Local artist profile: Poppa

THIS week we speak with local comedian Poppa, who’ll be right up to his neck in it at the impending Bendigo Comedy Festival.

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

I got into comedy after organising a comedy night for charity. The night was a success so another charity asked me to run another comedy night and this time I decided to get up and give it a go. All the comedians I met running these gigs were all so cool, intelligent, and sexy, so I knew I would bring something different to the stage.

What do you do with yourself when not trying to crack people up?

My typical day: 2.30am wake up. 2.45am prayer time. 3.15am breakfast. 3.40-5.15am workout. 5.30am post-workout meal. 6am shower. 7.30am golf. 8am snack. 9.30am cryo chamber recovery. 10.30am snack. 11am family time/meetings/work calls. 1pm lunch. 2pm meetings/work calls. 3pm pick up kids from school. 3.30pm snack. 4pm workout number two. 5pm shower. 5.30pm dinner/family time. 7.30pm bedtime.

I am thinking about taking up a hobby to fill in my time between 8am and 9.30am.

Which other comedians inspire you?

I love Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson. They do sketch comedy. I recommend everyone watch I Think You Should Leave on Netflix. They are extremely silly, they take a small idea like a “honk if you’re horny” bumper sticker and turn it into a five-minute sketch. Look, I’m not selling it but give it a go, if you don’t like it after the fifth watch, then it is not for you.

I also enjoy English comedian Stewart Lee. His style is abrasive and self referentially mocks stand-up comedy. I really appreciate the self-loathing and sarcastic take on people who take themselves too seriously, which I am certainly guilty of! I have also heard The Simpsons are good.

What are some of the highlights you have from your comedy exploits up until now?

I’ve enjoyed renting an Air bnb with mates to perform shows as part of the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Melbourne really comes alive for the festival and it’s fun performing every night with your mates. Other than that, I really like performing in country towns across Victoria. It’s fun to go to places you would not usually go to and perform for people you otherwise would not meet.

Do you have any local gigs coming up in the near future?

Yes, I am hosting a line-up show as part of the upcoming Bendigo Comedy Festival. The show is going to feature some of the best comedians from country Victoria including Ash Greblo, Stevie Stix, Dane Knowles, Jim Hallawell and Patti Fawcett. It is going to be on Saturday, 15 October from 6.30pm at the Engine Room – next to the Capital on View Street. It’s going to be a show packed full of jokes from a heap of great comedians doing their best material.

For all the details and tickets people can go to bendigocomedy.com and follow the links!

What advice would you give to regional aspiring comedians?

Have a go and have fun with it but do not expect to be good straight away. It usually takes comedians eight years to get decent. I’ve been doing this for seven years and I’m really hoping the next 12 months makes all the difference.