Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Jayden Masciulli, A Very Merry Blimpmas

It may be almost Easter, but it’s never too early to celebrate all things festive with a full-blown Christmas spectacular in April, says comedian Jayden Masciulli.

Jayden Masciulli, A Very Merry Blimpmas.

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

Tiana, Caitlyn and Jayden were shamed and disgraced after a scandalous performance at their local Carols By Candlelight last year.

But after a summer-long ban from the town amphitheatre, they’re back.

AUSSIE COMEDIANS TO SEE THIS YEAR

WHAT TO SEE IF YOU DON’T LIKE STAND-UP COMEDY

They’re ready to rewrite the wrongs of 2018 and put on their own festive concert, full of incredible carols, outrageous choreography, silly sketches, special guests and a whole lot of tinsel.

It’s a full-blown Christmas spectacular. In April.

Exactly when you need it — after all, there’s no better time than Easter to make you realise how much you miss Christmas.

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

Hit By A Blimp have been making comedy together since 2016.

Our nostalgia-fuelled debut hour Who We Were played to rave reviews at Melbourne Fringe, and our follow-up I’m Here was nominated for Best Comedy at Melbourne Fringe 2017.

A Very Merry Blimpmas is our third sketch show and our second comedy festival together, and we’re so excited to bring our signature brand of relatable, heartfelt comedy to a whole new audience.

But this time there’s about 800 per cent more singing and dancing.

Who should see your show, and why?

You like musical comedy? We gotcha.

You hate musical comedy? Don’t worry, there’s some actual sketches and dialogue in here, too.

Love Christmas? Get on down here!

Hate Christmas? There’s something for you, too!

Are you a living, breathing human? You’ll love this show.

But seriously, if you’re into fun, silly comedy with a healthy dose of heart, then come join us for our bananas take on Carols By Candlelight.

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

Take a punt on something new.

Comedians put an insane number of hours, hard work and prop purchases into their shows, and they’d love for some new audiences to experience what they’ve worked tirelessly on. There’s such a huge scene of talented artists in Melbourne, and they’re putting on incredible shows that aren’t just one dude behind a mic doing stand-up.

Take a risk, see something weird — that’s where the magic of comedy festival is.

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

We’ve got a tonne of hilarious friends putting on shows and here are just a few we’d recommend — Paradise! By Cool & Smart, Bella Green Is Charging For It, Here Come The Blues by Fiannah De Rue, Umm, And by Josh Chodziesner, It’s Talkie Time with Jackie Lime, Sweet Potatoes — it’s so many.

Also go see some improv at The Improv Conspiracy, that’s where we’ve all cut our teeth.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

We’re inspired by all sorts of things, but our biggest influences making this show were Steen Raskopoulos and Two Hearts.

We admire their heartstring-pulling characters and solid choreography, respectively!

Outside of the festival, we love an array of people.

JAYDEN MASCIULLI, A VERY MERRY BLIMPMAS, MARCH 28—APRIL 7, TRADES HALL, BOOK TICKETS