Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Mark Gambino, The Return of Grazie Fibonacci

Prepare for an interrogation of modern life that offers a brave departure from traditional sketch and a rocket-ride into madness and beyond, says comedian Mark Gambino.

Mark Gambino Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

My show has so, so much. Along with an Italian cruise ship lounge singer stuck in Hell, there’s a pilot who’s over his job, a soccer ref who doesn’t speak, a hipster radio DJ, the most amazing movie trailer ever and the Devil.

What’s not to love?

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

I’ve actually been performing in Melbourne, and around Australia and the world as an improviser and comedian for close to 20 years.

My first solo show comes at the age of 43 because I’ve now made all my mistakes in life and no one can destroy me on Twitter anymore.

Who should see your show, and why?

The Return of Grazie Fibonacci is for anyone with a slightly twisted view of life, which is twisted anyway, which means you’re really seeing things as they are.

It’s packed with laughs, a little pathos, a touch of horror and a whole lotta laughs.

Did I say that already?

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

If you usually only see a big headline act, grab a ticket for a smaller independent artist as well.

They may be unheard of or still emerging, but if they have the talent, skill and determination to stick with it, you may just be witnessing the birth of a star.

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

Maria Bamford, Nazeem Hussain, Zoe Combs Marr, Clara Cupcakes, David O’Doherty, Isabella Valette, Dave Massingham, Amy Cunningham, Bella Green, Cassie Workman, Andrew McClelland, Neal Portenza, Fran Middleton and Ben Russell.

Why? Their acts don’t revolve around the theme, ‘I’m a white male and here are my problems’.

What do you love about Melbourne?

I live here, so my advice is always the same … go drink coffee down a laneway (in a cafe, not just lurking in the shadows), or climb some stairs to a rooftop bar, or ask someone for directions (I\ve been told we’re usually friendly), or see six shows a night.

The world is your oyster.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Maria Bamford has been a BIG inspiration for my show.

Her fearless approach to material and delivery, as well as her courage to tackle issues like gender roles and mental health, give her sets an electric energetic quality of risk and surprise. If I can harness a 10th of her approach, I will be a happy camper.

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

If you see me on the street, don’t be afraid to come up and say ‘hi’.

But only that one word.

MARK GAMBINO, THE RETURN OF GRAZIE FIBONACCI, APRIL 15-21, TASMA TERRACE, 6 PARLIAMENT PLACE. BOOK TICKETS