Writer and comedian Simon Taylor is presenting a new show inspired by his love for travel, detailing some personal adventures and overseas mishaps.
The show, titled 'Epic', is branded as Simon's most ambitious yet. Simon will let audiences in on the time he was stranded in middle-America, using the trademark storytelling and wit he has gained a following for around the world.
Simon grew up in Melbourne and became a writer for Jay Leno and Shaun Micallef. You might have seen him on Netflix, Channel 10, or your cool friend's Tik Tok feed.
During the pandemic, Simon also released a spoken word comedy album called 'Wordy Boy', featuring comedy poems and stories accompanied by music from Angus Leslie.
Simon's new show 'Epic' is certainly one for the times, with overseas travel finally becoming a possibility for many people again.
Here, we have a chat to funny boy Simon about 'Epic' before he hits the stage at Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
For those new to Simon Taylor, how would you describe your comedy?
I’d describe my comedy as worth the price of the ticket. If you can get someone else to pay for it, even better. My comedy is like if the most enthusiastic drama nerd at school worked out how to write jokes.
How old were you when you first discovered a love for stand-up/comedy in general?
When I was five I used to dress up as a clown and told my parents that’s what I wanted to be. I guess that’s exactly what I do now, except the clown costume doesn’t fit anymore.
Have you got any particularly stand-out (good OR bad…) audience experiences in recent memory?
One time I needed a participant to come up on stage during my show. I picked a middle-aged man, who reluctantly came up while adjusting something in his ear. I asked if he was fixing a hearing aid, and he said “ah, no. I was listening to the footy. Sorry”.
You recently released a spoken word comedy album, ‘Wordy Boy’, created in the depths of lockdown! What’s this all about, and do you plan on doing more?
As grateful as I was to have some Zoom shows, I just wanted to create something during lockdown that would last beyond a livestream. So I compiled all the comedy poems I’ve written over the years and added a few more. Then once I recorded them, I got Angus Leslie from Melbourne band Sex On Toast to create funky backing music to it. He really brought it to life.
Without spoiling too much, what will you be covering in ‘Epic’?
A few years ago, I was travelling across the middle of America, when my mum called and told me that my grandfather was on his deathbed and was hanging on until I could get back. My journey to try to return in time was the most epic, crazy experience I’ve ever had.
This is listed as your ‘most ambitious show yet’. . . What, in your opinion, makes it deserving of this description?
I didn’t want to come back after the lockdown and just do the same old type of show. I wanted to come back with a bang, by throwing as much production value into a stand-up comedy show as possible. I don’t want to overstate it, but there might be some confetti.
What are you looking forward to about bringing ‘Epic’ to Melbourne?
To be with my performing community who I miss. Hanging out with other artists is endlessly fun.
Simon Taylor plays The Toff In Town (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 31 March-24 April.
