Carl Donnelly: Jive Ass Honky
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Carl Donnelly: Jive Ass Honky

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UK comic Carl Donnelly has changed his over the last year or two. There’s something about him that looks reinvigorated. Did he get any make-over advice from anyone? “Nope. Only myself,” he answers. “My low self-esteem dictates that I need to change my image regularly, chasing that mythical perfect look that will finally make me happy. To date, it hasn’t happened and I’m running out of ideas. So if you have any, I’m all ears.”

Is there any possibility he was funnier when he a tad more rotund? “There is every possibility. I was potentially more of a crowd pleaser, as was so desperately unhappy I wanted everyone to like me. As I’ve become slightly more content in myself with age, I’ve grown to realise that you can’t please all the people all the time. I’ve really run with that idea and have a couple of routines in the show that may try the more fair-weather comedy fan’s patience.” 

Donnelly used to joke that he’d know when he’d made it because batteries wouldn’t seem too expensive. As his career has progressed, are batteries still too expensive? “Yes they are,” he says. “My apathy with politics is hugely influenced by no politicians addressing this travesty. The moment a politician sticks their head above the parapet and says they’ll campaign to lower battery prices, they’ve got my vote.”

As well as making people laugh, Donnelly enjoys sitting on the other side of the laughter as well – picking up inspiration along the way.

“I’m actually very easily pleased by comedians,” he explains. “I’m a good audience member, as will laugh at any old shit. If I have to name someone I think is at the top end of my tastes, I’d say Tommy Tiernan is the best comedian on the planet currently. If you get a chance to see his show, do. If you want me to win brownie points by naming an Australian comedian, David Quirk is my favourite from your island.” 

Of course, even Donnelly has had some rough gigs in his time. Like most comedians at the top of their game, he’s been through the good just as much as the bad. “I’ve been threatened onstage, forced to down about 20 drinks, smashed my head on a speaker, had a panic attack and so on. But the one that was the most uncomfortable involves the show I’m doing at MICF. There is a part at the end of the show that hinges on an earlier routine. Without the earlier routine, I look like a man who has had a nervous breakdown onstage. In one preview of the show I forgot to do the early routine, so when I started the end bit the whole room went silent and got concerned for my mental well-being. It was hard to end with funnies after t

What does Donnelly think makes him funny? “I think it’s a mix of mental health problems and likability. I’ve always had a head full of stuff that needed to come out, so stand up was where I found out I could do that. By pure luck I think audiences can tell I’m not a dick, and that’s massive in comedy. You don’t have to like someone as a person to enjoy their comedy, but I think if you instantly feel comfortable with someone then you’ll relax and hear what they have to say. I think that on the whole I make people relax and know they’re in good hands.” Ultimately, Donnelly can distil his style down to a few core qualities. “Funny. Honest. Silly,” says. “Sometimes, interesting.”

BY LIZA DEZFOULI

Venue: The Upstairs Lounge at Little Sista

Dates: March 24 – April 17 (except Mondays)

Time: 9.30pm

Tickets: $25 – $32