This year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival is a family affair for the McLeish's as 21-year-old emerging director Finn McLeish makes her directorial debut, guiding her father—renowned stage and screen performer Mike McLeish—in his brand-new solo show, Pensive Like a Fox.
Finn, raised in a home steeped in creativity, was a toddler when her father began performing stand-up in 2004. Two decades later, she finds herself shaping his latest work—this time from the director's chair.
What began as a casual post-trial-show coffee quickly evolved into a full-blown creative partnership, which Mike, best known for his iconic turn as the titular role in Keating! The Musical, is proud to shout from the rooftops.
"It's a weird and wonderful thing to work with your own kid. Especially when that kid isn't a kid anymore and is already smarter than you. I might be the parent, but for the time being, she's the boss."
Finn, who has built a solid foundation working in stage management for respected companies like Red Stitch Actors' Theatre and Melbourne Theatre Company, is receiving praise from the critics.
"I suspect the younger McLeish may have had a hand in the narrative structure… there's certainly a flavour of a young person's sensibility. I will be very interested in her next projects and, if she remains in the comedy cabaret scene, how she will continue bringing something new to the table." – Theatre Travels
Pensive Like a Fox is a celebration of creativity across generations. The show bears the signature wit and heart that Mike McLeish has become known for—but with an added layer of nuance under Finn's influence. It is also a clear signal that Finn McLeish is a name to watch in Melbourne's vibrant arts scene.
This is the final week (last show is April 20) to catch Pensive Like a Fox as part of the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, on 7pm nightly at The Butterfly Club.
Key Facts:
Emerging director, 21-year-old Finn McLeish makes her directorial debut during the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Screen and stage star, her dad, Mike McLeish, has a brand-new solo show, Pensive Like a Fox
Mike is best known for his iconic turn as the titular role in Keating! The Musical
This is the final week (last show is April 20) to catch Pensive Like a Fox as part of the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, on 7pm nightly at The Butterfly Club
