Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: George Dimarelos, A Booklover’s Comedy Show

Despite the name, Melbourne-based comedian George Dimarelos assures us his comedic ode to literature is far from snooty.

George Dimarelos, A Booklover's Comedy Show

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

To have a great time while seeing a variety of acts perform, the show has received rave reviews both here and internationally so it’s perfect for people who want to taste a few different comedic styles before deciding what they want to see.

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

Too much to cover in one short paragraph.

Working, mainly. Also went to Edinburgh and performed around the UK.

Oh and tried to learn and quickly gave up learning Spanish, that was a crazy week.

Ok turns out I haven’t done as much in the last year as I thought.

Who should see your show, and why?

It’s a show for anyone who likes the idea of some clever jokes.

It isn’t a snooty show where you need to know the plot of Moby Dick, it’s a show for everyone. Basically if you thought Harry Potter was better as a book than a movie you’ll have a great time.

Plus the variety of acts mean you get to see a lot of different styles to help decide who you want to see doing a full hour.

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

Have one or two drinks but not more. Tipsy comedy audiences are the most fun — we want you relaxed enough to laugh in all the right places but sober enough to appreciate a good gag and not feel the need to loudly tell the person next to you “that’s funny”.

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

Once the festival starts you hear about the shows which are “can’t miss” but for now I’m looking forward to international names like James Acaster and Daniel Kitson, who are both brilliant. For Australians I can’t get enough of Felicity Ward and Rhys Nicholson.

What stands out to you about Melbourne and/or its people?

This is my hometown but every festival I spend far more time in the city than usual going to different gigs and watching shows, it really helps me appreciate how busy our city is.

You know there’s stuff on all over Melbourne every night? Don’t those people have jobs?! It’s amazing how alive Melbourne is at all times of the day and night.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

My older brother, he’s the one I always played up to and tried to make laugh until I had him in tears laughing. All I’ve done ever since is chase that high with audiences.

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

People seem to worry that the show is snooty because of the title (or at least that’s what it seemed like in uncouth Adelaide) but it really is for everyone who appreciates a bit of wit in their jokes or might like some fresh insight into erotic fiction!

GEORGE DIMARELOS, A BOOKLOVER’S COMEDY SHOW, APRIL 8-21, TASMA TERRACE 2, BOOK TICKETS