Ray O’Leary (Taskmaster, Have You Been Paying Attention?) pulled a man from a wrecked car and as the man lay dying, he used his last ounce of strength to ask Ray (Nominee 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award for Most Outstanding Show) to tell his children that he loved them. And Ray (sold out tours to Melbourne, Edinburgh and more) will get ’round to it but first he has to do this comedy show.
How would you describe your show to someone who knows very little about it?
I would describe my show using words, gesticulations, metaphor, similes and if necessary, alliteration. I would primarily speak in English, as that is the main language I know. If someone was to hear this string of words, they would be utterly convinced to buy a ticket to the show
What makes it stand out and why should people see it?
I do have something planned for the grand finale that I believe will wow watchers in the audience. I don’t want to give too much away but I have recently returned from Skull Island with a giant ape that I dub the Eighth Wonder of the World. He will be in chains so it is perfectly safe to use flash photography and make loud, startling noises that would normally upset such a creature. I hope many Hollywood starlets are in attendance
How long was the process from idea to writing to stage? Any challenges along the way?
I think the hardest part about writing this show was venturing to the dreaded skull island and sourcing the giant ape necessary for the finale. He can be quite irate, but I am able to sedate him by getting him to watch the latest Hollywood films with all the Hollywood starlets, which he remains transfixed by and I’m sure will have no further repercussions down the line
What attracts you to comedy?
I do not do comedy. I am a serious dramatic actor
How would you describe your relationship with the audience and what do you love the most about live performance?
I think the great thing about live comedy and the audience is that you never know what will happen. Something might go horribly wrong. A giant ape might escape his chains and climb the nearest tallest building with a Hollywood starlet. But that wouldn’t happen at one of my shows
Who would you say have been your biggest inspirations?
Curious George, Dunston Checks In, Chimp Crazy.
What are three things that would surprise people to learn about you?
- I have secured a map detailing the location of Skull Island
- I have returned from Skull Island with the legendary giant ape
- I make a mean bean korma!
What do you love to most about performing at MICF?
Watching other people’s shows and mentally marking them down in my head because none of them feature a giant ape as part of the final number.
What comes after the MICF for you?
I have been selected for the New Zealand space programme. We fly out as soon as the country develops a rocket
March 27 – April 20
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/ray-o-leary-laughter-i-hardly-know-her/
