Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: The Kagools, Cirque du Kagool

If circus stunts, illusions and impromptu strong woman competitions don’t make you giddy, the laughter will, say comedians The Kagools.

The Kagools Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

The Greatest Show On Earth.

If shows were biscuits ours would be a giant Wagon Wheel.

Nothing greater … except maybe a Tim Tam slam (though we’ve not tried it but we understand it’s a staple diet for Aussies).

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Cirque du Kagool is physical comedy and pure joy, with an extra twist of show pizzazz and the odd circus-style mermaid.

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

We came to MICF last year for a short run with our previous show, Kula, at the supercool Butterfly Club and loved it.

This is our first time at the Coopers Malthouse Theatre, and we’re excited about being there among some truly awesome acts.

Since last year we’ve performed in Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, Edinburgh and all over the UK.

This year we’re gonna give it a rest though. Nottttt.

Who should see your show, and why?

Everyone should see our show because we’re doing our daredevil darnest to spread a bit of joy and you can never have too much elation in your life.

There’s no language or age barrier to our show; Cirque du Kagool has been created with all humans in mind.

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

Bring snacks because performers get hungry.

And also take a chance on acts you wouldn’t normally see.

Like women in waterproof coats.

And other absolute must-sees like Daniel Kitson, Rosie Jones & Paul Currie.

Must. See. All.

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

There are tonnes. We’d really like to see Flo & Joan, Eleanor Tiernan, Zoe Coombs Marr, Sarah Keyworth, Lizzy Hoo, Kirsty Webeck, Hannah Gadsby, Stephanie Laing & Georgie Carroll, because these brilliant women are tearing it up at the moment.

We also want to see Larry Dean, Mick Neven, Mawaan Rizwan, Bart Freebairn, Josh Glanc, Neal Portenza and Carey Marx, because men are also good at comedy sometimes, too. Whahahahaaaaa.

No really, come on. Give ’em a chance.

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

We’re so excited to be coming back to Melbourne.

We’ve been there every year in April for the past four years and it’s one of the best cities on earth.

The food. The coffee. The people. The clothes. The art. The ideas. The breakfasts. The lunches. The dinners …. The surprisingly changeable weather.

There’s a supercool atmosphere in Melbourne and we stick out like a sore thumb but love it anyway. Cool rubs off, right?

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

The ingenuity of Lucille Ball, the writing ability of Victoria Wood, the imaginations of toddlers, the pratfalls of Trygve Wakenshaw and the ‘who gives a f — k’ of Absolutely Fabulous.

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

Kagool is a British slang term for a lightweight raincoat.

Typically the zip only goes half way down and the wearer is considered the ultimate nerd.

If you come to Cirque du Kagool wearing a kagool, there will be a special prize for you. (It won’t be a car or a trip to the Caribbean).

THE KAGOOLS, CIRQUE DU KAGOOL, MARCH 28-APRIL 7, THE COOPERS MALTHOUSE BECKETT THEATRE, 113 STURT ST. BOOK TICKETS