The 2015 Melbourne University Law Revue 'On Ice' is ready to crack (us up)

The Melbourne University Law Revue, the annual sketch comedy show written, directed and performed by students, kicks off its 2015 season of hilarity, 'On Ice', this Thursday.

A sneak peek into law revue rehearsals

Most would expect a law revue to focus on some heavy legal issues played out in a comedic fashion, particularly in light of the MULSS Executive Committee's vote to endorse marriage equality on 3 August. One could also anticipate a Will Ferrell-esque Blades of Glory theme throughout the show, thanks namely to the promotional poster.  

Instead this year's Law Revue involves a variety of sketches that are full of literal humour and puns, clever references to the current political climate and some, albeit not too much, legal innuendo; watch for the performance of Orphan Annie, who sings of the single mother's plight for child support. The focus of this year's Revue is clearly on the 'laughs' rather than the 'law'; the brilliant P.A.A (Passive Aggressives Anonymous) will translate to students and audience members of all backgrounds.

The infectious enthusiasm of the eight cast members, Matt, Vee, Andrew, Charlie, Genevieve, Hannah, Luke and Sarah-Jane (SJ), for their six-month labour of love is clearly evident; with many of the cast currently juggling the demands of the Melbourne Law School's Juris Doctor, clerkship applications, assignment deadlines, part-time work and learning their lines. The cast were quick to highlight the benefits of being involved in the production, including the fun of having a creative outlet.

"There's a lot of competitiveness at law school, especially for a first year. This is a way of meeting solid people in a social environment without the pressure that Law School sometimes puts on you," said SJ. While fellow cast member and third year Juris Doctor student Hannah praised the sense of community among the cast. "The comradery is pretty great," she said.

Time management skills, an ability to think creatively, developing solid advocacy skills and strong interpersonal skills, were just a few of the positive attributes that the cast touched upon in terms of what they had personally received from being involved in the Revue. Certainly these are all attributes that any top law firm would be looking for when hoping to source graduate lawyers or successful clerkship applicants.

When asked what the cast hopes the audience will get out of the Revue, they replied almost in unison, "Just have some fun!"

"You can be a good law student, have a good sense of humour and enjoy life! Law's not all books and study", Hannah said.

Over the years, the Melbourne University Law Revue has produced some of this country's finest comedians, including the team behind Working Dog productions (The Castle, Thank God You're Here), Ronny Cheng, Magda Szubanski, Sammy J, Celia Pacquola and Steve Vizard. Is it possible that this year we may be about to witness our next big comedic genius in the making?

The Revue is an invaluable opportunity, and a definite CV worthy inclusion, not only for the cast and crew involved, but an invaluable opportunity for some good belly laughs and to get out there and 'have some fun!' for audience members.The 2015 Melbourne University Law Revue 'On Ice' commences this Thursday 13 August 2015 and runs until Saturday 22 August 2015.