Eastbank Centre | 03 5832 9865 or  riverlinksvenues.com.au

This performance is rated MA 15+. Children 12 to 15 years must be accompanied by parents or guardian. No one under 12 years admitted.

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• by Grant Alexander
• Posted on November 16, 2022 November 16, 2022

David Strassman in The Chocolate Diet – Comedy Review

I remember as a kid, staying up late on a Saturday night watching Hey Hey it’s Saturday with the family. One evening they had a guest appearance of a ventriloquist from America, David Strassman.

Although, at the time, it was just a guy and a puppet that talked, and I was maybe 10 years old, I was so captivated. As I grew up, I would always hear about David Strassman touring Australia, yet I somehow always missed his shows. Well, that changed last night when I finally got to see this legend perform on stage on Tuesday November 15th at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre! But did he live up the expectations I set as a child?

David Strassman in the Chocolate Diet is a show centred around one of his many characters, Ted E. Bare and his struggles with the love of chocolate, all things sweet, and going on a diet. The moment the show began and Ted E. Bare was brought out, I found myself smiling from ear to ear, reminiscing of the times I saw him on TV as a kid, and I was loving every moment.

Ted E. Bare ’s persona is so sweet, lovable, and wholesome. Just trying to be the best version of himself. I found myself feeling empathetic towards his battle of trying to be healthy, yet loving all the good things.

The show took a slight dive when Chuck Wood came out on stage. Perhaps it was the mood of the room and the lack of reception that Chuck received for his jokes, but I just wasn’t feeling it. The topics of choice for Chuck ’s segment seemed to fall flat and I found myself waiting for the next part of the show to kick in. I could also tell that Strassman was feeling the same by the body language and the interactions he was having with Chuck . Even to the point of calling out the lack of laughter from the audience. But being the true professional he is, Strassman powered through and made the most of what he was getting back. I really admired that.

Aside from the Strassman staples of Ted E. Bare and Chuck Wood , we were also treated to an appearance from Grandpa Fred , Ted E. Bare ’s grandfather who had some questionable lifestyle choices. Buttons the Clown , an alcoholic clown that apparently even surprised Strassman with a brand-new emotional response that has never happened before. Kevin , the alien sharing that he has no desire to invade Earth because we have already screwed it up, not being afraid to be blunt to the audience about the future of the planet. Last but not least, the cute and comedic Sid Beaverman with a classic stand up set of ‘dad jokes’. Out of all the additional characters, Buttons the Clown and Sid Beaverman were the highlights. I do love a good dad joke and those that laughed along during his set are my kind of people. Of course, Ted E. Bare is still the fan favourite.

One thing that really surprised me when the show started was that it is clearly only one person up on that stage. Yet, with the puppet next to him, Strassman effortlessly creates the illusion that there are two individuals having a conversation.

Ventriloquism is not a simple artform, and even for the seasoned professional like Strassman , there are still words and phrases that are almost impossible to pull off. Strassman cleverly disguises these challenges within the character of the puppet he is performing with. It might be a deliberate mispronunciation of the word or saying it in another way, only to have Strassman correct the words of the character that is generally met with “Yes, that too” as a response. I was amazed by how fluid the conversations were and even more impressed by Strassman ’s uncanny ability to pull off sound effects such as a wheezing laugh, a hiccup, animal noises, and even stuttering. All expertly executed without the movement of his own mouth.

Technical ability aside, David Strassman is an incredibly clever and quick-witted comedian. About ten minutes into the Ted E. Bare part of the set, some patrons arrived late. Arriving late at a comedy show is a big no-no, especially if you are sitting down at the front. Mid conversation Ted just stopped talking and glared down into the audience. It wasn’t just Strassman heckling the latecomers, but Ted also got in on the action. Even when Strassman stumbled on lines or lost his place in the show due to an audience interaction, he was able to recover quickly and get back into a rhythm.

Having toured here for decades, Melbourne is like a second home to Strassman . It was refreshing to hear nods to local places and stereotypes as part of his show, and how much he genuinely understood and loved Australia. All of this is proof that Strassman’s crowd-work is flawless and a talent that any comedian would be envious of.

If the wholesome moments of the performance were not already enough, last nights show was also a charity performance with proceeds going to Heart Kids . A charity that raises funds for children fighting heart disease. At the end of the performance, Strassman introduced the charity organisation and stated that with ticket sales alone, we had already raised $10,000 for Heart Kids .

To add to it, Strassman held an auction where he sold several plush versions of Ted E. Bare , each with a red heart drawn on his chest and a signed tag. Each purchase also included a meet and greet with a photo at the end of the auction. I had a few bids myself but was quickly out-bid. Strassman was blown away by the generosity of the audience and I left the venue with my heart so full. It’s so wonderful seeing people amazing in their craft, but to use their talents for good is something else. I even purchased my own giant Ted E. Bare on my way out.

Overall, the positives were overwhelming and made for a fun and enjoyable evening. The jokes that fell flat were quickly forgotten about, the wholesome and hilarious moments live on. I was so glad that I finally got to see this legendary comedic icon up on stage in The Chocolate Diet , and I would happily catch him on his next Australian tour.

David Strassman in the Chocolate Diet is now playing at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre until this Sunday the 20 th of November and continues in Adelaide from the 29 th of November until the 4 th of December. For more information and ticketing, visit: https://www.davidstrassman.com https://www.heartkids.org.au

Photography by Adam Shane.

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Past Event 25 Feb 2023

David Strassman in The Chocolate Diet

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Bruce Mason Centre

• About the Event
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Foster Entertainment presents

From London to New York, David Strassman’s comic genius has shocked and surprised. Now it’s your turn to experience Strassman’s uproarious comedy with those infamous favourites, the loveable Ted E. Bare and the evil Chuck Wood.

Strassman’s newest show is The Chocolate Diet. Ted E. Bare’s health quest is hilariously painful, and one we can relate to. Meanwhile, Chuck is going through an identity crisis.

Strassman is one of Australia’s favourite comedians, a master of his art. Once again, he delivers the ultimate night out.

"Hilarious."

The Scotsman (UK)

"A truly remarkable performance appears to defy reality."

The Adelaide Advertiser

#1 The Promenade, Takapuna Beach, Auckland

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Past Events

Here are the most recent UK tour dates we had listed for David Strassman. Were you there?

• Fri 30 Jul → Sun 1 Aug London, Leicester Square Theatre David Strassman
• Sat 1 Mar Eastbourne Winter Gardens David Strassman

February 2008

• Wed 27 Feb London, Hackney Empire David Strassman
• Mon 18 Feb Epsom Playhouse David Strassman
• Wed 13 Feb Loughborough Town Hall David Strassman

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