Penola Racing Club,
Coonawarra, SA

19 January 2019

Well, what a bloody ripper! Thanks a million to the Coonawarra and surrounding Limestone Coast region for an incredible first for Grapes of Mirth in the district. We were all blown away by the reception we received. A full house, perfect weather, brilliant comedians and lots of wine…lots of wine!!! People from the Limestone Coast certainly know how to have a good time. Every time we do Grapes of Mirth it is special but from a comedy perspective, this event was a standout. Every single comedian hit every single joke with the force of a freight train and as a result, the crowd was left with sides well and truly split. I kicked off the afternoon by explaining the concept of “Fire” to the crowd of country folk (I reckon they had a handle on it!). Cal Wilson then jumped on stage and proceeded to actually create it using just her comedy stylings. Utterly dominating the crowd for her set. This was Cal’s first GoM and we’d love to see her again because she’s as funny as she is lovely. Lehmo kicked off the second bracket and was in killer form. He was a late addition to the lineup, generously filling in for Dave Thornton who was waylaid in Bass Strait…don’t ask. Lehmo had the crowd eating from his hand and his form was surgical in precision. Nath Valvo returned to Grapes of Mirth and SA and within seconds had the crowd frothing! Super relatable material with an amazing delivery. Nath is a gun stand up and he brought his “A” Game. Fiona O’Loughlin was the first act of the 3rd bracket and was electric. Fiona has such a beautiful delivery that makes it effortless to enjoy her jokes. Another amazing performance. Dilruk Jayasinha closed the day and did so in unbelievable form. Lucky punters may have just enjoyed a sneak preview of Dil’s next festival show because he delivered some new material that truly created a “wow” moment. Dil is going from strength to strength in everything he does and yet still maintains the greatest of charm and humility. A great mate, a great bloke, a stellar performer. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support us at the Penola Racing Club and a massive thank you to the Coonawarra Vignerons who’s assistance made it possible for a community to share in the uniqueness of Grapes of Mirth. Also, we wish to thank Brand South Australia who’s help in the early stages of planning was vital to producing this event. A few more to thank; Soul Projects & Royal Oak Penola for their wonderful food – the producers that came along and poured their wines on the day (Balnaves of Coonawarra, Penley Estate, Hollick Estates, The Blok Coonawarra, Patrick of Coonawarra, DiGiorgio Family Wines, Rymill Coonawarra, Brand’s Laira Coonawarra, Whistle Post Wine, Majella Wines – Wattle Range Council – Grand Events Hire & Styling – Veolia – Aqua Essence. Already looking forward to next years Coona’ but for now we’re gearing up for Coriole Vineyards in McLaren Vale 3rd March. Till next time Bad Seeds!

Lineup

Comedy Royalty, one of the most in demand comedians in the country. A late starter, but with an award-winning career of almost 20 years; Fiona plays to packed houses in venues and festivals across the globe. Winner of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s (MICF) ‘Best Newcomer’ award in 2001 and ‘Piece of Wood’ award in 2006. She’s also the Queen of the Jungle, having won Network Ten’s “I’m a Celebrity….Get Me Out of Here!”.

Fiona O’Loughlin

Dil is one of the most in demand headliners on the Australian comedy scene, with a reputation for consistently nailing his shows with his positive, upbeat brand of stand-up. Dil has recorded two stand-up specials, one for the ABC and the second for Amazon Prime which was released globally in 2020. He has also featured in Amazon’s smash hit program ‘LOL: Last One Laughing Australia’ alongside Rebel Wilson, and the 2021 series of ‘Celebrity Masterchef’.

Dilruk Jayasinha

WINNER: Best Comedy Adelaide Fringe Weekly Awards 2018 and a regular across all TV networks, Nath is going from strength to strength as a performer and stand-up and is in high demand, both in Australia and internationally. He’s a true craftsman of the art form.

Nath Valvo

SAFM breakfast host and all round top bloke Lehmo is one of Australia’s most experienced and well-travelled comedians. Lehmo’s live work has seen him headline at comedy clubs for well over fifteen years and work all corners of the globe – he is also the country’s number one ‘combat comic’, having completed seven ‘tours of duty’.

Lehmo

Adopted Kiwi, Cal Wilson, crossed the Tasman in 2003 and has gone on to become one of our most popular comedians, a perennial favourite on many television shows. In 2018, Cal was invited by Netflix to the Montreal Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal to record a Netflix Original Comedy Special. 2019 also saw Cal become a very serious children’s author, penning two books.

Cal Wilson

The “Merric” from Merrick and Rosso. Mez, as he is affectionately known, has worked at almost every radio and TV station in the country. You might have seen him recently getting smashed in the face on SAS Australia, Australia’s REAL reality show. Mez loves wine, so much so that he’s a qualified sommelier, with dreams of retiring to a big Chesterfield, smoking a cigar and drinking Cabernet.