It's been a mad few years, and while there have been plenty of ways to wade through it, comedian Stephen K Amos' solution has been to 'find the funny’.
The BAFTA-nominated and RTS Award-winning writer, broadcaster, actor and comedian has been looking for the opportunity in the crisis, the joy in the sadness, and the wisdom of fools.
Fresh from treading the boards of London's West End in 'My Fair Lady' (as Alfred P. Doolittle), as well as a sell-out US tour, Stephen's super keen to be hitting the stage in Australia for his new show 'Oxymoron'.
It'll be an hour of solid, not-to-be-missed jokes, and guaranteed belly laughs.
We had a moment to chat to Stephen ahead of his Adelaide Fringe season.
You’ve recently been on stage in London’s West End for ‘My Fair Lady’! What was that like?
It was a truly wonderful experience and I have a new found level of respect for musical theatre. These folk have to train in every discipline required of an all-round performer. It was a joy to be part of that stagecraft. I got to work every day with creatives, a 39-piece orchestra and all in the beautiful London Coliseum. The only difficulty was sharing the applause at the end of the show. I also learned skills that I continue to use today. Like breathing techniques, singing scales! How to move my body in ways I never thought possible!
What’s Adelaide Fringe got in store with your show this year?
I'm not going to give too much away, but I guarantee belly laughs will be had. The show is called 'Oxymoron' and I take a look at some of the contradictory curveballs that have sprung up in recent times. As usual there will be an element of spontaneity, as I like the audience to be on their toes. . . Anything may happen in the room that I have not planned. I like to keep every night feeling fresh as though it's the first time I've said those words.
What is it you love about Australia, and Australian audiences, most?
Australia is a vast country with ancient Indigenous history and beautiful, modern cities set in the most stunning of landscapes. It's a long journey to get there and the time zones and the season changes make my head spin, but it's always great to return and it feels like a home away from home. As an outsider looking in, the stereotype of the laid back Australian is very much still true, but it's the Australian ability to laugh at oneself that is always a recipe for a good night of laughter. The audiences have changed a bit over the years: they're much more diverse in terms of race, gender, age and sexual orientation. That's great because with a more diverse audience you can do more wide-ranging material, so it never gets dull doing comedy in Australia.
What’s your favourite thing about being a stand-up comedian?
Firstly that I get to work for myself and get to perform for a room full of strangers, that have chosen to see me. It's incredibly humbling. Nothing beats a live comedy show experience where I can literally say what I want. I don't know any other profession that allows that freedom. Being able to connect my musings, thoughts and comedic ramblings to a captive audience for the purpose of making them laugh. . . Wow.
Is there a certain point in your life you can attribute to the beginnings of your perspective on finding the joy in sadness?
I think there are two stages. When you're a child, you're full of eternal joy and optimism. Little things bring you happiness. As adults you have to deal with external factors from the environment, from other people and sometimes things are sent to try us and there's nothing you can do about it. The key is how you react to that. You have two options. You can become jaded or you can try to see the joy in the sadness, or as I sometimes say 'find the funny'. We will all experience grief and loss and it's how you deal and process it that gets you through. You are either are a driver in this journey of your life, trying to find the right path to follow, or you are a passenger.
Why do you think this kind of comedy is so effective?
It basically relates to human nature. We all have our own stories to tell and if any of the jokes I tell on stage resonate with people in the audience, that's a human connection on a spirit level. No one knows how long we have on this beautiful planet. No one has the right answers so why not try and have a damn good time navigating your own existence.
If you could name one person – in the comedy industry or not, alive or not – who you’ve looked to for inspiration/motivation with your work, who would it be and why?
The person I would look up to is not in the comedy field. It would have to be Nelson Mandela, a highly intelligent, educated man. Once considered a terrorist and a freedom fighter simultaneously. He was imprisoned for over 25 years for a refusal to change his stance in fighting for basic fundamental human rights for a nation of peoples. To emerge from prison and not be a bitter, angry man, but be recognised as one of the most respected and influential statesmen that ever lived. He is a true inspiration.
On the other side of that, what kind of advice do you have for comedy up-and-comers who might look to you for inspiration?
As much as that would flatter me, it's all about individuality. First and foremost be yourself. Find your own truth. Whatever makes you laugh, find a way of expressing that to an audience. Practise, practise, practise. You need to find your own voice and when you find it, believe me, you'll never want to shut up.
Stephen K Amos plays The Box at The Garden of Unearthly Delights (Adelaide Fringe) 16 February-3 March.
