UK comedian Connor Burns is burning bright – celebrating a meteoric rise to mass recognition through gigs here, there, and everywhere.
His native, Scottish-eye-view and razor-sharp, self-deprecating wit has seen him sell out tickets at the Edinburgh Festival and New York, and he's presenting a tour of more than 100 shows including a stop down under as part of Australia's comedy festival season.
Fellow funnyman Daniel Sloss has called Connor 'the future of Scottish stand-up'. Not a bad review at all.
Here, we speak to Connor before he brings the new hour, '1994', to Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
Your new show’s called ‘1994'. What’s the significance of that year, and how does it tie into what you’re serving up on stage this time?
I was born in 1994 and wanted to write a show about turning 30. It's grown a lot of arms and legs now and the show spans pop culture from the '50s up to today. Really it's just me having a meltdown for an hour.
For anyone in Perth who hasn’t caught your stand-up yet, how would you describe your comedy vibe? What’s the key ingredient in a Connor Burns show?
For me I want my comedy to just be as funny as possible for the duration of the show. Don't expect some epiphany 45 minutes in. I just want you to be in stitches from start to finish.
You’ve had a massive year – selling almost 10,000 tickets at Edinburgh Fringe, scoring a run in New York. . . What’s that ride been like? Any pinch-me moments along the way?
It's crazy, I've had a few really crazy moments this year. I mean, playing the Opera House and performing as part of the New York Comedy Festival were career highs. Selling out two nights at a giant theatre in Glasgow on this tour is probably the most surreal so far.
You’re hitting over 100 dates across different continents. How does the comedy crowd in Australia stack up to the UK or US? Are there any reactions or quirks that surprise you?
I love Aussie crowds, very similar to UK crowds. No one takes life too seriously for the most part and if you can get them to like you early in the show, they will let you take them wherever you want. It's awesome!
Touring can be a grind – how do you keep it fresh and avoid burning out when you’re performing the same show night after night?
For me I like to lean into the variable part. . . Which is the audience. They are different every night and I get a real thrill by involving them in the show where I can.
Is there anything in particular you’re keen to check out while you’re in Australia?
As a Scotsman I'm just keen to see the sun for a while! So some time on the beach with a schooner in my hand sounds good.
Your comedy’s known for its self-deprecating edge. Have you always leaned into that style, or did it develop over time?
Being the youngest of four I learned very early that if I made fun of myself first I could often avoid copping it from my siblings. I also just really believe that you can't make fun of anyone else until you can take it yourself. . . It's only fair!
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself (or maybe your audiences) during this whirlwind '1994' tour so far?
I love my audience, it's always scary when you build an audience online and are waiting to see what they are like in a live setting. I've been really lucky they are a wee bit mental, but in the most endearing and fun way possible!
And finally, what do you hope Aussie punters walk away thinking after catching the show?
I hope they think I'm funny! Outside of that I hope they leave a wee bit inspired that if an idiot like me can 'make it', then they certainly can!
Connor Burns plays The Comedy Store (Sydney Comedy Festival) 24 April and 3-4 May, Brisbane Powerhouse (Brisbane Comedy Festival) 26-27 April, Enmore Theatre (Sydney Comedy Festival) 1-4 May, and The Rechabite (Perth Comedy Festival) 10-11 May.
