The internationally acclaimed funnyman is back, with a brand-new show.
Stephen K Amos returns to Australia, armed with an overflowing joke book and ready to unleash the laughs once again. He's here after his previous show 'Oxymoron', but he's also recently enjoyed a cameo in 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice', not to mention surviving the jungle on our own 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!’.
In 'Now We're Talking', Stephen will be dishing on what gives him the ick, and what makes him tick. Expect no filters, no limits, and a show packed with punchlines.
Here, we get talking with Stephen about stand-up, new material, and what to expect from him this year.
You’re bringing a brand-new show to our shores! Do you still get nervous when presenting new material?
I think nerves are great! It’s the adrenaline that keeps you on your toes. I’ll start to relax when I hear the first laugh.
Where does it begin for you? Is there a definitive moment where you sit down with the task of crafting a new show. . . Or is it more organic?
It starts with a seed of an idea that gets planted, fed and watered until it sprouts and blossoms into quite literally a Garden Of Unearthly Delights.
When you’re writing new material, what sort of environment gets your creative juices flowing the fastest?
It depends on my mood. Sometimes complete and utter silence creates the environment. Other times loud music in the background does it for me. But generally bouncing ideas off other funny, creative people helps. Sometimes I can be at my most creative in the moment, when I’m performing on stage with adrenaline pumping through my veins and an audience who are with you every step of the way.
And what would you say is the biggest challenge you face when preparing something new to present?
You can never second guess an audience. For example this show is quite cerebral and funny at the same time, but to get that balance right takes a lot of try outs in front of ‘work in progress’ audiences.
Without spoiling too much, what can audiences expect in ‘Now We’re Talking’?
In a nut shell, we live in a world where there is a lot of noise out there, amplified by people with the loudest voices. Yes it’s good to talk, but where are the campaigns to encourage people to listen and think. But with jokes in.
You’re certainly no stranger to Adelaide Fringe. What are you most excited for when it comes to returning to play for these crowds?
The energy and buzz of the city is phenomenal. I’ve seen the Fringe grow and evolve into this behemoth over the years. Every time I come back there’s something new to see and discover, be it the pedestrianisation of Rundle Street, the thriving restaurants and bars and the highly important independent venues and artists appearing at the Fringe.
How about outside of your show – what’s on the agenda for your downtime?
Honestly, we don’t normally have too much downtime, but I will always make an effort to visit the Adelaide Hills, a short drive to Aldinga Beach, a visit to the Tandanya Arts Centre and a late night meal at Africola.
Do you have a favourite or stand-out performance memory about Adelaide or Adelaide Fringe?
The Fringe is around about the same time as many other events in Adelaide. It’s actually difficult to pick a favourite from driving at speed in a safety car on the Clipsal 500 track, to seeing Al Jarreau live at the Adelaide Festival Theatre, to being at a drinks event at a house that had a disused mine attached to it with a cardboard cut-out of Elvis Presley guarding the entrance. I also need to mention Adelaide’s legendary institutions, from the much-missed Mars Bar to the long standing Rhino Room, Adelaide’s year-round comedy venue.
When audiences leave ‘Now We’re Talking’, they should feel. . .
They should feel that their stomachs have had a workout, their jaws are aching and they’ve had a moment to think. Literally I’m doing the job of a GP, a personal trainer and a psychologist.
Stephen K Amos plays The Spiegeltent at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights 6-11 March, Main Hall at Woodville Town Hall 12 March, The Box at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights 14 March, and Ground Floor at Plant 4 Bowden 15 March (Adelaide Fringe).
