Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Rachael Millanta, Lower Your Expectations

As a high achiever who hasn’t quite hit her mark, comedian Rachael Millanta discovers it pays to be able to laugh at yourself.

Rachael Millanta Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

My show is a mix of stand up and storytelling.

It is about growing up with high expectations of yourself and your life, and growing up to find that you haven’t quite met any of them.

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

I am a comedian, actor, improviser, and writer from Sydney. Following my sold-out run at Sydney Fringe Festival 2018, I am performing at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, and Newcastle Fringe in 2019.

I perform improv all over Sydney (including Sydney Comedy Festival 2018), and have told stories at A Likely Story, Bespoken Word and on ABC Radio.

I regularly perform stand up at What She Said Comedy and at leading venues around Sydney, and am excited to perform in Melbourne for the first time.

I also have a law degree and a business degree (my mum thinks I should always mention that), and a really cute cat (I think I should always mention that).

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

Hannah Gadsby is my absolute No.1 — I’ve loved her for years and can’t wait to see her new show.

I’m also keen to see Fiona O’Loughlin, Nikki Britton, David O’Doherty, Becky Lucas, Carlo Ritchie, and so many more.

What are you expecting Melbourne to be like?

I’ve never been to Melbourne before.

I hear there are trams?

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

I adore Tina Fey.

She has a beautiful style of writing, and I have always considered her an inspiration.

RACHAEIL MILLANTA, LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS, ARPIL 9-21, STORYVILLE MELBOURNE, 185 LONSDALE ST. BOOK TICKETS