Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Blake Everett, Greatest Hit(s)

See Blake Everett master the art of turning personal tragedy into public comedy.

Blake Everett Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

They can expect comedy.

A lot of people forget to include comedy in their comedy festival shows, but for me, it’s priority number one.

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People often leave my comedy shows saying something similar to “well, you can’t deny it, that definitely was a comedy show” — and what more could I ask for?

My show is a unique blend of stand-up, sketch and musical comedy.

Also, despite the show being called Greatest Hit(s), do not expect greatest hits — that is simply an example of my comedy prowess.

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

This is my fourth comedy festival show following Ready Since I Was Five, King of Nothing and Unknown Comedian, respectively.

Since my previous show I have aged, thanks to the social construct of time, I am now 21. I have been busy running my own children’s theatre company, Playhouse Pantomimes, where I act, write and direct in shows every school holiday period.

Less (or more?) excitingly, I have also become a big fan of afternoon naps. Finally, I’ve been working on this new show just for you, and I can’t wait for you to see it.

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

Anyone who can afford a ticket (Blake maniacally laughs for two minutes), but seriously, I’d say my comedy stylings are surprisingly palatable.

My show’s a bit silly, and a bit rude, yet I’m often amazed at the varying demographic of audience members who enjoy my comedy; from late teens to pensioners, from mums (lots of mums) to … umm … famous people, such as, (insert your favourite celebrity). I know! I can’t believe it either. High praise, ey?

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

Take a risk. For example, flick to a random page in the festival guide, let’s say page 38, and randomly decide to see the show in the top left-hand corner of the page — book tickets to that show. If you don’t have the festival guide, but you do have access to the festival website, randomly type in a sequence of letters into the search bar, maybe something random like Blake Everett — Greatest Hit(s) and press enter — book tickets to the show … Or just skip this, and book ticket to my show, that’s the tip. Thanks.

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

Greatest Hit(s), whilst being a collection of comedic bits, is also my most personal show to date. In 2016 I was ‘king hit’ out the front of a Frankston cinema (hence the title). This show has been in the metaphorical comedy oven for a while as I pondered the best way to tell my story and how to turn a personal tragedy into public comedy. Shakespeare mastered it, now it’s my turn.

BLAKE EVERETT, GREATEST HIT(S), MARCH 26-31,Tasma Terrace, 6 Parliament Pl. BOOK TICKETS.