Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Emily Weir, Everyone Needs Therapy

If the thought of audience participation at comedy shows leaves you in a cold sweat, this is the show for you.

Emily Weir Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

At a basic level, they can expect two young women with fringes and bobs talking about their feelings.

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They can expect a lot of laughter and to learn something about complex mental illnesses. And how we all get through the day and survive, even when things are tough.

They can also expect to hear at least one song (written by Weir).

If you’re new to MICF, tell us about you.

We’re two young comedians who aren’t satisfied to do a good performance. We want to do a performance that helps people!

We’re both psychology students. And we’re both very funny.

We want to make a lot of noise about an issue very close to our hearts.

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

This show is great for people who suffer from mental illness or for anyone who has a loved one who does.

It is carefully constructed to not be too confronting, but to be challenging at the same time. Anyone who likes bizarre, absurdist comedy (stuff like The Mighty Boosh) will feel right at home. People who like conventional stand-up will find a new home. And anyone who is new to this whole comedy scene will feel delightfully welcomed.

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

Go beyond the big name comedians.

People like us cost less and you can get to say “I saw them years ago” when we’re big and famous. Which we very well could be.

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

We will be watching our friends Taco Kuiper, Paul Noodle PhD, and Three Guards at Manus Island.

And everything else. We do not plan to sleep much during the festival.

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

Melbourne’s home for us, so we’re expecting the usual. We’re expecting to spend quite a bit of time drinking 7Eleven coffee from KeepCups.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

I love Dr Phil. I wanted him to come to the show. 

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

If you get scared about audience participation, this show is perfect for you. We have an opt-in sticker system so nobody who just wants a quiet night of laughs ends up on stage feeling uncomfortable.

EMILY WEIR (WILLIAMSON AND WEIR), APRIL 8-21, TASMA TERRACE, 6 PARLIAMENT PL. BOOK TICKETS.