Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Nikki Osborne, Bad Barbie
Her debut show attracted the ire of protesters before it had even begun at last year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival — but it hasn’t deterred Nikki Osborne one little bit.
Comedian Q&A
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What can people expect from your show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?
A rebellion against the self righteous politically correct insufferable bores on the internet, Barbie jokes and a few bits about the #metoo movement and how it’s not been lucrative enough for me.
What have you been up to since last year?
Last year I did my debut show “On The Spectrum”, which was the most talked about show of the festival … before it even began.
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People petitioned to have it shut down before I’d hit the stage and I was the first comedian to have security at the festival.
Since then I’ve performed at the Opera House for Just for Laughs, been on many comedy panel shows on the telly and wrote Bad Barbie.
Spruik it! Who should see your show, and why?
Groups of women and men over 40! They bloody love it!
What’s your No. 1 tip for people coming to the comedy festival?
Pre-book parking and for women … never walk home alone! Ever!
Which other comedians are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?
James Acaster, the irreverent British genius and all of the usual suspects!
What’s special about Melbourne?
Melbourne knows how to do “dinner and a show” better than any other city.
Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?
Ross Noble is an improvisational genius. Dave Hughes is always brilliant. Joan Rivers! Glamour and a potty mouth with her diamond encrusted middle finger up … my hero!
Anything else you want us to know about you or your show?
My show has high audience engagement so if you’re afraid of getting picked on then sit at the back!
OUR REVIEW OF NIKKI OSBORNE, BAD BARBIE
Rating: ★★★
Reviewer: Kate Rose
Public service announcement: Anyone who frowns, tuts, or generally isn’t OK with the liberal use of F-bombs and C-clangers, this isn’t the show for you, don’t even bother reading on.
If that’s not a problem, however, Nikki Osborne’s alter-ego, Bad Barbie, delivers a high-energy collection of pot shots at sacred cows, online sanctimony and a raft of headlines in between.
Not every bullet hits its target, but refreshingly Osborne doesn’t take herself too seriously as she rambles through the array of potential Barbies unlikely to make it on to shelves any time soon, the #MeToo movement, and the challenges – and laughs – of having a son on the spectrum.
Nikki Osborne, Bad Barbie, until April 21, European Bier Cafe.