Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Matt Stewart, Bone Dry

Giving up alcohol has proved comedy gold for Matt Stewart as he dives into the sobering, yet funny, realities of life without booze.

Matt Stewart, Bone Dry MIFF

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

A pretty good time I reckon.

The show is centred around how I gave up alcohol for nine months in 2018.

I talk a bit about the pros and cons of the sober life.

The underlying themes are masculinity and drinking culture in Australia, but I promise it’s no TED Talk.

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

I was first involved in the MICF when I performed at (and won) the 2014 Raw comedy final at the Town Hall in front of 1200 people — it was a pretty wild way to kick things off.

I’ve done a show here every year since and it’s been nothing but a good time.

Since last year’s show, Dry Ginger Male, I’ve been touring around the place including a fun sold out tour of the UK (which included stand-up and live podcasts with my show Do Go On, which will also be at the MICF this year.)

Who should see your show, and why?

I talk a bit about having my masculinity questioned by an online troll — so if there are any soyboys out there, this one is for you.

And as the show is about taking a break from booze, I’d say drinkers and/or non drinkers would also enjoy it.

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

Don’t just see one!*

I reckon a good night out at the festival involves at least two shows (probably three), maybe with some dinner in between from one of Melbourne’s famous laneway eateries.

See some variety, too — see someone you love from the television, but also roll the dice on someone who flyers you.

If you have the energy, I’d recommend seeing a late show, too — I reckon that’s where you are most likely to see something electric.

*If you do only see one show, make it Matt Stewart — Bone Dry.

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

I’m excited to see Andy Matthews and Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall’s show Magma.

They are two of the best writers/performers in the business, and this is a sketch show centred around the idea that they have figured out a way to mine magma from the earth’s core.

I saw the first draft read through a few months ago and it was already incredibly funny.

There are too many to mention, but some other comedians I’m excited to see are: Anne Edmonds, Oliver Clark, Ben Russell, Daniel Connell, Soni Di Iorio, Danielle Walker and Stuart Daulman … all very different, but all very funny.

What do you love about Melbourne?

I’ve lived in Melbourne for the majority of my life and I bloody love the place.

Apart from being the home of the greatest comedy festival, it is also home to the AFL and my beloved Saints and an awesome live music scene.

People complain about the weather, but I love the variety …

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Kochie’s Big Book of Aussie Jokes — it’s my comedy bible.

MATT STEWART, BONE DRY, MARCH 28-APRIL 21, CHINESE MUSEUM — LAUNDRY ROOM, 22 COHEN PL. BOOK TICKETS