Saddle up and come for a ride into the outback!
Dane Simpson, the comedic talent hailing from Wagga Wagga, is set to grace the stages of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with not one but two uproarious shows.
With a knack for spinning yarns, Simpson's comedic prowess shines brightest when he's regaling audiences with tales of his eccentric family, particularly his larger-than-life dad, Bow. From misadventures in the bush to chaotic family dinners, Simpson's stories hit home with a blend of warmth and hilarity that's impossible to resist.
But how did this outback raconteur find his way onto the comedy stage? Well, it all started with a chance encounter with comedian Kevin Kropinyeri, who roped Simpson (who was helping out with audio) into the world of comedy during a tour through rural New South Wales. Armed with little more than a DJ setup and a knack for storytelling, Simpson found himself thrust onto the stage, where he discovered his love for making people laugh.
'The King And I'
Reflecting on that night back in 2014, Simpson recalls, "I was so scared. I was side of stage, and (Kev) physically pushed me out on stage. I just remember being out of breath. But then telling the stories, I got a big laugh, and I was just really into it. That was it for me, I loved it!"
Since then, Simpson’s appeared on Channel 10’s ‘Have You Been Paying Attention?’, ‘Get Krack!n’, and ‘The Amazing Race Celebrity Edition’. “It's been a wild ride in the past couple of years of me being on all those TV shows. What a stupid career goal it is to get on free-to-air TV, just as everyone stops watching it,” he jests.
Driven by a desire to uplift regional comedy, Simpson took matters into his own hands and established a comedy club in Wagga Wagga. For nearly a decade, this grassroots initiative has provided a platform for local comedians to showcase their talent and share their unique perspectives. Simpson's dedication to showcasing regional voices shines through in his curated show, 'Beat Around The Bush', which promises to highlight the comedic talents emerging from country New South Wales and The Bush Capital.
Speaking on the countryside talent he’s bringing to the stage, Simpson says “I'm proud of all these people that are involved in the show. I think that they're phenomenal comics. You don't get to see them when you go to comedy clubs in Melbourne or Sydney. So, I feel like there's this untapped show where people get to come and experience their favourite future comedians for the first time.”
In 'The King And I', Simpson invites audiences to join him and his dad on a rollicking journey through the comedic escapades of family life. From hilarious anecdotes to heartfelt moments, the show promises to deliver laughter, silliness, and genuine warmth. For Simpson, comedy is not just about making people laugh; it's about evoking emotion and fostering togetherness.
As Simpson prepares to take the stage at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, audiences can expect evenings filled with laughter, storytelling, and a healthy dose of absurdity. With his infectious humour and genuine warmth, Simpson is poised to captivate audiences and leave them roaring with laughter.
'Beat Around The Bush' plays Ballers Clubhouse 2-7 April. 'The King And I' plays The Victoria Hotel – Acacia Room 9-21 April (Melbourne International Comedy Festival).
