Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Geraldine Hickey, Things Are Going Well

Geraldine Hickey sold out her comedy festival shows last year - and says this year’s show includes a joke so good that she took herself out for drinks after she wrote it.

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

This show is about recognising and appreciating the good things in life. You can expect to walk away with joy in your heart and a sore belly from laughing.

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

Since my last show I’ve continued doing ‘Breakfasters’ on RRR. Had a tiny role in How to Stay Married on Channel 10, nailed playing Rudolph for Sammy J’s Christmas Special on ABC and was also seen on The Channel 10 pilot Dave.

Also, because I sold out my season last year, I treated myself and went to Disneyland. I had a really good time.

Who should see your show, and why?

I sold out my season last year. I’m known for being a very good and captivating story teller and this show has got some ripper tales.

This show is about recognising and appreciating the joyful things in life

Geraldine Hickey.

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

Be an active listener, if something is funny make an effort to laugh out loud.

We can see your faces so be conscious of your resting bitch face.

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

Michael Williams - The Clip Art Cowboy.

When the worst mass shooting in modern US history happened Michael was across the road. That in itself is fascinating and I’m fascinated to see how he makes it a comedy show.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Birds. They’re pretty funny if you watch them long enough.

Once I saw a bird fall out of a tree, I thought it was drunk but it was just clumsy.

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

My show is pretty great and has a joke in it that is so good that I took myself out for drinks after I wrote it.

GERALDINE HICKEY, THINGS ARE GOING WELL, MARCH 27-APRIL 20, IMPERIAL HOTEL, BOURKE ST. BOOK TICKETS.

OUR REVIEW OF GERALDINE HICKEY, THINGS ARE GOING WELL

Rating: ★★★★

Reviewer: Patrick Horan

It’s a bold gambit in today’s anxiety-riddled stand-up landscape to talk how much you’re enjoying your life, but if anyone can get away with it the eminently likeable Geraldine Hickey surely can, and absolutely does.

It’s impossible to resist Hickey’s infectious childlike enthusiasm for trips to wildlife and theme parks but amid the frivolity there’s some fantastically sharp lines about Hickey’s newfound bourgeois concerns and a sneaky appeal to our better selves to have a sense of perspective and appreciate the good things we have, even if disaster can sometimes seem imminent.

On the evidence of this wonderfully sweet show that features some outstanding material (unlikely Christmas presents and an airport security routine are particular highlights), things are going superbly.

Geraldine Hickey, Things Are Going Well, until April 21. Imperial Hotel.