Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Tanya Losanno, The Good, The Bad and The Elderly

Anyone with parents will see the funny side to caring for them thanks to comedian Tanya Losanno.

Tanya Losanna Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

My show is about the reality of moving back to where I grew up with my young family in tow to care for my elderly parents.

I hope it will make people laugh and cry.

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As a Moosehead recipient I have been lucky enough to get some great advice about the show from Judith Lucy and Nelly Thomas, which has been amazing.

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

I have done four solo shows for MICF (I received a Moosehead for my 2005 show Trophy Wife).

My last show was The Passenger in 2016. As well as comedy I am a marriage celebrant and a carer, so in short I have been busy!

Who should see your show, and why?

This show is for anyone that has ever had parents, so anyone.

For the first few shows I am also doing 2 for 1’s for carers, as being a carer is a premise for the show.

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

Try and find someone new to see.

As an artist there is nothing better than seeing ticket sales pop up and you have no idea who bought them. It makes it feel like Christmas.

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

Well, first and foremost Judith Lucy because she is a brilliant comedian and at the same time is down to earth and has given me great feedback about my show.

I also saw the movie The Merger with Damian Callinan and LOVED it but haven’t seen the stage show yet so hope to catch that as well.

As I will be at The Coopers Malthouse I will try and see everything that is on there.

What do you love about Melbourne?

I love Melbourne as it was my home for 20 years and I am sure it will be again.

I am a Canberran/Coburgian so I will be heading to Zaatar for some great Middle Eastern food the minute I get back.

Melbourne is my spiritual home so everything about it is great.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

I always loved Lily Tomlin and am now loving watching her in Grace and Frankie after seeing her for the first time on Sesame Street.

My mum is hilarious, too.

Even though she isn’t a comedian she is funny and it comes from a genuine, honest place. That is why so much of my show is about her.

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

Please come along because now that I live in Canberra I am not sure anyone else will.

TANYA LOSANNO, THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE ELDERLY, MARCH 28-APRIL 21, THE COOPERS MALTHOUSE, SHELL ROOM. BOOK TICKETS