Local artist profile: Grant Lockwood

THIS week we chew the fat with popular Bendigo funny man Grant Lockwood.

 

What initially motivated you to have a crack at being a comedian?

I was doing a lot of writing and presenting in my day job, and I found I was cramming in quite a few jokes.

Rather than write increasingly inappropriate strategy documents, I thought I’d try some actual comedy writing.

It was only after I’d finished writing my first set that I realised I had to confront the terrifying prospect of actually getting up on stage to perform it.

 

Are there any particular themes that you like to feature in your work?  What draws you to these themes?

I get drawn to the absurdist, things that don’t make sense when you think about them too hard. Like child-proof containers. A proper child-proof container would only open when it detected that your room was clean and your homework was done.

 

The past couple of years have been pretty tough for the entertainment industry. How has your practice been affected by COVID? Has there been little change or has it had a substantial effect?

 

Savaged. A lot of comedy tends to take place in small poorly ventilated rooms which have become significantly less popular than in The Before Times, and online comedy is one of the more harrowing experiences you can put yourself through on the internet outside of Bendigo Have Your Say.

 

What do you have on the go at the moment?

I’m currently in the process of putting together a Fringe Festival show.

I’m not sure yet what it’s about or what fringe festival it will be at, but other than those minor details it’s coming along nicely.

 

What would you say to encourage young regional aspiring comedians?

There’s never been a better time to start than right now. Find out what you like and why you like it, rock up to an open mic or two for a look and a chat with the regulars, and give it a dip.

Now’s your chance.

 

Can you tell us something funny?

They say you are what you eat. Lately I’ve been eating a lot of bacon, which is 42 per cent fat and very salty. Much like myself.