Holding out for a hero complex

A decade after it first toured Australia, Sammy J’s award-winning show Hero Complex is returning to stages across Australia, making its Geelong debut on January 31.

Based on a series of “strange, beautiful coincidences”, the show traces Sammy’s childhood obsession with The Phantom comic.

“Hero Complex is a hard to believe, true story, which began back in 1996… when I saw the school gardener wearing a Phantom T-shirt and I was suddenly not alone.”

He said this interaction led to a series of “strange, beautiful coincidences.”

“[The gardener] remerged later in my life… and we became friends, then that led to a crime being committed, and that led to me meeting my wife. So, it’s a bit of a mystery detective story.”

Overall, he described the show as “a love letter to anyone who’s a bit obsessed with anything”.

After leaving his breakfast radio role at ABC Radio Melbourne in 2024, Sammy has enjoyed the time to focus on a plethora of new – and in this case, old – projects.

“For the last year I’ve really tried to just jump into things… and it’s been a really satisfying 12 months.”

From revising jokes, to updating graphics to match a decade of technological advancements, Sammy said the experience of returning Hero Complex to the stage has been “satisfying but strange.”

“It’s been really nice, like putting on an old jacket and getting comfortable again.”

The show has also given him a chance to reflect on what has changed in his life in the 10 years since it toured.

“The show is already me talking about adolescence and childhood but now it’s me as a 42-year-old talking to myself as a 32-year-old.”

Reflecting on the recent bushfires and flooding in the region, Sammy said he hoped his show can provide some joy.

“I think the arts at large have always played a really big role in difficult times… as a bit of escapism.”

With Hero Complex touring nationally until May, Sammy hoped Geelong audiences will take a chance to see the show, which has earned critical acclaim and plenty of laughs.

“Live a little,” he said, “don’t die wondering!”

Hero Complex will be performed on January 31 at Geelong Arts Centre. For more information, head to geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/sammy-j/