What are you Laughing at?

Wanted for crimes against Darly Sommers, Richard Wilkins, Ray Martin and the Footy Show, a new generation of young Australian comedians has arrived.

Australian society is long overdue for a revolution in comedy and now we have one, laden with enough satire to shake us out of the Olympic dream. Rising up from the underground, finding ways through the system, an audacious new comic alumni has caused more than a few ripples over the past 12 months.

Turning their backs on 'lite entertainment,' this new breed has unplugged the canned laughter machine that is Australian mainstream comedy's only alibi.

A group of twentysomething, heretic humourists headed by Wil Anderson, Corinne Grant, Peter Helliar, Jodie J. Hill, Kim Hope, Rove McManus, Adam Spencer, Tim Ross and Merrick Watts is the driving force behind this youth quake in comedy. Such a talented group of comedians has not been seen since the D-Generation's alternative humour came to the fore in the '80s and held court in the early '90s.

Emerging out of the mid-'90s comedy drought when Australian humour was lighter and brighter then Seinfeld's white sneakers, these popular culture anarchists have introduced a hip street vernacular to the comedy circuit.

And like an overdue slap in the face, their in-jokes and wrong humour strike at society's comfort zone of unspoken taboos and sacred cows.

In 1999 the trophy for taboo-breaking has gone to Adam Spencer, who staged the decade's best April Fool's joke, duping thousands of patriotic Australians - including Richard Wilkins - into believing Sydney had been stripped of its Olympics.

"People go to see new ideas.

Comedians should always challenge and shock. You can't do safe comedy if you're doing political or social satire," says Nick Murray, Managing Director of Jigsaw Entertainment and former CEO of The Comedy Channel. "That's what comedy is about - breaking the rules. People expect the shock and are there to he challenged."

Australian TV comedy, heavily entrenched with an old school celebrity union, supporting egos rather than innovation, is fast slipping into a cultural coma with more than half its presenters appearing as if they were cryogenically frozen.

Despite the fact that these comedians are hardly user-friendly enough to feature on Sale of the Century's, celebrity Board,' and that only one of them (Adam Spencer) has made it to the pinnacle of TV heaven, the Logies, their pursuit of commercial endeavours in television has seen them ostracised by some of the comedy fraternity as though they were illegitimate members of the Daddo family.

"There is the very vexed question when you are performing in the media or whether you are doing something that is hip or credible or whether you're selling out. I strongly believe that 99% of people who ever criticise anyone for selling out have never been offered the opportunity to 'sell out' themselves," says Adam Spencer.

For comedians whose anti-establishments appeal directly opposes the mainstream, the move over to TV, particularly the commercial networks, is a tight squeeze between praginatism and biting the hand that feeds. "That whole thing about selling out is that you want to take what you do to as many people as you can. And do it in the best possible way that you can," explains Tim Ross. "And if it means someone giving you money so you have an extra camera person, that's fine. The bottom line is not always more money in your bank, it's whether or not you have more than three hours to edit your TV show.

Published in Juice Magazine June 1999

Wil Anderson - The Texas Chainsaw Joker

A born again comedian, Wil Anderson's earlier incarnation as a political journalist fuelled him with enough rage to take what he thought was the the sanest option out - stand-up comedy. Anderson has a guest spot on Triple J's Breakfast Show, has appeared on Good News Week and writes a column for The Australian.

How did you get into comedy?
As a journalist I didn't like the restrictions were placed on me in the media.

Describe your comic style.
It used to be a really simple explanation lived the Billy Bragg line from The Great Leap Forward where he said, "Mixing pop and politics they ask me what the use is/I offer them embarrassment and my usual excuses." But the style now is less manic, less preaching and the audience has to do a little more work.

Are comedians the rock stars of the '90s?
there has always been an element of rock & roll in comedy but it has got to the stage that someone like Jimeoin can get thousands of young people coming to a gig like they would go to a rock concert. Good News Week live telecasts get thousands of people there cheering and screaming.

Can comedians he funny and attractive?
To be a comedian you have to be able to relate to the everyman. Looks probably just make your job a little more difficult.

If you were Kerry Packer how would you change comedy on television?
For starters I'd give Daryl Somers more TV. I don't think that man is getting enough exposure. We should have Daryl every night.

Is there a difference between comedy and lite entertainment?
Comedy is funny.

Can anyone be a comedian?
Without natural talent you couid get to a certain level but you could never be brilliant. Others brilliant talent but never practise their skills. They just float through.
What's your ideal gig?
If I had a choice I'd only do stand-up.

