Popular comic returns to the BMI

AS he gets older, Daniel Connell is coming to terms with the fact that his body is always feeling a little bit sore somewhere.

This realisation has inspired the name of the stand-up comedian’s latest show I’m Always Sore, which is set for the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute on Saturday, 12 August at 8pm as part of his 2023 regional tour.

“The show has a loose throughline of getting older, having a child, and what that’s like,” he said. “I’ve asked myself, is there ever going to be a time where my body feels good again?

“There’s a lot of talk in this show about excursions I’ve been on, and interesting times I’ve had on stage in different locations around Australia, which has been really well received.

“I did a bunch of touring in regional areas in 2022, and I wrote a lot of this show around those tours.”

The Melbourne-based artist is a comedy festival stalwart, having been on the bill of the Oxfam Gala and Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow.

But he said it’s when he is on tour, visiting new regional places, that he usually discovers things about how people operate.

“I stayed at a little motel in a place called Moora in WA, and the lady asked if we’d be doing any washing while we were there,” Connell said.

“I said no, but she said, ‘if you do, use the washing machines provided.’ I said, what do you mean? She said, ‘don’t boil your socks and jocks in the kettle in your room.’

“I never knew people do that, so I delve into that a bit deeper in the show.

“A couple of bad gigs over the last 12 months get a mention, and it’s all encapsulated in being sore and grumpy.

“If you want to really enjoy listening to someone else’s horrible experiences, off stage or on stage, this is one for you. You’ll feel good about yourself and your job, put it that way.”

Connell brought his 2022 show Gutless Wonder to the BMI last year and said Ballarat’s crowd was a strong, supportive one.

“I really enjoyed it, and the venue’s fantastic,” he said. “As the years go on, I’ll keep going back to these places that take me with open arms, tell their friends, and build things that way.

“Even though it’s been cold when I’ve come up, people are still coming out, so it’s a really good vibe.

“Raspberry drops are also one of my favourite lollies, so it’s a good excuse to duck over to Sovereign Hill,” he laughed. Visit bit.ly/3XSCQON for tickets.