Comics' Corner - April 2019
Showcasing top end comics and local stand-up performers
By Will Crawford
Last month a swag of comedians took to the stage to compete in RAW comedy, but it was a newcomer to the scene who took out the NT title and is now headed to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for a shot at the national crown.
Arun Alexander’s routine about his race and childhood was a hit with the judges and crowd, in just his second performance ever.
What was your inspiration for your recent routine?
Growing up with my parents and brother honestly felt like a sitcom with the amount of unintentional comedy both my parents and others in my life had given me. I wanted to share my perspective on the strangeness of my childhood and all its humorous moments with a crowd.
I chose the theme of racial profiling for my Darwin final, because I became subjected to it as I grew older and my appearance changed. I just wanted to share what that has done for me from a comedic point of view.
Most importantly I want to show the crowd that I’m not on a high horse and have the ability to be self-critical about my appearance and my identity without having my ego at stake - I control the narrative not the other way around.
What did your parents say when they heard your routine?
I tested some material with my mum first off and out of context most of the jokes fell flat. However, when they were told on the big stage she found them to be comedy gold. Now she laughs, even if I forget the punch line, but I’ve stopped worrying, because I know at the end of the day she’s laughing at me and not with me.
What advice would you give to others wondering if they should try stand-up comedy?
I’m no Ricky Gervais or Russel Peters just yet, so it’s best I don’t go around giving advice to others wanting to do the same thing before I even do my third show.
However, if you are thinking of entering RAW or any event where you get to do something you love, then do it. It’s always tends to be low-risk high-reward. Even if you mess up, it’s not like the community is going to ostracise you or anything. So just do what makes you happy. That’s what I did, and I guess it paid off.
Pop culture guilty pleasure?
Every time I feel isolated and depressed I watch Shrek Forever After on repeat until I feel better… no but really, I like watching Skippy the Bush Kangaroo just to enjoy the fact that that kangaroo was the only good actor in that whole show and he couldn’t even talk.
Upcoming local comedy gigs
First Thursday Comedy Thu 4 Apr | 7.30-9.30pm | Happy Yess At Brown’s Mart | $10 | facebook.com/topendcomedy
LOL Thursdays Thu 18 Apr | 8.30-10pm | The Beachfront Hotel | Free | facebook.com/topendcomedy
Canned Comedy Thu 11 Apr | 7-9pm The Deck Bar | Canned Food | facebook.com/Amyhetheringtoncomedy
Will Crawford is an up-and-crawling comic. He moonlights as a land rights lawyer and policy activist.