What taboos are left to he broken by comedy?
People have talked about anything. It is harder to shock people now.

How does it feel to he a member of Australia's new comic generation?
I don't know if I've paid my membership, so I don't know if I'm a member.

What is the funniest joke you've ever board?
A woodcutter and a little girl walk into a forest. The little girl goes, "Oh, my God, it's so dark. I'm terrified it's dark. And the wood cutter goes, "How do you think I feel? I've got to walk back home alone."

Published in Juice Magazine June 1999

Corinne Grant - Roller Girl

There is something trashy and yet sexy about girls on wheels, a paradox noticed by Corinne Grant's tribute to Boogie Nights' Roller Girl. Grant's career crashed into the fast lane in 1998 when she was a recipient of the Memorial Moosehead award, a presti gious grant encouraging new live comedy.

How did you get into comedy?
Someone told me that they didn't think could do it, so I proved them wrong.

Describe your comic style.
Occasionally musical. Narrative. Personal. I think it's more social therapy than social commentary.

Are comedians the rock stars of the '90s?
The men would like to think they are more than the women. I certainly don't have groupies asking for my autograph, but the boys get asked all the time. Young girls are nutty for boys doing comedy because comedians are more accessible [than rock stars].

Can comedians be funny and attractive?
When you're on stage and you have an audience really pumping, you're in control and I think that knowledge of being in control is alluring. But you don't have to be good looking and I'm sure it's a hindrance in some ways. It's certainly not important to me. If somebody didn't laugh at me one night I wouldn't go, "I need a boob job!"

If you were Kerry Packer how would you change comedy on television?
I'd put myself on the telly, on every station, on every hour, just me.

Are there any taboos left to be broken?
People can't be shocked any more. That's the new taboo - somebody getting up and going, "Oh I'm not going to do anything shocking. I'm just going to be normal."

Can anyone do the job of a comedian?
You have to have a sense of humour and I don't think everyone has one.

Is there a difference between comedy and lite entertainment?
Lite entertainment doesn't tell you a fucking thing. Whereas a good comedian will give a point of view that changes the way you look at things.

What's your ideal gig?
When everyone laughs and the audience loves it.

Hw does it feel to be a member of Australia's new comic generation?
There definitely is a new wave of people coming through. Now there is an identifiable group and there is more work.

What is the funniest joke you've ever beard?
I can only remember the last joke I heard. But it's an Irish joke for Irish people. I don't think anyone will get it.

Published in Juice Magazine June 1999

Peter Helliar - Hot Chips

Peter Helliar's humour fires faster than the opening beach scene in Saving Private Ryan. Currently he's best enjoyed by all and sundry as his alter ego, Peter Helliar PI, on Triple J's Merrick and Rosso Drive Time. When he's not putting the panache back into private investigation, Helliar does stand-up comedy.

How did you get into comedy?
I went to the Comedy Club when I was 15 and saw Greg Fleet and thought comedy sounded like a pretty cool thing to do. That's when I thought everyone was making lots of money [laughs ironically].

Describe your comic style.
I don't have a clue, to be honest. It's observational, but I hate saying that because it has almost become a cliche.

Can comedians be funny and attractive?
Yeah, they can be. There is a new generation of young comics in Australia and it's a little more hip than it was, so maybe comedy is the new rock & roll in that regard.

If you were Kerry Packer how would you change comedy on television?
Give me my own show called The Helliar Report. No actually just Helliar.

Are there any taboos left to he broken?
The sad thing is when a tragedy happens like Princess Diana's death, every comedian was thinking, "OK, I'll use something from that in my next gig." The first night it happened it would have been too risky. But two weeks later everyone was doing stuff. You can always find an angle for humour no matter how bad something seems.

Can anyone do the job of a comedian?
No, there has to be a talent there. There are people who are funny in bars and at parties who just can't be funny on stage. There is no real formula. It can't be taught.

What's your ideal gig?
Playing big, beautiful theatres on a big stage with audiences who come to see me and buy my merchandise, available in the foyer.

How does it feel to he a member of Australia's new comic generation?
It's exciting, as people are realising there is a booming industry in comedy. I think Australian humour is coming out on top.

What is the funniest joke you've ever beard?
A man in a balaclava walks into a bank and says, "This is a fuck up". And the teller says, "Don't you mean a hold up?" "No," he says, "I forgot my gun."

