Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Alex Ward, No Flirting

Hate boring office small talk? This is the show you should take your most annoying small talker colleague to, says Alex Ward.

Alex Ward returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2019.

What can people expect from your show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?

You can expect to see someone not currently living in the ’90s say “deal with it” (warning: you may not deal).

You also get to see a screen capture of my phone.

What was my battery life on October 30? You’ll have to come to find out ... you won’t believe the answer!

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What have you been up to since last time you were here?

I’ve been up to heaps OK?!

I recently bought a VPN which means I can download shows from anywhere in the world ... if you’re a cop reading this I’m just kidding HAHA!

I have also been writing at Network Ten’s The Project as well as doing stand-up on ABC.

Spruik it! Who should see your show, and why?

A part of the show is about bad small talk.

I reckon YOU should see my show so you can bring your annoying co-worker who always makes boring weather chat and when I do the joke, point them out.

I’ll then look them dead in the eyes and not speak for one whole minute.

Alex Ward.

What’s your No.1 tip for people coming to see a show at the comedy festival?

Probably best to go with a frosted tip. Any other hair tips aren’t as good as frosted tips. Sit in the front row, point it out to the comedian, OWN IT!

Which other comedians/shows are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?

I’m gonna recommend some Melbourne mates who I think are very funny, because what are friends for?

I suggest Peter Jones, Luka Muller, Sonia Di Iorio, Ben Russell and Nick Capper.

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

When I moved from Brisbane I was surprised by how nice Melbourne people are.

It’s weird because everyone wears black and they look like witches and yet they will stop to help you when you’re lost or pretending to be lost to get attention.

I call it the black magic of Melbourne.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

One time I had to have surgery on my butt and then sit on a pillow at school for two months.

It was technically a tail bone operation but try explaining that a bunch of 15-year-olds.

They called me broken butt and boy did they laugh.

Anyway, back to the question.

My inspirations are Tig Notaro, John Mulaney and The Office (the Britsh one).

Anything else you want us to know about you or your show?

A reviewer recently described me as “neurotic yet charming”.

So, I guess if you’re ready to fall in love with me, come along!

ALEX WARD, NO FLIRTING, MARCH 28-APRIL 21, TRADES HALL - ARCHIVE ROOM. BOOK TICKETS.