Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Tahir Bilgic, You Had One Job!

Tahir Bilgic has seen the funny side of the African jungle and he’s not afraid to share his adventures, among other hysterical stories.

Australian comedian Tahir Bilgic, fresh out of the I’m a Celebrity ... jungle.

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

People can expect to leave my show and say, ‘gee, he was very funny!

‘He has been a stand-up for over two decades and I didn’t even know.

I mean, I have seen him in lots of sitcoms such as Pizza, Housos but I didn’t know he was the creator of Here Come The Habibs, and I certainly had no idea he is such a prolific writer, creator and an award-winning internationally renowned stand-up comedian.

I think I am going to tell all my friends about this comedian, this gem, probably one of the funniest shows I will watch!’.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL

What have you been up to since last time you were here?

Well, most recently I was on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

It was a great experience and I give some secret funny insights in this show.

But I am usually always on tour and always excited to come down to Melbourne and especially for the comedy festival.

I haven’t always been able to come down due to other commitments but there is always a special buzz around the city during the comedy festival.

Who should see your show, and why?

EVERYONE should see my show!

It just received a five-star review in Adelaide.

People have been raving great with their incredible feedback online and it’s a funny subject.

I discuss the stupidity of humans and how they can get the most simple jobs wrong.

It’s a fun night, with minimal swearing (which always surprises people but that’s the way I have always worked), plenty of laughs, music and a few things I won’t let out of the bag and save for people who attend the show!

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

Leave plenty of room for parking, walking, picking up a ticket, etc ... there is nothing worse for a comedian than people arriving late and walking in during the show.

Besides the fact that you will probably be part of the show.

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

I love stand-up comedy and love watching other acts.

I try and see as many as I can but the reality of course is that you never see as many as you want ... but my wishlist is long: The Elvis Dead, Nazeem Hussain, Kitty Flanagan, Neel Kolhatkar, Anne Edmonds, Dane Simpson, Dilruk, The Merger and Richard Stubbs.

WOW! There is no time to do my own show!

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

I have been to Melbourne plenty of times over the years and always insist on staying around the Vic Markets.

I just always love going down and eating!

There are always festivals and other things happening also and just love the history and atmosphere of the markets.

Then I also love strolling around the laneways in the city, plus I don’t mind cycling along the Yarra.

Of course, I need to find a stray bike first.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

My comedic inspiration is a love for the art.

I know that sounds a little tripe but there is no one comedian who inspired me to do comedy. I just love the art of stand-up and have a passion for it.

When you break it down, it’s an age-old profession where one person stands on stage and can discuss whatever they want and present it however they like to make a group of people laugh.

I still find it amazing and absolutely love what I do more and more.

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

You Had One Job has received some amazing reviews.

People often don’t know me personally and for some strange reason judge me by the TV shows they have seen me on.

I am a trained former high school English/drama teacher and discuss this among all my other jobs I have had over the years, as well as the stupidity of humans (there is never enough time on this).

Make the effort.

TAHIR BILGIC, APRIL 2-14, COMIC’S LOUNGE, 26 ERROL ST. BOOK TICKETS