Award-winning comedian and writer Daniel Foxx toured his very first show internationally, and now he's hitting Australian shores for the very first time with his next offering, 'How Lovely'.
Unfortunately the subject matter isn't shimmeringly positive – Daniel is single again, and launching back into the dating scene. Luckily, he's perfectly capable of (an expert in, even) turning lemons into lemonade, and 'How Lovely' promises to be another offering of side-splitting laughs.
As he touches down for his debut appearances down under, we chat to Daniel about what audiences can look forward to, and his observations on dating.
For the uninitiated, talk a bit about what one can expect from a Daniel Foxx stand-up show.
Well, I’ve been told I come across as 'gossipy', which I don’t hate. If my shows feel like an hour of debriefing over a coffee with a mate, then I’m very happy with that. I do have a tendency to talk to my audience like they’re my best friends, and then maybe regret oversharing later.
What got you into comedy to begin with?
My family are all very into comedy – we used to listen to a lot of stand-up cassettes on long car journeys, stuff like that. And I think that made me quite an insufferable child. I used to perform for the class – if I could make the teachers laugh, that was the ultimate thrill. So I think when I got into my later teens and it dawned on me that it was an actual job you could do, I knew I wanted to give it a try. Turns out it’s very addictive, and you can wear fancy little jumpers while you do it.
You’re also a co-host of a podcast, and the author of a hit book. Even after delving into other mediums such as these, what is it that keeps you interested in the world of stand-up?
Stand-up’s the most immediate and thrilling form of performance you can do, other than like, sword swallowing I guess. I love trying out new things, and playing about with writing, and pre-recorded things, etc. But there’s something special about being in a room, sharing laughter with a big group of people – a joke you just thought about that day, even – and saying “the world feels like this to me – does it feel like that to you!?”
Your show bio suggests it’s got a bit to do with a recent break-up. Tell us a bit about what inspired you to put a show together with this subject matter.
Yes I’m describing this show as a 'rom-com'. I went through a big old break-up – the end of the longest relationship of my life – and had to do your classic Eat Pray Love self-discovery rigmarole. And then, ultimately, get back out there (hell on this earth, by the way). I started talking about it all on stage and found SO many audience members furiously nodding along – about partners not pulling their weight, about being single in the 2020s, about the state of the dating market. . . It felt like there were a lot of people out there who needed to let off that steam too.
How about dating in your 30s. . . Without spoiling anything, what sorts of things are you observing about this?
As mentioned, hell. We’re in an era of apps, love-by-algorithm, and a general malaise of 30-somethings who don’t want to commit. As if the spectre of World War III isn’t enough, I have to open my phone to find that an app has decided my ‘most compatible’ partner today is ‘Keith’: the ugliest creature mankind has ever laid eyes upon? Whose interests include puppetry and feet? Please kill me.
Your debut show enjoyed a sold-out run at New York’s SoHo Playhouse. What’s it like to have do many people come to see your work?
A joy! The very best part of this job is getting to go to cool places and meet so many lovely people. And as I said, I think that’s what’s so addictive about stand-up comedy: finding that no matter where you are in the world, people are experiencing the same things as you – and what a relief it is to be able to laugh about it together.
Have you been to Australia before? What are you most looking forward to about being here?
Never! I’m so excited to be here. Sorry in advance but I am absolutely going to leave with a full Australian accent, it’s inevitable. What am I looking forward to. . . It’s well-known Australia has an amazing comedy scene – and I think as a country you’re known for your sense of humour, so I’m pumped for that and I’m excited to see lots of other shows at the festival. And sorry to be basic but I want to drink some good coffees and see a koala. Sue me.
When audiences leave ‘How Lovely’, they should feel. . .
Single people: seen, validated, hopeful.
Couples: smug. Or imminently about to break up.
Daniel Foxx Tour Dates
6-19 April – Trades Hall (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)
21 April – Factory Theatre (Sydney Comedy Festival)
22 April – The Joan (Sydney Comedy Festival)
24 April – The Rechabite (Perth Comedy Festival)
26 April – Brisbane Powerhouse (Brisbane Comedy Festival)
