Rob Hayes' 'Awkward Conversations With Animals I've F...ed' isn't what it might seem on the surface.
The dark comedy from UK writer Rob Hayes has already enjoyed a critically-acclaimed WA season thanks to Producer/Director Gavin Roach, and will now take to the stage for Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Bobby (Darcy Whitsed) just wants to please, he's got so much to give. . . But things are about to get awkward. Oh boy is it strange. It's a dark comedy of one-sided conversations, and Producer/Director Gavin Roach says there's more to 'Awkward Conversations' than meets the eye.
“The show is so much more than the title suggests – it is of course hilarious, but it is really heartfelt and touching at times and you end up with a real soft spot for the main character Bobby,” Gavin says.
His first encounter with the book was nothing short of a sign of fate.
“I found the script at the National Theatre in London, there it was, just sitting on the shelf and as soon as I saw it I knew I needed to buy it and have a read,” Gavin continues. “Instantly I knew I needed to put it on, so I got the balls rolling and before I knew it, Darcy Whitsed – who is bloody awesome in the lead role of Bobby – and I were in our first rehearsals discussing the awkward conversations you might have with animals after you have. . . Um. . . Well. . . You've read the title by now.”
The creative team are pretty stoked about the success had by 'Awkward Conversations' in WA, and Gavin is looking forward to the breadth of entertainment on display at MICF.
“I love the MICF atmosphere and the range of shows and performers. It doesn't feel like just a stand-up comedy festival but more an opportunity to engage with all kinds of comedy – from absurd to improv to stand-up and more – it really is a choose your own adventure festival!”
'Awkward Conversations With Animals I've F...ed' plays The MC Showroom (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 24 March-2 April.
