Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Felix Castaner, Son of a Bitch

This mum and son have teamed up to take you through the funny journey of the mum/son relationship.

Felix Castaner, Son of a Bitch

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

Felix: A journey through the mother son relationship that will make you laugh and also want to tear your hair out in frustration.

Helen Breier (Felix’s mum): A quirky expose of intergenerational angst or at least the most common causes of family fights.

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

Felix: I’m a bartender most nights and I do stand-up when I can.

In between that I’m also trying to get a band started and get my P plates so I’m pretty busy!

I enjoy having a few beers with my friends on the occasion that I have a Friday night off.

Helen: Well… I’ve had a career in stockbroking, financial advice and most interestingly, superannuation.

But I always wanted to be was a comedian.

I can’t watch comedy because I want to be on the stage myself.

I was always lacking material… that was until my son lived my dream, became an actor and wrote me into his show!

At least I think he did. It’s no Oedipus complex though.

Who should see your show, and why?

Felix: Mothers and sons! I think they’ll get the most out of this because that’s the perspective it’s written from, but I think everyone can get something out of this show, it’s comedy and if you like to laugh then it’s for you, aunties, uncles, fathers, everyone!

Helen: Any offspring of a mother and any mother of an offspring.

But the barren should not be put off — they may be relieved to see what they have missed!

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

Felix: The thing to do is go and see a big name, and then take a punt on someone you don’t know. The smaller performers, like me, just love an audience, it’s really nice. And if you see a comedian you don’t know just be open to a new experience, even if it doesn’t make you laugh, just be receptive and be a good audience member.

Helen: Choose your show companions wisely. Don’t go with your kids, and kids, don’t go with your parents!

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

Felix: I’ve heard of a show called The Illegitimate Love Children of Bob Downe and Magda Szubanski. It’s by brother-sister duo Steph and Dan Teitelbaum so, like us, they’re also a comedic family double.

Other than that I want to see Breast of the Fest, Double Denim, Ben Russell, Matt Stewart, and the live Do Go On podcast, Emily Tresidder, and so many more!

I just hope I can get enough nights off work.

Helen: I’ll probably go and see obscure newcomers and Judith Lucy Vs Men.

What do you love about Melbourne?

Felix: I’ve lived in Melbourne my whole life, I really like this city. We have a very vibrant night life, there’s plenty of good bars and pubs to hang out in before and after shows, and they’re all really close to each other.

There’s always something to do, get a bike and ride through Melbourne Uni on your way into the city, the Comedy Fest kicks off just as autumn is starting so it’s the perfect time of year to have pint of Guinness I reckon, just go for a wander have an explore.

Helen: I’m so lucky to live in Melbourne — it’s the best. So much going on. Heaps of comedy, music venues and far too much food.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Felix: I grew up watching people like Lano & Woodley, Cal Wilson, anyone who was on Spicks and Specks or Good News Week. my introduction to stand-up comedy was Dylan Moran. I was only 12 so I didn’t quite understand a lot of the jokes but he made me laugh.

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

Felix: Just that we put a lot of work into it. It’s our first Comedy Fest and it hopefully won’t be my last. This has been a huge learning experience for me but I also wrote the show for Mum, and even though we fight in rehearsals, I can tell she really enjoys being on the stage and having the spotlight and I’m glad she got to have that opportunity, it goes to show that you can still do the things you’ve always wanted. Even when you’re 60 you can debut a show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Helen: This is a follow up to the show we did at Fringe and have developed it since then so really looking forward to being back on stage and having fun.

Maybe this time I’ll be discovered by a talent scout… Oh yeah and maybe my son also.

FELIX CASTANER, SON OF A BITCH, MARCH 26-31, THE BUTTERFLY LOUNGE DOWNSTAIRS, BOOK TICKETS