The Sideshow

The Sideshow was a wonderful show on ABC (Australian Broadcast Company) that had the misfortune of being shown far too early in the evening - 7:30 - on Saturdays. Featuring a set of between three to five "guests" each week along with regulars Claire Hooper (funny, sexy woman). Flacco, and The Umbilical Brothers. Host Paul McDermott was wonderful with an intro monologue, between act intros, and a closing monologue along with closing the shows frequently with songs. If you ever get the chance to see Good News Week (on Australia's Channel Ten) or see clips of him as part of the comedy trio The Doug Anthony All Stars (DAAS) you will see what an amazing talent he is.

Each show featured a variety of comedy and musical acts plus some regular features like Claire Hooper's "20 Questions" that never seemed to get around to asking the questions... just interacting hilariously with Paul. Flacco segments are surreal and funny especially when Paul sings "Goodnight, Princess" to Flacco's little Danish princess in a crib.

YouTube has some clips that can be viewed of Sideshow as well as DAAS skits and Good News Week episodes (which are available as podcasts from various sources). I only wish that I had more than the 10 Sideshows I have managed to gather this past few months. It was a funny and entertaining program that just got put in the wrong time slot and never found more than a medium-sized audience.