After making it big through a viral audition on 'Australia's Got Talent' ('AGT') in 2022, comedian He Huang is now taking the country by storm, with awards and nominations under her belt already.
The breakout comedy star hits Adelaide Fringe, with her show 'Tiger Daughter vs The World'. It's a hilarious global journey, following He Huang as she navigates cultural differences and survives the many mishaps that can occur on such an adventure.
Once upon a time, He had ambitions of saving the world through research and development – but as it turns out, this wasn't to be. Now, she’s saving it through the medium of laughter.
“I'm so bad at math that my calculator laughs at me. Now, I'm on a quest to rescue my sanity, armed with terrible math skills and a microphone as a stand-up comedian,” He says. “Who knew my struggle with numbers would add up to a career in comedy?”
Here, He Huang gave us all the details on her start in the comedy world, and what audiences can expect to see in 'Tiger Daughter vs The World'.
For the unfamiliar, who is He Huang?
He Huang, a Chinese comedian with a master's degree in public policy analysis from the United States, has defied my family and friends’ expectations by swiftly establishing herself in Australia's comedy scene. Fluent in Mandarin with a Sichuan twist, my comedic style reflects my backgrounds and unapologetic attitude about myself. After my 30-second global fame on 'Australia's Got Talent', I am now focused on realising my dream of becoming a full-time comedian, bringing an authentic perspective to the stage.
Your meteoric rise, in part due to ‘Australia’s Got Talent’, saw you appear on ’Thank God You’re Here’ and you’ve played a few comedy festivals since, as well. What has been the highlight of the last year?
The highlight of last year is that I became a full-time comedian, no day job. And also I went back to see my family in China and get invited to drink and eat with all the uncles (status recognition).
Do you have a message for the literal millions of people who have now seen your stand-up?!
Go see live comedy and enjoy laughter with people from different walks of life, which I think that I am very happy to see in my crowd nowadays: just people from different ethnic backgrounds and just here to enjoy some laughter.
You were nominated for Best Newcomer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. What does this kind of acknowledgement mean to you?
This nomination means the world to me because ever since I started comedy, one of my dreams was to be in Melbourne International Comedy Festival (one of the three biggest international comedy festivals). Honestly, I never envisioned my show being in the running because I've been flying solo – writing and performing without bringing in professional help for the narrative. My primary goal was to create a show that could sell tickets, ensuring I could sustain myself on a comedian's income. The recognition is not just a boost to my comedy confidence and respect from peers; it's a nod to my own vanity, a moment of acknowledgment for the hard work. Beyond that, it's incredibly heartening to feel the love and support from the festival. This recognition serves as a direct response to all the hate comments and backlash I faced after my 'AGT' set. It's a reminder that, despite the naysayers, there's a community that appreciates and values what I bring to the comedic table.
Where did your love for comedy come from?
Blame it on my dad and his relentless dinner table roasts – he's the unsung hero of my self-deprecating humour. Now, I wouldn't advise other parents to adopt the same strategy, but hey, it worked for me. Comedy has been my sidekick since I was in primary. While other kids were counting sheep, I was reading humour writing and cartoons. It turned into my secret weapon against the monotony of textbooks and the stress of exams. So, here's to laughter, the ultimate antidote to study blues!
What advice would you have for aspiring stand-ups who are looking to make it big?
I strongly advocate for the value of hard work. Comedy, in its essence, is humbling; your worth is determined by your most recent performance. To truly excel in stand-up, there's no quick fix – you just have to roll up your sleeves and put in the effort. The stage doesn't lie; it reflects the dedication you've invested. One aspect that draws me to stand-up comedy is its honesty. There are no smoke and mirrors; it's a raw, genuine art form. When you're starting out, treat every gig with equal importance and do as many different rooms as you can to learn how to control the room and read the crowd. Attend live shows of seasoned comedians; there's a wealth of learning in observing the greats. It's through this diligent approach that you carve your path to success in the unpredictable world of stand-up.
What will you be covering in ’Tiger Daughter Vs The World’?
The comedy revolves around my experiences as a small-town Chinese person, tackling cultural and language differences, and navigating the complexities of being an adult woman.
Have you been to Adelaide Fringe before? What are you most looking forward to about playing there?
This is my second time at the Fringe. Last time, I did some comedy spots. Adelaide was my first Fringe experience, showing me what it's all about. I'm really excited not just to perform but also to check out lots of other shows this time.
Any plans in Adelaide for when you aren’t playing? What other acts are you looking forward to?
I adore the sausages here! Whenever I visit, I make sure to grab a bunch to take home. I'm also eager to explore some exhibitions and catch some one-person shows during this Fringe Festival.
He Huang plays Le Cascadeur at The Garden of Unearthly Delights (Adelaide Fringe) 26 February-3 March.
