Melbourne funny man, Harley Breen, has entertained audiences with stories that poke fun at the 'Aussie male' and has won numerous awards, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 'Piece Of Wood' Comic’s Choice Award.
He is currently performing his latest stand-up show, 'Just A Fully Naked Encounter', as part of Adelaide Fringe with dates at the Brisbane Comedy Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival to follow.
You'll be performing at the Brisbane Comedy Festival. While it doesn't have the history - yet - of some of Australia's comedy festivals, where does the BCF rank with you as an event for an Australian comedian?
One of my favourites. It's not small and new. It's boutique and exclusive. The Powerhouse is a bloody brilliant building and a testament to the fact that Brisbane has loads more to offer than what some of the southern states might think.
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If you had to make a random, stereotype about the average Queenslander, what would it be? And why?
Backward, redneck hicks, but only because they don't have daylight savings. I was born and raised a Queenslander, so I can say what I like; anyone else tries to and I'll challenge them to a XXXX can-shot gun challenge. If you don't know what that is you have no place coming to my show.
You now sport a beard. Please don't bristle, but are you a hipster Harley Breen?
Sure. Whatever box you need to put me in. I've been a bevin and a bogan. A metrosexual and a hipster. I found out recently that, because of my size and what I wear, I'm now referred to as a Lumbersexual. I'm happy with that.
Your new show is called 'Just A Fully Naked Encounter'. Just to be clear, there will be no nudity in your show, right?
No there'll be no nudity. Though I haven't finished writing it yet and endings are hard to come by... no puns intended.
We're assuming you've been practicing the show in front of a full-length mirror? Gotta nail those punch-lines, right?
I'm not sure that's even a question.
What made you want to pursue a career in stand-up?
I've tried other things. They suck. This rules. The end.
Finish this sentence: If I wasn't doing stand-up, I would be… Dead.
You've supported international comedians Chelsea Handler and Russell Brand; what were they like?
I have no idea what Russell Brand is like, Russell Howard on the other hand is a delight. He was beyond easy to tour with. We first met in 2007, but this tour felt like we'd not missed anytime in between. He's also a brilliant act, which makes things a lot easier. I didn't meet Chelsea either. She was... busy. Let's go with busy.
You've toured extensively throughout the UK and in south-east Asia; how does your material translate to these audiences?
All of my material is mostly introspective, autobiographical comedy. So if you speak English there's usually not a problem. Occasionally I have to slow down simply because of my accent.
Your background in acting has seen you land gigs in radio and television, including appearances on the Comedy Channel's 'The Circle'. Would you like to break into these roles more or is stand-up where your heart is at?
Stand-up is definitely where my heart is, but I also like paying rent and buying nice things so TV would be great.
Television compared to a live audience on stage… is there a massive difference?
Absolutely and completely different. It can be months before an audience sees what you've done in television. Live on stage, you have seconds between what you say and how the audience reacts.
How thick is your skin?
Same as most humans I'd imagine.
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What's the one thing a random person in the street could ask you, that would make you flip-out in anger?
There's nothing anyone could ask me that would make me flip out in anger. I am, however, increasingly: frustrated, annoyed, upset, angered by the way a growing number of the public talk and feel about asylum seekers. Pull ya fuckin' heads in. We're better than how we're being governed and the stupids need to be given a whole shitload less air time.
Besides Harley Breen, of course, who are your top three Australian comedians right now and why?
Celia Pacquola. Nick Cody. Joel Creasey. Talented fuckers the lot of them!
What advice does Harley Breen have for any Aussie's trying/ looking to break into stand-up? Do you care for the next gen?
My go-to answer for this is usually: 'stay out'. But I don't actually think that. The next generation are always exciting. they potentially bring new ideas, a new take on comedy and new energy. My advice is simple – just keep turning up.
Harley Breen Tour Dates: Just A Fully Naked Encounter
13 Feb-1 Mar - Campanile, Garden of Unearthly Delights (Adelaide Fringe)17-22 Mar - Brisbane Powerhouse (Brisbane Comedy Festival)
26 Mar-19 Apr - Old Met Shop, Melbourne Town Hall (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)
Harley Breen will join Heath Franklin to star in 'Captain Fun Pants And The Mystery Of The FunOmatic Fun Wand' at the Brisbane Comedy Festival. The show will run one night only, Saturday 21 March, at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
