Local artist profile: Luke Morris

THIS week we chat with comedian and producer Luke Morris

What initially motivated you to become a comedian?

I guess it was inspired by bullying. When I was young, comedians on telly just wanted to make everyone laugh. Which was the opposite to how life was. I started writing my own jokes to get through the day and eventually, many, many years later, after writing for papers and websites, I did comedy on stage. I think being a comedian is a personality trait.

How would you describe your style?

It’s sort of odd but I’m a storyteller. Not a raconteur in an effortless, charming way. I’m very scripted. Probably from insecurity. Whether I’m showing pictures, or presenting as a character, or trying to educate in some science thing, it’s all a story with crisis, events and resolution. Like everyone I started trying to mimic my favourite comics, and trying to do what I thought people wanted to hear. Ultimately the best I’ve done and happiest I’ve been on stage is when I write what I like.

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

I’m still learning this part. We’re all influenced by the world around us. I watch science documentaries, and read psychology books, and listen to history podcasts. So the evolution of humans and how we work is often something I talk about. It’s looped within other topics, like a kale Caesar salad, but peel it away and that’s what you get. Now I’m increasingly drawn to things I’m more personally passionate about.

How has your practice been affected by COVID?

Oh massive. I stopped work completely. I tried doing online and podcasts and all kinds of things. Being alone for months on end. Sitting at home, not having humans to laugh with. It was tough. I want to get back into writing. The problem is looking at that mountain I had climbed, and thinking of all the work I did to feel confident on stage and get good at delivery, and to now climb that mountain again. It’s tough. As a result I’ve started managing more gigs.

What do you have on the go at the moment?

I’m starting a business called Comedy Victoria. Believe it or not, there’s no arts body campaigning for comedy acts. I mean there’s the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and they tour a show, but outside of that there’s no-one pushing for funding and helping acts or producers produce shows in regional towns and cities. So I’m building that. Hopefully soon there’ll be a Raw Comedy Heat to announce, and a tour for the Women of Wit series.

What would you say to encourage young regional aspiring comedians?

It’s getting easier to do gigs, and do attend open mics and do gigs. In Bendigo at the Cambrian Hotel, or in Ballarat at the Robin Hood. While I know there’s a strong focus on doing YouTube comedy these days, or to talk on TikTok, these don’t push you to write better or present better. Doing things live is the real test of skills. Plus the atmosphere of live entertainment is second to nothing. So get out there. Try new things. Experience new audiences. Make mistakes. Fail. If you like what you do enough it won’t matter if you struggle. You’ll still be working in an industry you love.