Published in Juice Magazine June 1999

Jodie J Hill - There's Something about Jodie

The self-described Spice Girl, Jodie J Hill keeps Recovery's Saturday morning audiences hysterically confused. Like all Lavernes there is a Shirley in Hill's life in the form of writer/director Jo Stanley. Partners in crime, their plans for world domination have included a recent show at the 1999 Melbourne Comedy Festival.

Now did you get into comedy?
I went to the Adelaide Fringe Festival and I saw a lot of comedians and went, "Hey, I could do that." And my ex-boyfriend said, "Why don't you?" It was great because I realised I wasn't a freak. I was just a comedian.

Describe your comic style.
I use myself as the bait. Storytelling things that happen to me which relate to other people, such as relationships, female issues. I'm an idiot as well, I run around like an idiot and people love it.

Are comedians the rock stars of the '90s?
Yes. Everybody wants to be funny, everyone wants people to say, "Yeah, you're cool." Up on stage comedians are saying and doing things that everybody thinks but without a guitar, without backing music.

Can comedians he funny and attractive?
Speaking from experience? Paul McDermott's a spunk. And Wil Anderson, the girls love him. The hype is very attractive. People up on stage are very attractive.

Are there any taboos left to he broken?
More political taboos. More sexist, more racial. Feminism. Comedy is social commentary on life, but it's sugar-coated.

Can anyone do the job of a comedian?
You need confidence and to be observant. You need to like people and enjoy a laugh.

Is there a difference between comedy and lite entertainment?
There's a difference between Good Morning Australia and French & Saunders. That makes me shiver, light entertainment.

What's your ideal gig?
Jo and I did UpFront which involves all the girls at The Comedy Festival at Melbourne Town Hall. That was my ideal gig.

Now does it feel to he a member of Australia's new comic generation?
Wild! I want to be the Spice Girl of the comedy world. Jo and I have written a sitcorn, we've written a variety show and we are selling it.

What is the funniest joke you've ever beard?
A friend of mine went to China and got really, really pissed. And he woke up the next day with a tattoo of Chinese writing all over his arm. And it looked really cool. we all thought it was pretty cool until we found out what it said was, "Dim sims 40 cents."

Published in Juice Magazine June 1999

Kim Hope - Wonderful Woman

With her "hold tight and fasten your safety belt because it's going to be a bumpy ride" routines, Kim Hope's live performances are an exercise in comic calisthenics. Translating her safety net-free humour to TV, Hope is keeping a seat warm on All Star Squares and making guest appearances on Good News Week.

How did you get into comedy?
I realised that if I didn't do stand-up that I would annoy my friends for the rest of my life, so I just had to do it.

Describe your comic style.
I love exploring the physical side. And it tends to be a bit bitching. When in doubt, just be nasty.

Are comedians the rock stars of the 190s?
As I put the TV through the window last night I knew I was a rock star. And it's all the guys waiting for me backstage.

Can comedians he funny and attractive?
Yes - look at Wil Anderson. Some men find it a bit threatening with women comedians but we all like people who make us laugh. It's s-e-x-y, yeah.

If you were Kerry Packer how would you change comedy on televison?
I'd put real comedians on The Footy Show instead of Sam Newman.

What taboos are left to be broken by comedy?
If I knew that I'd be out there breaking them.

Is there a difference betwwen comedy and lite entertainment?
Comedy is not always lite. You can get a really strong message across when making people laugh.

What's your ideal gig?
Making a rock star laugh, because they don't laugh.

Can anyone do the job of a comedian?
I think everyone is funny. That's what scares me some times, because a lot of people just don't choose to do it.

How does it feel to he a member of Australia's new comic generation?
I'm lucky it is purely a timing thing, right place, right group of peers. We've clicked and supported each other.

What is the funniest joke you've ever board?
Billy Connolly was explaining that once when he was watching the beach, a shark alarm sounded and yet no one got out of the water because Australians work on the principle that sharks can only eat one person at a time.

Published Juice Magazine June 1999

Rove McManus - the Feral Olympic Spirit

With the hectic humour perfectly pitched at the forefront of Aistralia's emerging comic breed this quiet achiever is developing a very nice tan from the glow of growing fame. With a top secret television pilot in the can McManus might soon ne comedy's answer to Annalise Braakensiek.

How did you get into comedy?
I slipped and fell into it. I used to act, but I enjoy comedy roles more because you get that instant feedback from the audience.

