Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Michael Shafar, 50/50
There’s nothing funny about being diagnosed with cancer … or maybe there is, as comedian Michael Shafar discovers.
Comedian Q&A
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What can people expect from your show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?
This year’s show is about how I got diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2017.
Spoiler alert — I’m fine (sorry for ruining the ending).
The show is wall-to-wall cancer.
Don’t worry, it’s funny. It’s not a TED Talk.
ULTIMATE 2019 MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL GUIDE
What have you been up to since last time you were here?
This is my third solo show at the MICF.
Since the last time I was here I’ve been pretty flat out doing surgery and chemotherapy.
Like I said, I got testicular cancer in October 2017.
But, I have found time in between to write jokes for The Project and tour my show around the country.
Who should see your show, and why?
Don’t worry, it’s not just a show for people who have cancer.
It’s a show for everyone, because everyone will probably get cancer eventually.
Come along and have a laugh at my ball.
What’s your No.1 tip for people coming to see a show at the comedy festival?
Don’t come along expecting it to be serious. It’s not.
Which other comedians/shows are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?
I’m super keen to check out Peter Jones, Sonia Di Iorio and Alex Ward.
They’re really solid, punchy comedians.
What do you love about Melbourne?
I’m from Melbourne, so it’s not that different to performing in any other city in Australia. Except there are probably a few more man-buns in the crowd.
Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?
My family gives me a lot of material.
Whenever I need to write a show, I just give Mum a call or go around to visit my grandmother in her aged-care home.
I can usually get about 20 minutes of material out of one visit — it’s very efficient.
MICHAEL SHAFAR, 50/50, MARCH 28-APRIL 21, THE VICTORIA HOTEL BOARDROOM, 215 LITTLE COLLINS ST. BOOK TICKETS
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