Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Liam Cross, Spanish Pantry: 1% Ivory

Discover what happens in a post apocalyptic world with a musical comedy that doesn’t shy away from being gross, says comedian Liam Cross, of Spanish Pantry.

Liam Cross Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

1% Ivory is something where you can’t really come in with expectations.

It a musical that dedicated to being absurd and nonsensical so it’s best to come into it with a clean palate

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If you’re new to MICF, tell us about you.

This is my first festival and I couldn’t be more excited.

I’ve been doing stand-up for a year and this is my first time writing and directing a show.

I’ve always loved comedy and I’ve always loved things that stand out and that aim to confuse and delight at the same time.

If I can bring some of that to the festival then I’ll be very happy.

Who should see your show, and why?

It’s an adult show so it’s best to keep the kids at home.

It doesn’t shy away from being a bit gross from time to time so maybe avoid it if you have a sensitive disposition.

Saying that, the show isn’t offensive.

There are no attempts to alienate any group and we want to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible.

Probably suited for a younger crowd, but saying that the show is in part inspired by an older generation of comedy like Monty Python so I really think it’s a show that most people could enjoy.

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

Book early.

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

Phil Wang is my top pick.

I want to see as many internationals as possible rather than local comics.

I’ll also be seeing any shows put on by friends in the scene that I want to support.

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

I’m not originally from Melbourne so it stands out because it’s so diverse in every sense. Even within the comedy scene there are so many different types of people enjoying and performing different styles of comedy.

There’s polished, clean comedy if you want to see it or there’s more edgy underground comedy.

There’s music, plays, sketches, improv and outside of comedy there’s even more going on. The number of events is insane.

The food is amazing and it’s so strange to see a place that is the culture, sport, fashion, music and comedy capital all rolled into one.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

It’s a long list.

I was brought up on classic English comedy so that’s my biggest influence.

American and Aussie comedy hasn’t always resonated with me.

Blackadder, Monty Python and Allo\Allo were the standout shows of my childhood and as I’ve grown up I think I’ve started following comics who either have a darker side or comics that maintain the silly stuff that remind me of when I was a kid.

Off the top of my head I really love Eddie Izzard, Dylan Moran, Sean Lock and Little Britain.

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

Out of so many shows at the festival, definitely go see the people who you wouldn’t get the chance to, like the big famous people, but I don’t know how many shows like mine there are. I’m 21, I’m doing it all out of my back pocket and I just want to make it a good show.

I’ve got a great venue, I’m proud of the script and I’ve tried to make it as weird and unique as possible so that it’s something people remember.

The comedy scene relies on people taking chances and if I have people support the show by coming to see it, then I’ll have even more reason to keep doing everything I can to give the comedy scene something different.

LIAM CROSS, SPANISH PANTRY, 1% IVORY, APRIL 11-21, THE JOINT, 35 ELIZABETH ST. BOOK TICKETS