Describe your comic style.
I get up and talk in an animated fashion. I am a relatively good salesmen too. I could go out on stage and sell anything with enough lies and volume and charm.

Are comedians the rock stars of the '90s?
There is a rumour that all comedians want to be rock stars. you give a comedian an opportunity to sing a song in a rock band and they'll leap at it, in a good way.

Can comedians be funny and attractive?
Oh, yeah, baby, yeah. Maybve it's because people feel they know you, as you've been giving a huge insight into your pysche.

if you were Kerry Packer how would you change comedy on television?
Give Rove McManus his own show.

What taboos are left to be broken?
The only sacred cow I have found you cannot touch still is Christopher Reeve. As soon as you mention Christopher reeve it's, "Oh no! leave him alone." the irony is that the Oscars when he gets a standing ovation, isn't that just the audience going, "Look what we can do and you can't."?

Can anyone do the job of a comedian?
Definitely no. If you just don't have it, no amount of perseverance, hard work and stage time will help you get any better.

Is there a difference between comedy and lite entertainment?
In comedy you don't have a guy in a duck suit running around.

What's your ideal gig?
I did a show recently where no-one knew who I was and the audience was dead, yet I got up and had a really good gig.

Now does it feel to he a member of Australia's new comic generation?
I guess we are the new brat pack. It's nice that we are a group of friends who enjoy working together. There is no rivalry.

What is the funniest joke you've ever beard?
What's long, brown and sticky? A stick.

Adam Spencer - Professor Evil Genius

Adam Spencer's Breakfast Show lures Triple J listeners into wickedly danger ous waters. Such was the case with his infamous April fool's joke that had half the country believing Sydney had been stripped of the right to host the 2000 Olympic Games. When he is not corrupting the minds of the youth of Australia, Spencer hosts the ABC's Quantam science show.

How did you get into comedy,?
I was entered into Triple J's Raw Comedy Competition, which I won the NSW round of. Through that I met a few of the people from Triple J and when they came to Sydney Uni to do The Breakfast Show I got up as a student to do the weather. As they were doing the weather Heien said, "OK, maths boy, if you're so funny and smart, say some thing sexy about the weather." There were all these places that were 22, so it was "Adelaide, fine & 22, that's 2 lots of 11. Canberra fine and 22 that's the square root of 484... " I hadn't slept and had gone out the night before and got very pissed, so I had this very sexy, croaky voice. One of the guys from Triple J came up and said, "That's one of the best radio voices I've ever heard." I can remember saying, "I can give you this for about a fortnight and then we'll start run ning pretty thin."

Describe your comic style.
Very funny. Thought provoking. Visual. And aimed at correcting inequalities and imbalances in society. Throw in a couple of dick jokes, then you get out of there. It is different from what I am doing, which is mainly radio at the moment, in that I'm not sitting down writing all that much stuff that is funny. I am just doing a show that hopefully people are entertained by. I make up 99% of it as we go along. Doing a solo radio show you can't do much scripted stuff. It sounds hopelessly scripted and people see through it instantly. When you're there by yourself you need to be Captain Fantastic spinning black plastic.

Are comedians the rock stars of the '90s?
Get fucked. Don't ask me that fucking shit. You just fuck off!

Can comedians he funny and attractive?
A lot of people are attracted by the thought of laughing and people do like those who can make them laugh. But comedy can make some people remarkably vulnerable, not at all in a sexy and attractive way. Comedy can make others look really smart or warm. It's a very broad church but certainly standing in a room making people laugh does project an image.

If you were Kerry Packer how would you change comedy on television?
I'd use Kerry's divine right to ring up when a show is half way through and say, "Get that shit off air." I can't believe he pulled that on Doug Muiray's Australia's Naughtiest Home Videos and yet he hasn't done it several times on other shows on his network. I thought Naughtiest Home Videos was very funny. There were a couple of different species there that I didn't know even could cross-mate.

Can anyone do the job of a comedian?
No, the average person jumping up on stage and trying to be a comedian would have as much success as me opening the doors under a sink and saying, "Don't worry, I'll sort this out."

Is there a difference between comedy and lite entertainment?
Just watch Hey Hey It's Saturday.

What is the funniest joke you've ever beard?
A guy walks into his house and says to his wife, "I can't believe it, I've won the lottery! This is amazing, I've won the lottery. Pack your bags, I've won the lottery!" And she says, "Great, do you want me to pack them for the mountains or the beach?" He says, "I don't care, just get out of my house."

Published in Juice Magazine June 1999