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Comics' Corner - September 2019

Showcasing Top End comics and local stand up performers.

By Will Crawford

CO-FOUNDER OF THIS YEAR’S INAUGURAL Deadly Darwin Comedy show Richard Fejo is a familiar face around town, popping up on stages left, right and centre – but comedy happened to him rather by surprise. Will Crawford caught up with him for a chat. 

Comedy came to you later on in life – how did you get into it? 
It was an accident! I went to karaoke on the wrong night… 
I ended up walking into a comedy show by mistake, and I was amazed to see two guys get up on stage for the first time to tell jokes. So a week later, I went back to perform and now I’m addicted. 

You co-founded Deadly Darwin Comedy – how did it come about?
In 2018, my sketch Deadly Brother – The Newsreader won the 2018 Darwin Deadly Funny competition, and I was flown to Melbourne to compete in the national Deadly Funny final. Although I didn’t win, I met many awesome Aboriginal comedians from all around Australia.
 
When I got back to Darwin we created Deadly Darwin, which currently includes Mr. Normie Grogan, Mr. Micah Kickett and myself. It’s been an amazing success and a chance for us to develop and explore new ways to express ourselves and heal our people and communities through laughter.  
 
What’s the plan for the future?
We’ve discussed growing our group to expand Aboriginal comedy in Darwin, and are talking about doing some development and mentoring workshops with young people.  
 
Who would you say are your biggest influences?
My happy-go-lucky uncles would inspire me by telling jokes around the campfire many moons ago. Also, my brothers Mr. Normie Gorgan and Mr. Micah Kickett have become like family to me. I’d also say Amy Hetherington and other Darwin comedians who have given me the opportunity to make people laugh!

QUICK COMIC QUIZ WITH RICHARD FEJO

Favourite stand-up comedian
Richard Pryor
 
Favourite comedy movie
Friday
 
Favourite comedy TV show 
Whose Line is it Anyway?
 
Life’s greatest pleasure  
Being around family because families are forever
 
Proudest moment 
Seeing my children grow and being a part of their support and development 
 
Advice you’d give to your 10-year-old self
Don’t grow a beard!
 
Guilty pleasure 
Watching WWE… Since the 80s
 
Favourite quote 
“Happiness is not a destination, it’s a way of life”
 
Any upcoming gigs? 
We are regulars at First Thursday Comedy at Happy Yess, Canned Comedy at Deck Bar and LOL Thursdays at the Beachfront. Watch out for other dates! 
 
Will Crawford is an up-and-crawling comic. He moonlights as a land rights lawyer and policy activist.

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