Comedian and virtuoso violinist is one heck of a combination – and Floyd Alexander-Hunt is the proud owner of both talents.
Recent times have been pretty interesting for Floyd, to put it lightly. She got stuck in New Zealand with her family for five months, forced to roofie them just so she could hear herself think. And she did a lot of thinking.
About how her counsellor had 'moved overseas' during a pandemic. . . How her stalker ended things out of the blue. . . Why so many of her ex-boyfriends are gay. . .
Floyd's new one-woman show 'Highly Strung' explores the four types of love she's experienced: first love, unrequited love, (un)conditional love, and – perhaps the most important – self-love!
Love can be painful. But ultimately, it's worth it.
Here, we chat with Floyd a little to find out some more about the show.
Tell us a bit about ‘Highly Strung’.
'Highly Strung' is all about the four types of love I’ve experienced. There are lots of jokes, a few PowerPoints and a sprinkle of classical music. Only a little though, so don’t be scared.
How does writing the material for a stand-up show begin for you?
Of course it begins where everything good begins – my iPhone notes app! I come up with the ideas on walks, in the shower and when my boyfriend is telling me something really important.
For those who might be new to you, how would you describe your comedy?
Sarcastic, damaged and cooler than how I act in real life.
If you had to pick a specific audience/demographic that you write comedy for, who makes up that audience?
Straight white men. I want to be famous? [Probably people aged 18-35 but that’s not going to get me a show on the ABC is it].
Where did your love for music originate?
Hmm, I am not sure I would call being forced to play the violin for hours every day as a love for music. It was very much forced upon me.
What made you decide to combine it with stand-up?
I had seen far too many white women combine stand-up with the ukulele so I knew I had to think outside of the box.
What are you looking forward to about presenting this new show for audiences?
Making millions and millions of dollars. Kidding. I’m looking forward to making people laugh and disappointing my parents with how I use the violin.
You’ve trained for and performed improv. How would you say this has assisted with your career in comedy?
It taught me to never date actors or improvisers. So now I have a lawyer boyfriend who funds my entire life! Also, I dabble in crowd work.
Floyd Alexander-Hunt plays Melbourne Town Hall (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 31 March-24 April, Perth Comedy Festival 14 May, Factory Theatre (Sydney Comedy Festival) 18-22 May and Brisbane Powerhouse (Brisbane Comedy Festival) 24-29 May.
