Local artist profile: Mike Elliot

THIS week we speak with Mike Elliot, a hilarious local comedian who will be appearing at the upcoming Bendigo Comedy Festival.

 

What initially motivated you to have a go at comedy?

I’ve always been a big fan of stand up, sketches and 80s and 90s sitcoms. My dad is the funniest guy I know. I wrote a lot of sketches in my teens. I never believed I could perform stand up until my 20s. I was chuffed when local pubs started hosting open mic nights and had to give it a go.

 

How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?

My style is a mix of music and short jokes. I’m inspired by Flight of the Conchords, Demetri Martin and Mitch Hedberg. I tried doing longer stories but my one-liners received a better response. The whole process was a lot of trial and error but I loved it. Things started to click when I incorporated my guitar into my act.

 

Which other comedians inspire you and why?

I grew up on a diet of The Simpsons and “Weird Al” Yankovic. Mitch Hedberg is a huge inspiration. I love how he took the mundane, and then in one sentence, created a fully formed joke that sounded profound. It’s magic.

Todd Barry’s Crowd Work Tour and Zach Galifinakis’ Live At The Purple Onion are a couple of my favourite specials.

 

What are some highlights you have from your comedy exploits so far?

Performing my first Melbourne International Comedy Festival show and getting four stars. It was pretty exciting.

I’m the creator of the satirical news site The Bendigo Standard. I didn’t expect my article about Krispy Kreme opening in Bendigo to cause so much joy and disappointment simultaneously. It’s so much fun when someone quotes an article to me and they have no idea I made it up. Another time I wrote a story about Monopoly Bendigo as a joke and Toyworld messaged saying they were flooded with calls. Now three years later, it turns out Monopoly Bendigo will be an actual thing. You’re welcome Bendigo!

 

How has your comedy practice been affected by COVID?

My mate Jim and I were planning to perform at Melbourne International Comedy Festival but it was cancelled last minute due to COVID. The news was broken while driving to our trial show in Ballarat. It still went on and we had the best time. The whole experience would have made a great Netflix special.

During the pandemic, I did some Zoom shows and wrote a screenplay. I tried to stay as creative as possible by writing my next show and recording a heap of music. I’m releasing new tracks on streaming platforms every month.

 

Any gigs coming up in the near future?

The Bendigo Comedy Festival is back! I have a show called People Person. It’s half sketch, half music, half jokes sprinkled with some keyboard and guitar. I’m also sneaking in a couple of surprises. I think it’s my best work ever. I’m super pumped to help everyone have a great time and forget about the pandemic. I hope to do the comedy festival in Melbourne next March.

 

What advice would you give to young regional aspiring comedians who are thinking of making a go of it?

Give it a crack. Get to an open mic and just have fun. You never know if you never give it a go. Local crowds are ace.