Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Vivek Mahbubani, Cantonese Funnies

While it helps if you can understand Cantonese, it’s not a prerequisite for this stand-up show — as long as you can smile, says comedian Vivek Mahbubani.

Vivek Mahbubani Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019.

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

It’s in Cantonese. I’m Indian.

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

One of my goals is to develop native-language stand-up comedy, which is why after growing up in Hong Kong, even though I’m Indian myself, Cantonese has in a way become my native language.

I’ve been working hard developing new talents in Hong Kong so we could proudly perform in our own language and make people laugh around the world.

Who should see your show, and why?

Cantonese speakers.

People whose lovers are Cantonese speakers (the ultimate romantic gesture is when you sit in the front row for a comedy show where you don’t understand what is going on).

People who want to challenge their ability to enjoy a show even though they don’t understand the language.

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

Promise yourself you’ll have a good time, then you’ll be primed for a good show.

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

Andrew McClelland.

Asian Persuasion hosted by Jinx Yeo.

David O’Doherty.

Dr. Jason Leong.

Jinx Yeo.

Zach & Viggo.

Sometimes you just want to laugh and these guys have proved to me they can make me laugh, year after year.

What stands out to you about Melbourne and/or its people?

Coffee. There is so much coffee everywhere yet everyone is so laid back.

In Hong Kong, we don’t need coffee to be buzzing around.

Lots of street performers that have proper talent.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

I love laughing at the silly things we do in life because I often see people trying to be adults but when you break it down, they are just really old kids.

From silly things like using the little brushes on the side of the escalator to polish your shoes thinking you’re so creative to the guy at the gym who wears barely anything while working out to show off his muscles but is too shy to be seen changing in the changing rooms.

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

My show’s in Cantonese but I speak English so if I see more than 5 per cent of the room are English speakers (ie. friends who came to give someone company), I’ll throw in English jokes 5 per cent of my show.

VIVEK MAHBUBANI, CANTONESE FUNNIES, APRIL 9-21, CHINESE MUSEUM TEA ROOM, 22 COHEN PLACE. BOOK TICKETS