Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Amy Hetherington, Where They Hide The Crazy

Amy Hetherington invites you to embrace your inner crazy and find out how they do it in the Top End.

Amy Hetherington, Where They Hide The Crazy

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

I’m really excited to share a bit of Darwin’s craziness with the rest of Australia.

There’s this joke that people move to the NT to escape things they’ve done in the past… but I’m beginning to realise it’s not just a saying.

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Some of the weirdest things happen in Darwin and to survive you’ve just got to laugh.

This show talks about that craziness and how we, as human beings, try to hide our craziness instead of embracing it.

It’s a bit of silly, over-sharing stand-up for anyone that likes a good story.

Tell us what you’ve been up to since last time you were here.

Since my last MICF show I have been working on new material from Darwin.

This has included a lot of support slots for touring acts like Akmal, Fiona O’Loughlin and Glenn Robbins. My 2019 tour has resulted in sold out shows in Darwin, at the Albany Arts Festival, Perth FRINGWORLD and Adelaide Fringe.

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

Where They Hide The Crazy examines the almost mythological stories that trickle down through to the southern states from The Top End.

Where the NT News has become infamous for its front pages, I dive deeper in uncovering this beautiful craziness.

The show is ideal for anyone who has lived in or visited the NT or laughs at the NT News.

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

Pick something you wouldn’t get a chance to see otherwise.

What a beautiful time to see comedy in Melbourne.

There’s people from all over the world and all over the country.

Take a punt. Best part is, if it’s a great show you win, and if it’s not so great you have something to talk about for ages.

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

Kirsty Webeck: Chipper. Kirsty and I did an week-long NT tour in the desert and didn’t kill each other.

She is delightful. A radiant ball of sunshine and wit and fun.

Lewis Garnham: You Can’t Always Get What You Want.

This kid is a genius. So smart, so chilled and so surprising.

He was nominated for best newcomer last year and a bunch of other well-deserved awards. It’s going to be a super reflective, maybe bleak, but hilarious show.

Don’t miss it!

Get Sweaty with Cheryl and Chardee. Is there a better export from South Australia than a pair of 1980s aerobics enthusiastics who drink a lot of white wine? Yeah I didn’t think so.

These ladies are absurd and empowering, hilarious and shiny.

Emily Tresidder: Just Doing It.

Watching Emily do comedy you can’t help but think ‘geez, I wish you were my best friend’. She’s independent and sassy and fiery and on point.

I can’t wait to see this show after seeing her in 2017.

Bart Freebairn: Believe in Yourself.

I doubt Bart knows who I am but I’m a massive fan and like all of his social media posts.

I saw his show a few years ago and find myself quoting him all the time.

Epically relatable, incredible controlled and just ‘mwah’ (kisses air in appreciation).

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

I love Melbourne, it is legitimately so cool. We don’t have the fancy food and coffee and culture in Darwin so I always feel fancy visiting the beautiful city. It’s like an aspirational place for me. One day we’ll be cool enough (although probably not with the weather). Comedy audiences are also great in Melbourne, they don’t throw things like in Darwin.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

I love that stand-up comedy gives you an opportunity to distract people for 50mins-1 hour. The time they’re in the show they get to laugh and forget about stress and problems. It’s a real privilege and I think that’s the inspiration.

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

2019 Weekly Comedy Award Winner Adelaide Fringe.

Amy Hetherington, Where They Hide The Crazy, MARCH 27-APRIL 7, IMPERIAL HOTEL, BOURKE ST. BOOK TICKETS.