Stephen K Amos is preparing his annual, riotous comedic sojourn down under where he’ll regale Antipodeans with his ‘Story So Far’.
The clue in the media notes this might be his last time in Oz for a while is readily confirmed in conversation up the line to the UK. “I’ve been touring non-stop for 12 years and I’m keen to see what else I can do… In the same vein. Maybe movies. A whole range of things.”
Amos has performed stand-up at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe every year since 2003 in a career which has seen him perform as comedic guest and MC on myriad television and radio specials as well as his extensive touring schedule. The theatre boards have been well trodden ('One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest' in London’s West End) and his TV documentary, 'Batty Man', on homophobia in the British black community was nominated for a BAFTA.
While his easy-going, conversational style has ensured lofty billing for well beyond a decade, he confirms his very first professional gig was as far back as 1995. His foray into professional comedy “happened by chance. I was at a crossroads trying to discover what I wanted to do with my life [he’d studied criminal justice] when, while in New York, a friend’s friend asked if ‘I’d ever considered comedy as a profession?’” And had he? “Of course not! I remain eternally grateful to her for opening the door on that chapter of my life.”
A quick YouTube search reveals Amos' adroitness running proceedings (as comic and MC) on the big stage but has he preferred those extravaganzas to more personal gatherings?
“It’s always lovely to do an intimate gig because you can work off stuff that happens in the room. And performing at a big gig is also incredible… Commanding an audience of thousands – and to hold them and keep them entertained and laughing... That’s something you need to learn. I’m genuinely at my happiest when there is an open and respected audience that is willing to let me try and make my way.”
Before Amos casts a wider net we asked about tips for emerging comedians, the (perhaps baseless) assumption he isn’t heckled as much as his peers and if there’s anywhere he wishes he’d performed in his exhaustive schedule. [For emerging comedians] “The industry is very congested. You need to find your own voice – be original – and avoid all the obvious subjects talked about, not just by comedians but by everybody, including on social media. Develop your own content and put it online.
“Any comedian on the comedy club circuit has to develop a bloody thick skin. You will be heckled. Some people people think they’re helping you! I cut my teeth on that circuit; it does kind of steel you. These days, though, hecklers at my shows are very few and far between.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play most of the continents in the world, African nations and extensively throughout Europe but not South America. I’d be interested to do a pop-up show and see if it works.”
And so ‘The Story So Far’ promises to explore his last decade of comedy packed with Amos favourites and brand-new material. “If you haven’t seen me live before, I do recommend coming out and having a laugh.” And laugh you will.
Stephen K Amos Tour Dates
2-16 March – Arts Theatre (Adelaide Fringe)18-23 March – Hotel Grand Chancellor (Launceston International Comedy Festival)
24 March – Home Of The Arts (Gold Coast)
28 March-7 April – Athenaeum Theatre (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)
24 April – Frankston Performing Arts Centre (Melbourne)
26 April – Geelong Performing Arts Centre (Melbourne)
27 April – Eatons Hill Hotel (Brisbane)
2 May – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre (New South Wales)
4 May – Enmore Theatre (Sydney Comedy Festival)
5 May – Concourse Theatre (Sydney Comedy Festival)
9-11 May – Regal Theatre (Perth Comedy Festival)
