Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Sophie Joske, Woman of the Hour

Join Sophie Joske as she toasts a fading star of Hollywood in a tribute that is far-fetched, feminist theatre at its best.

Sophie Joske Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019/

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

Woman of the Hour is a surreal one-woman tribute to old Hollywood with lots of physical comedy. It’s the story of Cassandra Barbitoll, an ageing dame of the stage with a troubled past.

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I (Sophie Joske), play her and 34 other characters. There’s no set, no props, and no support acts. It’s glamorous, cartoonish, grotesque and very, very fun.

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

This is my second show at MICF.

Last year I co-starred in the Golden Gibbo nominated show Almost Lesbians, with awesome comic Anna Piper Scott.

Since then I’ve spent a lot of time cultivating the character of Cassandra Barbitoll and preparing her for this solo venture.

I’m a theatre nerd at heart, and although I’ve performed as a stand-up comedian and an improviser for years, I decided to return to my theatrical roots with Woman of the Hour.

I’ve already taken her out for a spin at Fringe World in Perth, where she earned two five-star reviews.

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

Anyone who loves old movies, classic divas like Judy Garland, Bette Davis, and Joan Crawford.

Anyone who loves a bit of contemporary feminist theatre. This show celebrates and pays homage to classic Hollywood but also criticises the restrictive gender roles that its films have perpetuated.

Plus, I do heaps of different voices. Did I mention I play 35 characters?

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

Every year see one show by someone you’ve never heard of. If it goes well, you’ll have found a new favourite performer.

If it goes badly, you’ll have a good story. Either way, the gamble pays off.

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

I’m very excited to see what Clara Cupcakes is up to this year in I Made This For You. I’ve heard she’s making an entirely new show each performance based on audience suggestions and everything she does is hilarious so count me in.

I’m also excited for some fresh sketch comedy from David Massingham and Mark Gambino — they are both brilliant performers with their own unique styles.

Cassie Workman is an incredible storyteller so I’m very keen for Giantess.

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

I moved to Melbourne from Perth nearly two years ago now and I love it to bits. There’s an incredibly vibrant comedy scene and it seems like enjoying and supporting the arts is a really common attitude here.

Plus, there’s so much great food.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

I grew up obsessed with a lot of UK comedies: Black Books, Absolutely Fabulous, The Vicar of Dibley. That they frequently have a slightly weird bent and feature headstrong, hilarious ladies should not surprise. I have always worshipped Maria B.

Anything else you want us to know about your show?

I wrote this show myself, it’s just me onstage, and it’s my baby. I love it so, so much and it’s so much fun to perform.

Also, myself and Cassandra are available for hire for all your writing and performance needs.

Sophie Joske, Woman of the Hour, APRIL 1-11, The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Pl. BOOK TICKETS.