Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Matt Fishwick, Free Improv Comedy at Woody’s

Free comedy doesn’t get any funnier than this with improvised fun from an ensemble of clever comics, says comedian Matt Fishwick.

Matt Fishwick Melbourne Comedy Festival.

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

Improvised fun, and lots of it.

Every night there’ll be a storyteller who will tell true life tales based on a word or question offered by the audience.

I’m part of an ensemble that will then use these stories as a jumping off point for improvised scenes.

Plus, we’ll have a guest act or two.

And best of all, it’s free.

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

I’ve lived in Melbourne for four years, and this is my third Comedy Festival in a row.

Since I was last at the festival, I’ve continued to do improvised comedy every week.

The group I’m part of does regular shows at Woody’s in Collingwood on Thursdays and at The Kodiak Club in Fitzroy on Sundays.

It’s a lot of fun and I love performing with my group.

Who should see your show, and why?

Do you live in Collingwood or surrounding and want a festival experience on your doorstep? Come see us.

Do you want to see a variety of premiere acts showcasing their stuff? Come see us.

Do you want two hours of good times every Thursday? Come see us. (We’ll be there every Thursday throughout the rest of the year.)

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

Close your eyes, open your comedy guide to a random page, and put your finger on the page. Open your eyes and wherever your finger lands, go see that show.

I’ve seen some amazing shows that way, such as The Quiet Achievers in 2015.

They remain one of my favourite acts of all time.

Take a flyer from outside the Town Hall, and go see someone you’ve never heard of.

Pick something weird and wonderful.

Go see a show outside the main hubs.

Try seeing some shows at Kicks on Elizabeth Street, or at The Butterfly Club off Little Collins.

There’s such a vibrant comedy community here in Melbourne.

Remember that Melbourne comedy continues long after the festival ends.

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

I saw a brief preview of Ross Purdy’s show. It was so weirdly wonderful, I’m really looking forward to seeing the full thing.

Late Night Party Boys (Purdy and Damien Vosk) always put on a mad show, and I’m looking forward to seeing Rebel Without Applause.

David Tieck was part of an amazing show last year (Two Little Dheads with Sharnema Nougar) and this year he’s putting his big cuddly self into a solo show What Would Bill Murray Do?

Sharnema is performing with Fringe Wives, and you should definitely check them out, too.

Plus, I’m excited for the other show I’m performing in: Improv Attacks Humanity.

We play four rounds of Cards Against Humanity with the audience and use the best answers to inspire improv comedy. We’re on every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Kicks in the CBD at 10.30pm.

What do you love about Melbourne?

Melbourne people are lovely and friendly.

The tram network is amazing — such a difference to the public transport in northern England where I came from. I love living here.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

John Candy. He was such a talented guy.

I grew up watching all his films when I was little, renting them from the local video store (VHS forever).

My favourite film of all time is Planes, Trains and Automobiles. He and Steve Martin had such great chemistry.

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

I wear glasses, both in the show and in real life.

I’ll be flyering at Town Hall, come say hi.

Come and see me for show recommendations, too.

Also, if you’ve seen a show that you love, tell me, so I can go see it, too.

Have the best time, go see some funny stuff, and tell your friends about it.

Word of mouth is great for us.

MATT FISHWICK, IMPROV AT THE PIT: FREE IMPROV COMEDY @ WOODY’S, MARCH 28-APRIL 18, WOODY’S UPSTAIRS AT FORRESTERS, 64 SMITH ST. BOOK TICKETS