Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Sophie Smyth & Ryan Smedley, The Aspie Hour

Cabaret team Sophie Smyth and Ryan Smedley share a message of inclusion and diversity, without being divisive.

Sophie Smyth and Ryan Smedley Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

The Aspie Hour is an original cabaret about Aspergers and musicals.

You can expect jokes, stories, singing, confetti, strawberry-lime Rekorderlig, a custom-made replica Dorothy Gale costume, moments of poignancy, moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity, original songs, confessions, and a run-time of approximately an hour, more or less.

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

We debuted The Aspie Hour at last year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and it became the sleeper hit of the festival, selling out many performances.

We then added additional Melbourne performances due to demand, and since then we appeared at the Melbourne Writers’ Festival and performed the show at the Capital Theatre in Bendigo.

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

The Aspie Hour appeals to audiences on and off the spectrum.

It’s relatable, it’s original, it’s moving, and it’ll have you laughing your socks off.

It’s a proven hit with audiences from last year’s successful MICF season, so you can have confidence you’ll enjoy yourself.

We also reckon its possibly the first ever cabaret in the world to tackle Asperger’s Syndrome. We think that’s a pretty mean feat. Also, we have just been nominated for two Green Room Awards: One for Best Ensemble, and another for Best Writing.

In other words, of all the cabarets performed last year in Victoria, the peer-assessed Green Room Award Committee thought our little show was one of the best-written and one of the best-performed. Neat!

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

Try to see two shows in one night, especially if you’re at Trades Hall or the Melbourne Town Hall.

One can be that show you’re desperate to see; the other can be a fresh-faced newcomer you take a risk on. It’s a great way to find new undiscovered talent in the tonnes of shows at the festival.

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

As lovers of new musical theatre, we recommend Tone Death: A Ghost Musical, the anticipated follow-up to the Marshall & Marrows musical from last year’s festival, Pining for Affection: A Tree Musical, which proved to be hugely successful with many sold-out performances.

We also recommend (in no particular order): Judith Lucy, Anne Edmonds, Demi Lardner, Robot Song, Jude Perl, Ovariacting with Jamie Boiskin, Rhys Nicholson, Chelsea Zeller and Samuel Russo, The 2007 Wonthaggi Blue Light Disco.

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

Sophie: Melbourne has a pulse to it that is intoxicating and it certainly beats a little faster during Comedy Festival —- I cant wait to be a part of that. It’s a gear-change from the quiet country town I grew up in. Melbourne feels alive.

Ryan: As a born-and-bred Melburnian, I adore this city. Always bustling and always filled with energy.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Ryan: I’m inspired by comedians like Shaun Micallef and John Clarke; they’re dry, they can play it straight, and are comfortable going completely absurd.

Sophie: My best friend, Emily. She can always make me laugh.

Anything else you want us to know about you or your show?

The Aspie Hour is a cabaret with a message of inclusion and diversity, without being divisive. Learn that while we may be different to you neuro-typicals, you’ll be amazed at how much we’re really the same.

Sophie Smyth & Ryan Smedley, The Aspie Hour, MARCH 28-APRIL 7, Trades Hall — music Room, 54 Victoria St, Carlton. BOOK TICKETS.