Showko’s Ventriloquist Sitcom - One Night Sushi Stand

Showko, acclaimed as Japan and Australia’s most original ventriloquist, returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, to premiere a new version of "One Night Sushi Stand” (Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2023 Sell Out Show) promising an even crazier and funnier experience, complete with live music. Armed with a sharp wit, a keen sense of kookiness, and quirky collection of hand-made puppets, Showko invites everyone to her surreal sitcom.

For more than 20 years, audiences have appreciated Showko’s ability to connect with them during live performances, a skill she attributes to her training as a Rakugo performer (400 year-old Japanese Traditional Comedy Theatre) in both Japan and London.

From a former policewoman using a ventriloquist dummy to teach traffic safety to children, to becoming a radio presenter, Showko's journey into comedy began with entertaining family gatherings. Her unique ability to connect with puppets and a passion for making people laugh led her to a career that spans radio, television, and global stages.

"I just love to see people smile and laugh! It makes me feel on top of the world!" exclaims Showko about her love for bringing joy to audiences.

Creating her puppets feels natural for Showko. “ As a self-taught ventriloquist, I have made many of my puppets which remind me of her boys I knew and liked at school. But when I used to show them, that would scare them off.”

"One Night Sushi Stand” a seaweed-wrapped ventriloquist sitcom, follows Showko, a single mum with dreams as big as Godzilla. She juggles bills and her son's education while running her sushi bar. The show is a blend of comedy, healing and surreal handmade puppets including the main puppet Sushi Master and her teenage son, Takeru. Then there’s a cat, Ginger who has problems with her very jealous partner, an excessive eater called One Eye, the facelift & Botox addict, Scarlet and Allergy Angel who has allergic to everything including people who talk about their allergies and herself!
Imagine Mighty Boosh meets Midnight Diner via the Muppets

Created and performed by Showko - 'Australia's Got Talent' Finalist
Directed by Jason Marion - MICF Award Winning Director, 'Spicks and Specks'
Accompanist, Steve Colebrook - Legendary Melbourne musician (Cattletruck, Hey, Hey, Its Saturday & Countdown)

Previous show’s reviews:

★★★★★ “Absolutely Hilarious and Frigging Fantastic!” Glam Adelaide
★★★★1/2 “Exceptional” Herald Sun
★★★★ “Showko is a top rate Ventriloquist. Must see show... Absolutely absurd." The Advertiser
★★★★ “Quirky, charismatic and a little bit crazy….will have you rolling on the floor laughing…” Great Scott!!