Comics' Corner - Deadly Darwin Comedy
Deadly Darwin Comedy hits the stage this month with new show, A Time to Celebrate, presented at Brown’s Mart Theatre as part of the First Nations Engage Program.
2021 is the group’s third year performing in the Engage program and, interestingly, was the seed that sprouted Deadly Darwin’s debut in 2018. A Time To Celebrate sees the addition of new members with 12 comedians invoking the giggles over four huge shows.
Will Crawford caught up Richard Fejo, co-founder of Deadly Darwin Comedy, to get the lowdown on their secret to success and introduce some of the new members.
How did Deadly Darwin come to be?
Deadly Darwin started with four Aboriginal comedians – Normie Grogan, Micah Kickett, Desmo Lewis and myself – performing in 2018. We created Deadly Darwin Comedy to showcase the comic talents of local Aboriginal comedians, dead keen to launch humour into our communities and spread healing through laughter. Three years later, Deadly Darwin has grown to include over 13 local Aboriginal comedians.
Tell us about the new comedians?
Aunty June Mills is a Larrakia legend and an incredibly funny comedian and storyteller that leaves you in tears of laughter.
Desmo Lewis is a legend of performance and won the 2020 NT Deadly Funny competition – he has a ripper sense of humour.
Paul Seden I have known since grade four, and know how funny he is. I’m thrilled he has chosen to join Deadly Darwin.
James Parfitt is my nephew and we’re born seven weeks apart. We came out of the same cot with the same sense of humour, so brace yourself for two-for-one when you see us perform together.
Richie Harrison is a fearless and unbelievably funny comedian. He’s a pleasure to watch at work, I have nothing but respect for the brother!
John Rawnsley is a thinker, like Normie, who puts a lot of thought into his storytelling, which is why he brings the laugh out loud factor.
Maxy Browne is true to the form of black comedy… Maxy presents hilarious scenarios that all ring true to all us mob. Definitely a star on the rise.
Rob Randall is a long-time friend. Having grown up with members of the Randall family, I’m keen to watch Rob raise the bar on black comedy – we are all here to support you brother.
Emily Ford is an exciting new prospect for Deadly Darwin, and I watched in amazement when she totally owned the audience at her first Deadly Darwin performance.
Nathan Wright is the youngest and most excitable member, a comedy graduate from Class Clowns, ready to be corrupted by us mob!
Any other deadly gigs on the cards for May?
May is an exciting time for Deadly Darwin! In addition to our Brown’s Mart show, we’re performing at Nightcliff Seabreaze Festival and will help close at the Garmarrlang Festival at Darwin Entertainment Centre. We’d love to see you all there!
A Time to Celebrate
WHEN THU 20 & FRI 21 MAY, 7PM | SAT 22 MAY, 1PM & 7PM
AT BROWN’S MART THEATRE
COST $25 | $15 CONC
INFO brownsmart.com.au
Photo: Paz Tassone
