Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Martin Dunlop, Small Tales Of Little Mercy

A bit of ol’ time story-telling might just save your soul, says the Reverend Martin Dunlop.

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

The high whine of cicadas, the ravens ever-circling above row upon row of corn and this heat, my god, this heat.

My producer is indicating they should also expect sketch comedy set in a silly version of the American south.

BRITISH AND IRISH COMEDIANS TO SEE THIS YEAR

TOP COMICS REVEAL THEIR FAVOURITE COMEDIANS

If you’re new to MICF, tell us about you. If not, tell us what you’ve been up to since last time you were here.

I’ve been rolling in fevered delirium in an empty hotel room, filthy feet bare as the floorboards beneath them, only rising to scrawl another idea for the show in charcoal on the wall.

Spruik it! Who should see your show, and why?

Anyone who likes dumb theatrical comedy with literary pretensions, people who like ‘80s British sitcoms like Blackadder, and not the French.

They should see it because they’ll laugh.

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

Ask your comedian if they’d prefer to be paid in food than money, and bring tupperware with some sort of chicken and rice dish in case they’d prefer the former.

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

Maria Bamford. Also Chimp Cop. Also Lauren Bok. Also Magma will be great.

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

Melbourne is a city of great ambition ...but would that ambition drive it to murder? And can we take that risk?

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

My greatest comedic inspiration is probably Peter Cook, who’s an old British comedian who is long dead But he was here when the comedy festival started and the bar in the town hall is named after him, so it’s relevant.

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

I’d like people to come because I’ve spent a fortune on a puppet.

Martin Dunlop, Small Tales Of Little Mercy, APRIL 12-21, The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Pl.BOOK TICKETS.