Franklin brings himself to Comedy Fest

COMEDY staple Heath Franklin is among this year’s line-up at the Bendigo Comedy Festival.

Known for his parody of Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, Franklin will step on stage at the Engine Room as himself in his new show Out of Character.

“It’s a very similar style of comedy,” said Franklin.

“I think people are kind of surprised that there’s a lot of Heath Franklin in the Chopper character, it’s not like it’s worlds apart, I’m not doing physical theatre in a black unitard or anything.”

Out of Character is Franklin’s first full-length show where he tells jokes in his own voice.

The comedian said it had given him the chance to explore different themes like parenting and pop-culture references that Chopper wouldn’t get.

“It was just a case of having all these things, these funny ideas and jokes that I’ve had for ages that just don’t work coming out of Chopper’s mouth,” he said.

“There were a couple of times where I did some stuff with chopper shows that wasn’t very chopper-y you know, and it was Heath behind the moustache trying to get out.”

Franklin will play at the Engine Room on Friday 13 October but the comedian is not worried.

“I don’t think I’m really superstitious,” he said, “I’m not really worried about lightning striking the theatre or a zombie apocalypse or anything like that but if it does happen it will be memorable.

“And if I survive it then I’ve got material for a show next time.”

Catch Heath Franklin in Out of Character at the Engine Room on October 13 at 8.45pm and tickets available from the Bendigo Comedy Festival website.