Local artist profile: Patti Fawcett

THIS week we chat with another mega-talented local emerging gagster, Patti Fawcett, who took a shine to performing after coming from nowhere to win the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Class Clowns competition as a 15-year-old in 2019.

What motivated you to become a comedian?

Before the first time I did stand-up I actually hadn’t ever been motivated to be a comedian. I really liked comedy-based shows like The Chaser or Would I lie to you? and I would write what I thought at the time were funny songs to make people laugh in one of my art classes at school.

My teacher asked me and some other students to participate in the Class Clowns competition at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. After that I was just like “Hell yeah! This is the stuff”. That and it got me out of school and spending lots of time in Melbourne at bars, which at 14-16 made me feel very cool.

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

I like to focus on my interactions with people. I have been talking a lot about relationships and dating especially within my teenage years. I like to focus on my teenage years right now because I am still young enough to remember it and feel it. I have a fairly upbeat delivery, and a tendency to talk fast. It’s a bit like having a friend who used to do theatre tell you about their day after one wine.

Which other comedians inspire you and why?

I am a really big fan of Fern Brady. She’s a Scottish comedian and writer. I find inspiration in her work because it’s very different to mine in delivery but has some similarities in subject matter.

I am also a diehard Sarah Millican fan. I wish I had a really technical reason for this but mainly because I think she is hilarious. I love everything from her delivery, to talking about a midnight Twix snack or an allergy to mandarins.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

I have had the privilege of working with so many comedians I love and look up to, like the late Cal Wilson. Brett Blake, Kirsty Webeck, Geraldine Hickey, the list goes on.

I have also been working a lot with the Bendigo Comedy Festival, who let me be on their committee this year, which has been so lovely and helpful.

Lastly, shout out to the Women of Wit shows, returning in 2024, that Luke Morris puts together. Every single show I have done has been an amazing, and a rare experience of performing and being backstage of an all-female/non binary lineup.

How can people check out your work online?

A classic google will do the trick, otherwise my Instagram is the main way to check stuff out – @patti_fawcet.t_.

What would you say to young regional aspiring comedians who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Go for it. You have nothing to lose really, maybe some self-esteem for ten minutes but that’s why white wine exists. In all seriousness though, don’t overstress it. Especially in comedy, people start at different ages and points in life and you don’t have to follow anyone else’s trajectory.

I would also recommend doing a competition like RAW Comedy or Class Clowns.

Top of the list is just don’t be afraid to bomb. It sucks but it happens to everyone ever in comedy. It doesn’t make or break you.