Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Marcus Ryan, MARCOS

When you’ve spent 16 years doing stupid things and nearly being killed around the world, it’s time to share the laughs, says comedian Marcus Ryan.

Marcus Ryan Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

One hundred per cent true stories.

I’m not holding back this year.

I’ve done some things in my time and it’s time to let a few secrets out of the bag.

It’s basically a confessional.

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And I’m giving the audience an opportunity to confess to some sins also.

My last two shows have been strong storytelling shows about my travels, this one will expose all the horrible stuff that’s happened to me or that I’ve done that I was previously too scared to talk about.

My first experiences with porn, numerous arrests, drug smuggling and Thai brothels to name a few.

It’s the show I’ll find out whether or not my parents keep me in their will. I’m nervous.

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

I’m from Victoria but spend most of my time touring around the world.

I’m one of those weird ones who doesn’t have an accent but identifies more as being an international act.

Who should see your show, and why?

I appeal to a lot of Latinos and the travel community.

But this year I want all the criminals, ex-criminals, wannabe cartel bosses and police who don’t want to arrest me.

Fans of true crime and awkwardly hilarious travel stories will love it.

Probably not my mum and dad.

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

Arrive early.

Switch your phone off before the show starts.

If you know the performer, don’t contact them asking for details or free tickets.

They probably spent $5000 on putting the show on.

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

I’ll be seeking out good storytellers. Wil Anderson’s show last year was the best I’d seen in a while.

Bev Killick always cracks me up, too. You can’t not like her!

I want to try and see some acts I’ve never heard of, too.

Clowning and sketch are things I don’t come across often so it’s nice to experience alternative styles to my own.

What are you expecting from Melbourne?

I can’t wait to see my face on the side of a tram.

I’m not on a billboard, it’ll be up against the glass on the inside checking for inspectors. Ha.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Billy Connolly is the GOAT.

My Aunty Rose is a close second. She was the funniest woman I knew.

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

Yep, I’ve spent 16 years doing stupid things and nearly being killed around the world for your enjoyment. Please come.

If you’ve got a crime story to share, reach out to me on social media before hand.

Otherwise, come along, confess a sin and at the end of the show, you get to judge whether or not I should go to the good place or bad place.

MARCUS RYAN, MARCOS, APRIL 9-21, ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW, 96 BOURKE ST. BOOK TICKETS