Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: James Roque, Boy Mestizo

Get ready to find out what makes Kiwi-Filipino comedian James Roque tick as he unpacks his baggage for laughs.

James Roque Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

A lot of ‘too real’ laughs from a Filipino-Kiwi boy on a quest to decolonise his mind.

What have you been up to?

I’ve been in New Zealand waving the Filipino flag hard in the Comedy industry on TV and onstage.

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Also, I worked on a comedy TV show that ended after seven years on air (RIP).

Who should see your show, and why?

Anyone who’s ever been like ‘wonder what the film Eat Pray Love would be like if it was a Filipino dude going back to his homeland to find his roots instead of a white lady?’

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

Be generous with your laugh.

Don’t be holding it in like a selfish person when you find something funny. We need that.

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

Tom Walker and Sam Campbell because they’re nuts and the complete opposite of what I do, but I love their work.

What do you love about Melbourne?

I’m always fascinated by how strange people are when riding trams.

It’s like there’s something in the air in those things that makes you automatically strange.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

My culture and heritage — having two different perspectives has been the biggest advantage I’ve had as a comedian.

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

Nah, enough about me. How are you?

JAMES ROQUE, BOY MESTIZO, APRIL 8-21, TASMA TERRACE 2, 6 PARLIAMENT PLACE. BOOK TICKETS