Laughter and horror go hand in hand at Elf Lyons' show 'Raven’, as part of this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The award-winning comedian, clown and theatre practitioner has more than ten years of experience in the comedy field. In 'Raven', she'll utilise her talents to merge horror, clowning and storytelling to make audiences laugh and shiver, in equal measure.
Elf spends her months touring internationally with solo shows, as well as directing and teaching artists the world over. The Telegraph listed her as number 25 in their list of 50 Best Comedians Of The 21st Century.
Since 2017, audiences have witnessed solo works from Elf in which she re-enacts a classical ballet using found items, performs musicals about the economy while dressed as a lion, a mime show about a bank robbery, and more.
We speak to Elf about all things 'Raven' and more, before she plays Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
This is a merge of a few different genres. What can you tell us about ‘Raven’?
'Raven' is a comedy horror show. It combines all the things I love most in the world – screams, laughter, jumpscares, sound and lighting tricks, mime, clowning, flammable costume choices that are not practical, violence and a genuine risk of mess.
Where does the idea for a show like this come from?
It was inspired by my love of horror and the relationship between comedy and horror and how they both occupy the same space on stage. They both control the audience's heartbeat. I love Stephen King and have always enjoyed making high-concept comedy shows that mix theatre, live art and comedy. Crucially, it's funny and it's cathartic to perform.
Who is it for?
For anyone who has ever felt angry and wants to make a mess. For horror fans. For anyone who has ever wanted to smash sh.t up. For anyone who is a little weird.
For those who might be unfamiliar, tell us a little bit about your style as a performer/comedian.
I use a mix of stand-up comedy, clowning, mime, sound effects and different theatre techniques to make comedy shows that are as much fun and risky for me as they are for the audience.
How did you get into this industry?
I never really imagined I am part of the 'industry'. I've never felt part of the industry. I just like making shows that make me happy and that make audiences happy. Life is too short to queue for a club that doesn't want you as a member, make your own spaces and find your own tribe. Luckily, comedy is full of bloody gorgeous weirdos.
If you had to name another performer/comedian who inspires you most, who would you pick and why?
I am going to name a few if that is okay. Emo Philips and Dave Allen – two eccentrics who inspired me when it came to delivery. Artists such as Adrienne Truscott and Lucy McCormick occupy the stage with violence and relish. Dylan Moran has been a great inspiration and a wonderful mentor who I really appreciate and love. The Umbilical Brothers blow my mind and I love them hugely. I still think they are one of the most original stage acts in the whole world.
You’ve won a few awards in Australia at Fringe Festivals. What does this kind of validation, from overseas, mean to you?
Awards are one thing and they are cool, but the best feeling is really when an audience member approaches you afterwards and says they liked your show. If someone tells you that they liked your work – that's the win. That's cool. That matters.
What are you looking forward to about playing Melbourne International Comedy Festival?
I cannot wait to see everyone else's shows, cuddle all my Australian friends who I haven't seen since COVID, go dancing, make friends, behave like a 21-year-old, see some drop bears and drink very good coffee.
Elf Lyons plays The Greek – Level 2 (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 28 March-21 April.
