Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Tara Leigh Dowler, Taranoia

If you’ve ever felt anxious, you’re in good company with comedian Tara Leigh Dowler and her folk-rock comedy cabaret.

Tara Leigh Dowler Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

An effervescent neurochemical cabaret of hyperbolic proportions.

An overgrown emo-kid’s love letter to her neurochemistry that would make Rachel Bloom swoon with frenzied delight.

Rich storytelling; ear-wormy folk-rock numbers and an excavation of the historical and social narratives of anxiety.

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

I form one half of acclaimed feminist musical comedy duo Pink Flappy Bits alongside clown and physical comedienne Lou Tribe.

Growing up in a theatrical family, my work as a performer and songwriter spans more than a decade, receiving praise from as far as the House of Representatives for my ‘charismatic’ performance style (2007), as well as taking home Empire Records Songwriter’s award in 2008 and a development contract with Byrneside Records in 2010.

A rock-band frontwoman at heart, I have written for TV, film and have even penned a song for the literal Erin Brockovich.

In recent years I’ve found my comic voice, delighting audiences from Melbourne to Edinburgh with wordplay and earwormy cabaret crooning while never abandoning my theatre and rock band roots.

My flagship project Pink Flappy Bits enjoyed two sellout seasons in 2016 for both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

In 2017, we brought a raging feminist party to The Butterfly Club in the form of the widely-adored variety cabaret, The Flappaganza.

I’ve appeared alongside Po Po Mo Co, Victoria Falconer (Midnight Marauders, Fringe Wives Club), Liz Skitch (Moulin Beige) with Pink Flappy Bits, and more recently in a solo capacity with clown-prov legends David Tieck and Sharnema Nougar in Two Little Dickheads (2018 Edinburgh Fringe), and The Spoon Monkeys (Melbourne Fringe 2018) also featuring triple-threat clown Hallie Goodman.

Who should see your show, and why?

Those who love excellent songwriting and delightful comic storytelling.

Those who experience anxiety or has a family member or close friend with anxiety or other mental health issue.

Those who love ambitious cabaret, melodrama and quick wit.

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

Pick up a copy of Lisa-Skye’s Safety House Guide: a free and ambitious publication independently funded with moderate assistance by passionate supporters.

A festival guide that brings marginalised voices to the front and provides audiences with information about accessibility, content and audience participant, keeping punters informed and empowered.

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

Alice Tovey’s Garbage Monster — killer voice, wicked sense of humour and fierce feminist.

Annie Louey’s Before I Forget — I had the great pleasure of living with Annie in Edinburgh as she was just starting to develop the show.

I’m so excited to see how she blends poignant themes of ageing and memory loss with light and her signature byouancy.

David Tieck’s What Would Bill Murray Do?

David was my first improv instructor and continues to inspire me.

He’s got an incredible wit and divine imagination.

Fringe Wive’s Club’s Glittergrass Phenomenal, talented and kick-a.. musicians, clowns and comics making accessible, exciting work, contributing to the emerging art of feminist cabaret.

What do you love about Melbourne?

I’ve lived in Melbourne my whole life but always long for it and always end up coming back. It has a creative pulse unlike any other city and runs off the smell of morning espresso.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Tim Minchin — he has always been my favourite musical comedian, his skill with words and melodies are an absolute delight.

His music absolutely soars.

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

I took home the Spirit of the Fringe award earlier this year at the inaugural Hobart Fringe at the Edge of the World.

TARA LEIGH DOWLER, TARANOIA, APRIL 1-11, THE BUTTERFLY CLUB, 5 CARSON PLACE. BOOK TICKETS