Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Lizzy Hoo, Hoo am I? What’s my name?

Comedian Lizzy Hoo has embraced her mixed recipe background for a funny poke at growing up part Asian.

Lizzy Hoo, What's my name?

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

I’m going to use this show to make fun of my family.

I’ll also talk about dating white guys, shark victims, KeepCups, identity and being a woman in my 30s.

There will be a healthy dose of lols sprinkled with a little cynicism and a couple of truth sandwiches.

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Tell us about you.

This is my first MICF.

I’m so excited to be performing my debut show at one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world.

I’m a Sydney-based comedian (originally from Brisbane).

I made the NSW Raw Comedy State Finals in 2017 and a year later was invited to perform at Just For Laughs Sydney at the Opera House.

Who should see your show, and why?

Anyone can come to this show.

My comedy has a fairly broad appeal.

But if you have a mixed race family, are an Asian woman dating a white guy, have ethnic parents and/or are sick of your friends talking about renovations and property prices you might find this show particularly relatable.

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

Laugh. You’re not watching television, you’re at a live comedy show.

And keep an open mind.

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

Maria Bamford — she’s a comedy hero and one of the best.

Michelle Wolf — she’s so brutal and I love her.

Phil Wang — we’re the same recipe.

He has a white mum and a Malaysian Chinese father. I find him very relatable.

Fern Brady — she’s so honest and upfront.

I’ve never see her live but I think she’ll be awesome.

What do you love about Melbourne?

Everyone is really cool.

If you want to fit in wear black everything with some spectacles.

It’s so flat so it’s easy to get around on a bike.

If you want to get a coffee order a “batch brew” — you might not like it, but you’ll look cool.

Melbourne is all about being effortlessly cool.

Go and watch an AFL game in between some comedy.

Victorians are mad for it.

I’ll be watching my niece and nephew’s teams — the Preston Bullants!

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Ali Wong. She’s my hero.

I remember watching her stand up and thinking HOLY %$&^%, this is my life.

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

If you’re looking to take a punt on someone you don’t know, pick me.

If you’re cheap, I have a preview show and I have tickets available as part of Tightarse Tuesdays.

LIZZY HOO, HOO AM I (WHAT’S MY NAME?), MARCH 28-APRIL 7, MANTRA ON RUSSELL, MANTRA TWO, 222 RUSSELL ST. BOOK TICKETS