Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Mick Neven, Charm Offensive

Love, life, loss and the pitfalls of buying a second-hand sex robot — it’s all part of Mick Neven’s Charm Offensive.

Mick Neven Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

People can expect some relatable dark humour, some light, some left wing solutions to pressing problems facing the world.

I talk about the rise of the robots, the stupidity of fad diets and the right way to eat chocolate.

Most importantly, people can expect to see a quality show that received a five-star review at the Edinburgh Fringe and won the Weekly Comedy Award at Fringeworld Perth.

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Tell us what you’ve been up to since last time you were here.

Since last year I have debuted a new show at the Edinburgh Fringe, toured Canada, performed for Australian, UK and US troops in the Middle East and a heaps more.

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

Everyone should see my show. Ha ha! But really, if you like dark humour, clever writing, a well structured show with a satisfying story arc and a tight ending, then this is the show for you.

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

Take a risk, go and see someone you’ve never heard of.

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

I’m keen to see the new show from CockBagg — these two are outrageously stupid, but behind the veneer of idiocy is some brilliantly clever writing and performing.

I’m looking forward to the new show from The Kagools. I’ve seen them the last few years in Edinburgh and no one in the world is doing what they do. It’s totally unique.

I’m also keen to see Luke Heggie. His writing and wordplay is brilliantly harsh and always hilarious.

And Jeff Green is a must-watch, his festival shows are like a 50-minute lesson in how to do comedy.

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

Melbourne during Comedy Festival is a brilliant place to be. It’s bustling and full of happy people leaving shows, walking to their next show, talking about comedy and just loving to laugh. You can’t beat it.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

My main comedic inspiration is my peers — the people I work with year-round that are writing so much great stuff and constantly pushing me to be funnier and lift my game.

Mick Neven, Charm Offensive, MARCH 7-APRIL 7, The Carlton Club, 193 Bourke St. BOOK TICKETS.