Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Judy Stutz

Directed by MICF comic stalwart Greg Fleet, this funny series of stories will help you survive a civil war in Kazakhstan, says comedy newcomer Judy Stutz.

Judy Stutz Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

It’s a show introduced and directed by Greg Fleet.

Made up of five stories, we are hoping it takes people on an emotional journey.

So far the people who have seen it have responded with laughter and tears.

If we can keep audiences on that path, we will be thrilled.

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Tell us about you.

This is my first MICF show and Fleety’s 32nd. So we are both old hands and brand new. Since last years MICF, Fleety has had a novel, The Good Son, published by Penguin and he is hoping to adapt it as a six-part TV series.

We have been working together intensely on this show for months and are extremely proud of it.

Who should see your show, and why?

Anyone who has ever been in love or ended up in the middle of a revolutionary war in the former Soviet Union will relate to the show.

It also deals with crocodiles, skydiving and heartbreaking loss. The usual comedy fare.

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

Drop all preconceived notions of what comedy is or what you are going to see.

Put yourself in the hands of the comedians and trust them to keep you entertained for an hour. Go on, we dare you!

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

We both feel that the best way to enjoy the festival is to see a mix of well known established comics and brand new people that you’ve never heard of.

Today’s unknown comic is tomorrow’s Judith Lucy or Wil Anderson.

Taking a chance on an unknown performer is exciting.

What do you love about Melbourne?

The best thing about Melbourne is Greg Fleet, followed closely by Judy Stutz and the MCG.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

One of my inspirations is Fleety and it has been fascinating to work so closely with someone who has been doing comedy for longer than some comics have been alive.
I have learned a lot in these last months.

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

Just see it! The trial shows have been making audiences laugh and cry in all the places we want them to.

Come and see how much of it is brand new to you and how much of it makes you think, ‘Wow I’ve had that exact experience!’

JUDY STUTZ, DRINKING WITH THE CIA, MARCH 27-APRIL 20, BASEMENT CAFE, SHOP 43, 350 LA TROBE ST. BOOK TICKETS