Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Ben Knight, Big Red

Discover what happens when a tough Queenslander meets his match via the Melbourne arts scene with funnyman Ben Knight.

Ben Knight Big Red Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

Observations on masculinity from the perspective of a ‘tough’ Queensland man, now making a living as a comedian/actor in the Melbourne arts scene.

WHAT TO SEE IF YOU DON’T LIKE STAND-UP COMEDY

NEWBIES AND RISING STARS TO WATCH

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

The last year has been very busy. I’ve acted in two Australian films; The Merger and Judy & Punch, touring my solo show around the country as well as being part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow.

Who should see your show, and why?

Anyone who likes to laugh and think.

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

You don’t have to tap off your Myki.

Also, try see two shows. Go see a big name and someone you haven’t heard of.

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

Damien Power, Luke Heggie, Dilruk Jayasinha and Geraldine Hickey. They’re absolute guns.

What are you expecting when you visit Melbourne this time?

I expect Melbourne to be between 3-53 degrees celsius.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

When I was teaching in a remote indigenous school in Guatemala I got food poisoning and began to write stupid songs while recovering.

So my comedic inspirations are black beans and gastro.

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

I used to be a teacher.

Interesting fun fact: ‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog’ is a pangram, meaning it contains every letter of the alphabet.

So does ‘Paul’s crazy ex wife Jackie needs to quit combing her beaver’ … I don’t teach Grade 3 anymore.

BEN KNIGHT, BIG RED, MARCH 28-APRIL 21, TRADES HALL MUSIC ROOM. BOOK TICKETS