Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Jacqueline Mifsud, Perfect

If you’re single and looking for love or just want to laugh at others who are, this show is Perfect for you, says comedian Jacqueline Mifsud.

Jacqueline Mifsud Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

Some gosh darn silly fun with a lot of heart.

I’ll make you fall in love with me then I’ll break your heart but then I’ll make it better and we’ll all be OK.

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

Well, heck! After MICF 2018 I slept through most of May and tottered off to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the first time and made people laugh and quite seriously made a few audience members cry — it turns out no one likes dead dog stories no matter how bizarre they are.

I sauntered over to Paris, which was my home for four years in my 20s and had a very fun time.

Upon my return to Melbourne I had to move out of my flat because my neighbour got back on the gear and went loopy so I house sat for my parents from September to November and started writing my brand new solo Perfect.

I was looking after my 14-year-old cat and spent most of my money on her dental bills.

The vet asked if I wanted to keep the four teeth they extracted and I said … no thank you.

On Christmas Day I cried because everyone wanted to watch Love Actually and it made me sad because I was the only single person at lunch, then I yelled about how no one understands what it’s like to be me, which was wonderfully dramatic.

I swam over to Hobart in January for the Fringe at the Edge of the World Festival and ended up winning ‘Best of the Fest’.

I’m still not entirely sure what it means but I’m very happy about it.

I’ve been pretty much working on my show constantly and hosting my radio drive show ‘Jacq and Dene’ on JOY 94.9.

In March I’ll be travelling to New Zealand for The New Zealand Fringe and then straight back into my run at MICF.

Who should see your show, and why?

My show is for anyone who’s had a s--t run at dating and relationships.

Who hates all the disingenuous apps and refuses to be ‘anyone’ while searching for ‘someone’.

Being single in your 30s is a tricky time, there’s a lot of pressure and expectations and the timer on your uterus is about go off.

It’s easy to feel like you’re behind the eight ball.

The other day I saw a fully grown man blow his nose on the inside of his shirt and I thought: ‘You know what? I’m actually doing OK!’

And for anyone who enjoys obscure references and maths puns.

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

Be respectful. Don’t eat during a show.

Do not leave to go to the bar to get another drink during a show (real thing that happened to me).

Don’t roll a joint during a show (yep, that also happened).

Don’t speak during the show, it’s not about you, we haven’t worked hard to painfully craft our show and timing for you to interject because you think you’ve got a baffling, elated self of importance.

If you like a show, tell EVERYONE.

Tweet and Post about it everywhere using the comedian’s social media tags. It really helps.

Umm. drink lots of water but not too much that you’ll have to piddle during a show.

Go see someone you haven’t heard of. There are so many talented acts out there.

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

Oh dear, there are so many:

Annie Louey — Before I Forget.

Sonia Di Iorio — Glory Box.

Kirsty Webeck — Chipper.

Rohan Ganju — Ganju dig it?

I’ve got tickets to Maria Bamford and I’m absolutely stoked.

What do you love about Melbourne?

Not to be a cliched w--ker, but I’ve travelled a lot and still believe that Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world.

I love our restaurant and cafe culture and our funky lil’ laneways and street art.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Hmmm, a combo of things.

I grew up watching a lot of British Comedy like Blackadder and Monty Python, which is probably why I like my comedy silly and witty.

I also love/d Lucille Ball — she’s hilarious and her physicality is incredible

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

Everyone needs to know that I speak French, it helps me justify not having a house or a car or a partner.

My show involves me reading old love letters from my exes they are very personal and funny.

Almost everything gives me a rash.

JACQUELINE MIFSUD, PERFECT, MARCH 26-APRIL 27, GLOBE ALLEY (FORMERLY BELLEVILLE), GLOBE ALLEY. BOOK TICKETS