Everyone wants to jam each other into a pigeonhole, and comedian Lawrence Mooney has had about enough of it.
In his new, aptly-titled show 'Pigeonhole', the lauded comedian will explore the idea of never feeling too boxed in or constrained by what surrounds us.
Lawrence has enjoyed success in the world of comedy for a while – he's had his own show on ABC, been nominated for Melbourne International Comedy Festival's Barry Award three times, and has been heard on the airwaves through Triple M Sydney.
He's back with a flock of new laughs, and before Lawrence takes flight for Adelaide Fringe, we sat down to chat with him.
How would you describe your style of comedy?
My style is brutally honest and often from my own experience, so quite confessional. Maybe it’s the Catholic in me that has this yearning desire to confess. This show is probably the most confronting show I’ve ever done both for me and for the audience. I don’t want to say too much but there’s a death and it’s not a murder mystery. Oh and the death is funny.
If you had to pinpoint one comedy legend (dead or alive) who has inspired you the most, who is it, and why?
I probably always give the same answer. Greg Fleet, the amazing and wonderful Fleety. His mind, vocabulary and storytelling genius are still being imitated today from comics that have never seen him but have been influenced by those he influenced. That’s the nature of art, post impressionists, fauves, pop art.
And what’s one piece of advice you would give an up-and-coming comedian who strives to make it big in the industry?
Be yourself as much as you can be. Don’t compromise and don’t strive for populism or ignore all of that and be a vacuous populist and make a fortune.
What’s your favourite thing about festival season?
My favourite thing is watching other comics and seeing what’s new. Comedy is a quickly evolving beast and change happens rapidly, it’s good to be around that, it’s an energy.
The description of your show is intriguing. What kind of things will you be covering in ‘Pigeonhole’?
I guess the right to evolve and break free. That’s a constant, we must all continue to break free from ourselves, our family, friends, sh.tty routines and psyches. So this is another journey show but it’s not a dour talk fest, it’s Pigeony. Feathers and flight and unassuming cooing.
What inspired you to go down this path for your show in 2024?
I reckon we are pigeonholing each other and ourselves more than ever with the illusion of becoming kinder and more tolerant.
You’ve already played to Perth audiences with this one. How did that go?
Perth was MAGNIFICENT. I advertised it as a work in progress and the audiences came along and went with the flow. It was a time of great discovery and has helped shape the show for Adelaide and Melbourne.
Next up is Adelaide. What is it about the Fringe that gets you most excited?
I love Adelaide, always have and so the city is a joy and the festival is an outrageous, massive collection of ideas and art and to be in that swirling eco system is a privilege. It picks you up and launches you into April.
When audiences leave a Lawrence Mooney show, they should feel _______.
After this show the exit polls have been saying, such an incredible story, I feel so happy and a little bit sad but really happy for you mate. Good luck.
Lawrence Mooney plays The Box at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights (Adelaide Fringe) 26 February-10 March.
