Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Matt Harvey, I Got Bit by a Monkey Once …

Forget life’s troubles with a show based on five funny yarns, including a monkey bite and a long bus trip across America, says comedian Matt Harvey.

Matt Harvey I got Bit by a Monkey Once Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

I Got Bit by a Monkey once is a comedic storytelling show.

It centres around five stories: a monkey bite, a long bus trip across America, a fire, an arrest and a mugging.

At the heart of these disparate stories is schadenfreude.

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Life can be tough, come laugh at my stupidity and forget life’s troubles for an hour.

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

I have been touring Australia performing in most every state, Fringeworld in Perth, Adelaide Fringe, Fringe at the edge of the world in Tasmania, and doing gigs in other states.

Who should see your show, and why?

The show is for most ages, 16-80. Above 80 will likely enjoy it, too, but they probably don’t have time for my nonsense.

Somewhere in the show will be a story that speaks to you (no children though, whatever you do, do not bring the children).

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

Don’t be afraid to take a chance.

Unknown acts only become known acts when people see them.

It can be a gamble, but let’s be honest you will talk about a good show for a week, you will talk about a terrible show for the rest of your life.

I saw Batboy.

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

Wool — I missed it in the Fringe and it was the show I was most interested in seeing.

Alice Fraser — Mythos — Alice consistently puts out strong and challenging work never pulling away from tough topics but always deftly handling them.

Single Asian Female — Michelle Law has a great comedic voice and I am always up for a comedic play.

Barnie Juancan’s Tap Head is a real treat. I have seen it, poignant and funny, and I highly recommend it.

Clara Cupcakes — I Made This For You. Clara is a power house of high energy and fascinating concepts.

Dan Rath — Bubble Rath. I have heard nothing but high praise from other comedians about Dan Rath and I look forward to hearing him in person.

Garry Starr Conquers Troy. After an amazing debut show I am genuinely curious how you follow up a show like Garry Starr Performs Everything.

What do you love about Melbourne?

The multitude of foods available in the city, and that they are open so late.

Touring this country has shown me the very valuable need being filled by not only late night food service, but a variety of late night food service. Pork buns at 2am, yes please.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

In all honesty, my comedic inspirations aren’t the people I think I sound like but the people who inspire me to work harder.

So I’d be looking at people like Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Hari Kondabolu, W. Kumau Bell, Jon Bennett, Laura Davis, Alice Fraser, Samantha Bee, Laurie Killmartin.

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

The show has a mix of comedy and quiet listening moments, though it heavily leans on making you laugh occasionally, it will make you listen closely, and worry.

It’s like Eat, Pray, Love but nobody learns anything significant.

MATT HARVEY, I GOT BIT BY A MONKEY ONCE …, APRIL 9-21, THE TICKLE PIT AT ROZZI’S, 157 SWANSTON ST. BOOK TICKETS