Taskmaster comedian Tom Cashman brings his new show to Brunswick Picture House

WHEN Tom Cashman posted a TikTok video asking a real estate agent for a reference from a previous tenant before signing a lease, he had no idea it would strike such a nerve.

The video attracted more than 1.8m views, while a follow-up explaining that his approved rental application had subsequently been withdrawn racked up more than 1.6m views within 24 hours.

The story quickly spread beyond social media, generating coverage in the New York Post and even prompting an ACT politician to introduce a motion that would allow renters to request references from prospective landlords.

“I couldn’t believe it when the ACT parliament passed a motion to consider implementing landlord references as a requirement,” Cashman said. “I could believe it when they then considered that requirement and rejected it.”

The Sydney-based comedian said the video highlighted the imbalance of power that can exist between landlords and tenants.

“I’ve since been told my request for a landlord reference is used in some property manager training courses as an example of a reasonable request,” he said. “Pretty vindicating.”

Cashman began performing stand-up comedy at 19, attributing his career choice to what he describes as “an unhealthy relationship with approval and attention”.

While the viral TikTok videos gave him a significant boost in profile, many viewers will also recognise him from the Network 10 game show Taskmaster, where host Tom Gleeson dubbed him “Lesser Tom”.

“If you complain about a nickname, people just use it more,” Cashman said. “I love it!”

Cashman returns to the Northern Rivers after selling out a show at Brunswick Picture House last year, although he joked that his aunt, who lives in Mullumbimby, was responsible for only 24 per cent of ticket sales.

“My favourite things about the Brunswick Picture House are its impeccable style, its welcoming owners, and the strong girders in the roof you can climb up and hang from if the crowd gets too angry,” he said.

Tom Cashman: NPC (Nearly Prolific Comedian) is at Brunswick Picture House on 20 June. For more information and tickets visit brunswickpicturehouse.com