Comedy Fest Chat: Rama Nicholas
Rama Nicholas’s MICF show is After Ever After, a solo show with 15 characters that’s all about what happens when the fairytale is over. She also offers an brilliant list of shows and artists to see at the festival.
What MICF shows are you most looking forward to seeing?
Ok. I have a big list, there are so many great shows on at the festival. Tegan Higginbotham. Harley Breen. El Jaguar. Rebecca DeUnamuno. Celia Pacqola. Late Night Impro. Jason Geary and Jimmy Eaton. Late night letters and numbers. Geraldine Quinn. Girls Uninterrupted. The Big hoo ha. Liam Ryan. Lanna Schwarcz. Vic Healy. Ben McKenzie. Justin Hamilton. Xavier Michelides. Suzi Youssef. Benjamin Maio Makey and Rob Lloyd. Luke McGregor. Stuart Daulman. Julian Clary. Bane. The boy with Tape on his face. Jordana Borensztajn.
What makes MICF different from all the other festivals?
It’s big, its well organszed and it’s a part of Melbourne’s culture and identity.
What’s an absolute must do (place/eat/adventure) for you when you visit Melbourne?
Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Awesomeness. Daytime is better than nighttime and avoid weekends – it gets crazy.
What comedians/performers have influenced you the most?
Randy Dixon. Patti Styles. The Pajama Men. New Art Club. Dario Fo and Mario Pirovano. Joss Whedon. Quentin Tarantino. 80s action adventure films. Lots more I can’t think of…
What’s advice do you wish you’d been given before your first gigs?
I’ve been given a lot of great advice by a lot of very wise, talented and wonderful people over the years. One thing I have learned is, especially if you are a solo act, don’t try to do everything alone; seek advice and support when you need it.
Do you do still your own flyering? Can you tell us something great or horrific that’s happened to you when flyering?
I’m not a big flyerer. But last year when I did do some flyering a lovely couple approached me to ask about my show, the guy was from Mexico and my show had a Mexican theme to it. I saw them in my audience the next night; I was chuffed.
What’s the best (or worst) thing a review has said about you or your show? ‘Five stars’ – from Beat magazine, that was such a lovely surprise and a review highlight.
What comedian (alive or dead) do you wish you’d seen live?
Whoopie Goldburg
When did you realise that being funny is the career for you?
I was about 12, I was in my first school musical and I knew that I wanted to be a performer. Been doing it ever since. Comedy or not.
What’s the best heckle you’ve received?
Marry me!
