Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Matt Young/Barney Pollock, Paradise! A Cool & Smart Show

Meet Matt Young and Barney Pollock, the comic duo out to break the acting sound barrier.

Matt Young and Barney Pollock Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

Chaotic, absurd sketch. It’s stupid as hell. We bleed everywhere, we vomit our guts up, there’s a man made of ice-cream, and the entire thing is about the power of forgiveness.

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If you’re new to MICF, tell us about you.

It’s our first MICF as Cool & Smart.

Matt’s done a few as a stand-up and Barney did the lights on his show last year, but nowadays we’re a sketch duo.

We’re best pals who crack each other up and suck the crowd into our hysteria.

We do absurd, gross, heartfelt stuff and we just got back from a very successful run of shows at Perth Fringeworld.

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

Teenagers and disaffected young adults.

Anyone with a nihilistic bent who is in a state of arrested development.

It’s filthy, serious, fast-paced, and full of energy — come if you like a show that gives you a strong buzz.

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

Eat a big meal so you enter the stadium with maximum vitality.

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

We love sketch shows: Flat Pack are having their MICF debut with Space Force, and Hit By A Blimp are doing their third show, A Very Merry Blimpmas. Both are directed by the fantastic Broni Lisle and both should be fantastic.

If you’ve been to Melbourne before, what stands out to you about the city and/or its people? If not, what are your first impressions or what are you expecting it to be like?

B: Being from Perth the thing that impresses me most about Melbourne is that the shops are open after 5pm and people like leaving their houses.

M: Being from Hobart the thing that impresses me most about Melbourne is that the shops are open after 5pm and people like leaving their houses.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Both of us grew up on the The Mighty Boosh. We have a lot of common influences, but they’re the guiding star we’re shooting for. It’s surreal and fun and full of heart, which are all things we try to bring to our work.

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

We’re going to have fun whether you come or not, so you should probably come if you don’t want FOMO.

Matt Young/Barney Pollock, Paradise! A Cool & Smart Show, MARCH 28-APRIL 7, Trades Hall, Archive Room, 54 Victoria St, Carlton. BOOK TICKETS.