Was Louie the Fly – apple of his old mother's eye – brought down by just “one spray” or was there a second fusillade of Mortein droplets from the grassy knoll?
It's a pressing question that comedian Lawrence Money tackles in his new Melbourne International Comedy Festival show, 'Just A Little Prick', probing some of the legendary radio ads from today and yesteryear.
Did young Aussies in the 20th century really eat the famous black spread for "breakfast, lunch and tea"? What was the secret ingredient in Brylcreem that made "the girls pursue ya"? And more recently, how come you never have to pay anything when you buy at Harvey Norman?
Lawrence, who made his name as an award-winning columnist in Melbourne metro newspapers for 38 years, actually interviewed Harvey Norman boss Gerry Harvey in his messy Sydney office years ago and has a few secrets to tell there. He's written six books, appeared on ABC and commercial radio, designed a family board game called Holiday, and illustrated three Australian books with original cartoons.
His 'retirement' has entailed a successful foray into stand-up comedy, and he returns to Melbourne International Comedy Festival after shows in 2019 and 2021.
Lawrence Money – not to be confused with fellow comic Lawrence Mooney with the double-o – introduces his guitar to this, his third festival show.
"I'm double-vaxxed, QR-coded and fully RAT-tested," Lawrence says, "so I'm positive I'm negative." He explains that the title 'Just A Little Prick' is "vaccine-related" but admits it is a comment he heard occasionally while writing his gossip columns. As 3AW 'The Weekend Break' host Grubby Stubbs declared recently: "Lawrence has been part of the Melbourne fabric for years. Hilarious style."
Lawrence Money plays Speakeasy HQ (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 30 March-22 April.
