Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A

If all the world’s a stage, it pays to know how to act, and comedian Fishlace Jones can teach you a thing or two about that.

Fishlace Jones, Behind the Curtain. Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2019.

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

A look at all the crazy, ridiculous and insane methods used by actors to create the shows you love.

Actors are ‘Out There!’ It’s beautiful. But it’s also intense.

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Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Fishlace Jones and I’m Melbourne’s King of Independent Theatre.

I’ve written, directed, produced and starred in well over 130 one-man productions since the age of 3½.

I coined the phrase One-Seat-Theatre as a means of performing every show for ‘the truth’ and no-one else.

I plunged my fingers deep into the soil of the Independent Scene and pulled back little more than seeds of poverty and ridicule. But see my forest grow.

Spruik it! Who should see your show, and why?

Actors. Definitely. So much to learn, so many techniques to drink in like a sponge.

If you want to act better, it starts here.

But also normal people. People say actors are ‘Born, not made.’ I call BS on that!

Who know’s what we’ll discover? Just remember it’s a safe-space. Always a safe-space.

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

Close your eyes. Dream a little. Wake up. Buy a ticket.

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

Josh Glanc. Because he’s very funny.

Denouement @ La Mama. It’s going to be very funny.

Jacqueline Misfud. She’s very funny.

What stands out to you about Melbourne?

I love Melbourne. It’s a creative heaving hot mess of a city that knows how to put on a show...or festival rather.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

I once had a dog called Piddle. He was the cutest little thing. But he had a flair for comedy. And one day I was watching him eat his dinner, having a chuckle to myself and thought, ‘I could do that.’

Anything else you want us to know about your show?

Behind the Curtain is a show that wants the best out of you.

Everyone that steps through the door is family and together we’re gonna make something great.

I love you. I hope you love me. Let’s share this thing!

FISHLACE JONES, BEHIND THE CURTAIN, APRIL 8-21, Globe Alley (formerly Belleville), Off Lt Bourke St, Melbourne. BOOK TICKETS