DARWIN COMEDY FESTIVAL ON TOUR
Some people drive down the Stuart Highway. Others cycle. But comedians Kevin Kropinyeri and Amy Hetherington? They're laughing their way down that road with the Darwin Comedy Festival on Tour.
WORDS LISA PELLEGRINO
THE CAR'S PACKED with supplies and snacks, as Kevin Kropinyeri and Amy Hetherington make stops in Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs to perform their shows from this year's Darwin Comedy Festival.
"Most of my life is spent going around to regional centres and taking shows there because the people in those places deserve to be entertained. And, quite honestly, they're the best audiences to perform to, because people know how to laugh,” says Hetherington.
Hetherington and Kropinyeri also run free workshops in each town to help you hone your comedy skills, if that’s your jam. You'll even get a five-minute spot on stage to perform. After all, that's how Kevin Kropinyeri got his start in comedy.
18 years ago, his ex-wife signed him up to a comedy workshop with comedy legend Rachel Berger as part of the Deadly Funny competition. He received a wild card to compete in the National Grand Final. And he won.
"That literally changed my life. Just doing the workshops puts you at ease and gives you more insight to … stand-up comedy," Kropinyeri says.
The comedian encourages you to leave your shame and fear at the door, teaching practical ways to overcome those hurdles.
"In particular, with my people, I say shame and fear wasn't a part of our culture,” he says.
“Imagine if Jessica Mauboy was shamed, would she be the absolute superstar that she is? Imagine if Kathy Freeman was too shame to get out and run around the track, would she be where she is in life? So, shame and fear is not a part of our culture and it shouldn't be part of anyone's culture."
If getting up on stage isn't your thing, Hetherington says you can simply sit back and enjoy the laughs from these two incredible comedians.
"It's all about bringing the laughs to people down the Stuart Highway!”
Leave your troubles behind and check out these hilarious folks in a town near you.
Katherine
WHEN MON 9 MAR | 7.30PM
AT GYRACC
COST $30 | $25 CONC
INFO gyracc.org.au
Tennant Creek
WHEN WED 11 MAR | 7PM
AT TENNANT CREEK RSL
COST $15
INFO facebook.com/tennantcreekrsl
Alice Springs
WHEN FRI 13 MAR | 7PM
AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
COST $35 | $30 CONC/STUD $29 MEMB
INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
Header: Amy Hetherington
Inset & thumb: Kevin Kropinyeri
