Whatcha Turns 50 with a Live Show at ArtBoy Gallery in Prahran!

Whatcha celebrates its 50th Episode at the amazing ArtBoy Gallery in Prahran

Oh what a night, Whatchas!

This Friday night at Artboy Gallery in Prahran the Whatcha crew hit the stage for a live recording of our 50th episode – and what a night it was! There were games to be played, debates to be fought, prizes to be won and costumes to be admired (oh, the lycra, oh the Star Wars dress!). If you were there then you’re one of the lucky ones who had a chance to join in the fun (I’m looking at you, Jose…). If you missed out – and boy, did you miss out! – then this is your opportunity to catch up on the night that was…

The event launched at full speed, with fans, geeks and art enthusiasts lining up at the opening hour to join the crew for pre-show drinks and to admire some damn fine art - and things didn’t slow down until the final curtain was drawn and the lights were shut off. Let’s start with the art. One word: nerdgasm! Whether it was Lukas Stobie’s Super Pixel Series, Mr Duke’s amazing Star Wars cardboard art, or Alan Carey [aka “The Tardis Guy's] badass Captain America shield (which sadly, was not for sale) there was something to suit everyone. Needless to say, much awe was inspired as was coin dropped. In fact, Whatcha’s own Dean snagged some su-weet DC Muppet paintings (by artist, Sean Stagg ) whilst Em went home with a fabulous Bowie/Aladdin Sane cameo necklace courtesy of Nicole Smith. Just some of the fantastic artists who displayed their work on the night include: Dirtfish, Mr. Duke, Almo, Sean Stagg, J-F Tranquille, Ryan Hall (UK), Lukas Stobie (JPN), Jonny Crennan, Keltie Mullin, Doodlz, Nicole Smith, G9, Eyal Miller and many more. Even Watcha’s own Mike submitted an impressive “comic panel teaser” which offered a glimpse into the wacky world of the Whatchas.

Following the initial art show (and some minor technical difficulties!) the team kicked off with the first act. Along with the usual “Whatcha watching?” segment, the first act featured many highlights. The first worthy mention goes to our honourary Whatcha, Jose, who was adourned with his very own Whatcha Live Episode t-shirt and made an unofficial member of the team - keep those "likes" coming, Jose! Discussion intensified with an hilarious debate on the merits of paper comics versus digital downloads between Andrew Shaw and Steve "Sparky" Sparke, with analogies drawn to sex versus porn – you stay classy, Shawy! Needless to say, the paper classics won out in the end. Finally, as if the crowd weren't already tempted enough the first half featured a special word from one of the event organisers, Marc Huntington on the amazing art adorning the walls.

The second act was all about participation: game on! We got several audience members involved for this half, which started with a round of Whatcha Blanking with three teams competing for the blanking crown. Kudos to Mike and Danie Dangerous for winning the round with their curiously cheesy responses... Next up was Whatcha Intelligencing where boys versed girls in the ultimate battle of wits. Nath sat this one out and was replaced by the cunning and verbose Nathanial who MC'd the round resplendent in suspenders and bow-tie. Naturally, the girls won and the Intelligence crown was returned to it's rightful owner, Em (for now....) Well done to audience team-member, Jess for battling it out for the girls! We also had an opportunity to interview Alan Carey, aka "The Tardis Guy" about his amazing Captain America Shield. There were more than a few guests who wished that item was on sale! The night ended with an epic prize give-away finale, with none other than Jose, our honourary Whatcha winning a set of amazing collectible Transformers coins from the friendly folk at Downies.  

And so it was, the Whatcha 50th Episode Live Show. It all ended far too quickly but it's safe to say that all had an absolute ball on the night! We would like to extend a special thanks to the owners of ArtBoy Gallery, Marc Huntington and Matt Griffiths for letting us use their amazing space, to the artists, too numerous to mention who displayed their incredible work as part of ArtBoys current show, Poptober and added credible geek chic to the event, our sponsors, including Downies, All Star Comics and ArtBoy Gallery who donated a range of amazing prizes and of course, our incredible fans. We literally wouldn't be able to do this without your amazing support. Much geeky love to all of you and see you at the 100th show! 

Look out for the 50th episode podcast this weekend.