Madeleine Swain

Madeleine Swain is ArtsHub’s managing editor. Originally from England where she trained as an actor, she has over 30 years’ experience as a writer, editor and film reviewer in print, television, radio and online. She is also currently President of JOY Media and Chair of the Board.

Madeleine Swain's Latest Articles

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Funny Tonne – part one, MICF 2025

The first batch of top reviews from the Funny Tonne, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's fledgling reviewers for 2025.

Madeleine Swain

Apr 10, 2025
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Comedy review: Ting Lim: What I Really Think, QT, MICF 2025

Cheerful comedy from a stand-up on the rise.

Madeleine Swain

Apr 9, 2025
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Why radical hope is so much more than passive optimism

Horizon Sunshine Coast presents a wide array of art forms that explore the provocation of radical hope, including a bold…

Madeleine Swain

Apr 7, 2025
Two Caucasian women side by side from the waist up with their elbows in leaning on a surface in front of them. The one on the left haas shoulder length dark hair, black rimmed glasses and a dark striped jumper, the one on the right has long fair hair, 60s eye make-up and is cradling her chin with her hands.
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Comedy review: Flo and Joan: The Joan and Flo Show, Lower Town Hall, MICF 2025

'I Drank Too Much' is as brilliant as ever but, happily, the seasoned comic duo have plenty more extremely funny…

Madeleine Swain

Apr 7, 2025
an illustration of a double decker red London bus with the words BEST OF BRITISH and LIVE COMEDY written on the side.
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Comedy review: Best of British, Exford Hotel, MICF 2025

If you're after a more traditional night out of pub comedy with a revolving line-up of comics, a small stage,…

Madeleine Swain

Apr 5, 2025
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Comedy review: Kate Dolan, The Critic, Bard's Apothecary, MICF 2025

How do you review a comedy show when it already has its own critic built in? It's a conundrum.

Madeleine Swain

Apr 4, 2025
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Comedy review: Rob Carlton, Willing Participant, Beckett Theatre, MICF 2025

Simple storytelling is one of the oldest art forms there is and Rob Carlton is a master.

Madeleine Swain

Apr 3, 2025
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Comedy reviews: Laura Davis: Despair is Beneath Us, The Greek – Paw Paw Jump, MICF 2025

While despair may be an understandable emotion right now, it's not the answer, and Laura Davis is here to explain…

Madeleine Swain

Apr 2, 2025
A Caucasian woman with long brown side parted hair wears a black and white checkered shirt over a white singlet and jeans. She is sitting on a stool. Zoë Coombs Marr.
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Comedy reviews: Zoë Coombs Marr: The Splash Zone, Powder Room, Town Hall, MICF 2025

Bemused (horrified) by the current geopolitical landscape, the always sharp Coombs Marr wants us all to keep talking to each…

Madeleine Swain

Apr 2, 2025
A Caucasian woman in a grey waistcoat and matching trousers holds a microphone and has her hand in a box on a plinth that is labelled WORRIES. Gillian Cosgriff.
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Comedy review: Gillian Cosgriff, Fresh New Worries, The Show Room, MICF 2025

A lesson in finely crafted comedy, Cosgriff's latest show is simply superb.

Madeleine Swain

Mar 31, 2025
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