Sammy J's weekly ABC TV spot is coming to an end, and his live show 'Good Hustle' marks a farewell celebration.
The comedian, writer, composer and broadcaster will throw a giant party at Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF), set to feature all the things Sammy J is known for. Among many other things, he's played all over the place, had a Netflix sitcom, is one half of man/puppet comedy duo Sammy J & Randy.
With a resumé like that, you're bound to get a good show.
We learn a bit more from the multi-talented performer before MICF.
You’re stepping away from a five-year ABC TV spot! What has been the most rewarding thing about doing this?
I loved the buzz of writing something on a Wednesday and then having it on national TV 24 hours later – basically my own platform to take the piss out of whatever I wanted. And it was nice finding out how many different audiences it was reaching – politics teachers were playing it to their students, staffers were playing it at Parliament House, and the national archives even asked for a copy of 'The Very Hungry Barnaby' story book which is now in their collection.
200 episodes later, what would you say is your favourite episode and why?
I did a poem about the toilet paper shortage called 'The Ballad of Dunny Roll' just as the pandemic was starting, which took off around the world (the poem, I mean, though the same could be said about the pandemic). It was written just as we were all trying to figure out what the hell was happening and lockdown started a week or so later, so it’s a real time capsule. Plus it included the phrase “poo tickets” which doesn’t get said enough on telly these days.
What can audiences at MICF expect in ‘Good Hustle’?
It’s a big, bold sketch show featuring characters, songs, audience interaction, and some notable cameos. It’s broadly satirical but you don’t have to be a politics nerd to enjoy it. I’m trying to create a show that will please people who like me and sway people who don’t.
How would you define a good comedy show?
One where people laugh.
Why do you think MICF is such an iconic festival for the art form?
Because it’s one of those few festivals where the whole city gets behind it – audiences are conditioned to laugh, they support new acts, and everyone wants to have a good time. And everyone feels a sense of ownership too, like we all have our own stories – performers and audiences. Some people will come up to me and tell me they saw me in 2004 in my first ever show – that’s 19 years ago – but here we all are, still coming back for more.
Describe your show with a song lyric.
'Oops I Did It Again'.
Sammy J plays Forum Melbourne – Downstairs (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 30 March-23 April.
