Star on the rise Shane Todd is about to hit the stand-up scene with a bang.
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Shane is playing his debut tour as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF), promising an unforgettable experience of comedy gold.
Shane has already supported the likes of Bill Burr and Kevin Hart, and has performed regularly throughout the UK and Ireland and toured the US with solo shows. He's recently launched a new podcast series 'We're Not F...ing Historians' – an alternative guide to Irish history, and hosts a weekly podcast called 'Tea With Me'.
Before Shane plays MICF, we sit down with him to see what audiences can expect.
What are you set to bring to MICF this year?
I'm bringing my most recent hour of comedy and probably some pretty nice outfits.
Where did it all begin when it came to your process for creating a show like this?
It's always hundreds of thoughts and bullet points on the Notes app on my phone. I'll collect this over a few months and then put it roughly on paper. Then I just play as many local comedy clubs as possible and run through it all until people stop throwing fruit. Joke is on them though as I happen to LOVE fruit.
Throwing it right back, do you remember a moment where you knew the comedy industry would be something you’d want to be part of?
From the very start. Despite my first few shows going really badly I knew I wanted to get better and keep doing it. That was sixteen years ago and I still aim to keep improving.
It’s your debut tour. What are you most looking forward to about it?
I've been meaning to come to Australia for a long time on tour and it's finally happening. I've been lucky to tour some of the best comedy scenes in the world and any mates that have gigged in Oz have only said great things. Ideally the shows will be fun, I'll get a tan and see some sights.
And how are you hoping audiences respond?
Ideally with laughter and applause. I would love it if I was presented with a bunch of flowers too as that has never happened and I've flown 25 hours for this.
The Belfast Telegraph called you a ‘modern day king of comedy’. What does this kind of praise mean to you?!
It's rare that people get behind their own comedy scene to such an extent as they do at home. I think we have one of the best pound for pound comedy scenes anywhere in the world. To be part of it is magic!
Describe your show in three words.
Just good fun.
Shane Todd plays Trades Hall – Solidarity Hall (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 20-23 April.
