COMEDIAN’S TALL TALES A SURE HIT WITH THE KIDS
TAKE the children to Dusty Rich’s new show and they might never swear again – just be prepared to be called a fish head for a while.
The Gold Coast comedian will perform Stand Up Comedy For Kids (And Adults) at HOTA on March 21, a family-friendly version of Mr Rich’s typically grownup humour.
“I swear, it’s what I do, I’m Irish South African,” Mr Rich said. “One of the opening gags is kind of a trick that helps me with the swearing. I say ‘I get in trouble for swearing, I’m sure you kids do as well’.
“So instead of saying the F word, use the word fish. Instead of saying the S word, use the word shark.
“If your dad comes in and says clean your room, you can say ‘fish off you shark head’.
“With that little gag, it builds a little bit of trust: I know what they go through.”
Dressed as a dinosaur, Mr Rich said the show delivered children a dose of reality while exploring the excitement and frivolity of childhood.
“The way people speak to kids these days, everyone’s a perfect princess. I’m a firm believer in speaking to them like human beings,” he said.
“In the comedy I try to show them how to not take life so seriously and roll with the punches.
“I am a bit of a child, I don’t think I got to have my childhood properly, so I’ve just extended it into my 30s.
“I really enjoy being silly and goofy. With stand-up comedy for adults you always shave to have a crazy origin story or a message.
“With children you just throw out a couple of fart jokes, everyone’s into it.”
As for the prehistoric costume, Mr Rich calls it part icebreaker, part stitch-up.
“That’s my stupid manager messing with me. He bought me a onesie off the internet and it rides up everywhere,” Mr Rich said.
“But I think the dinosaur costume also takes the edge off. I’ve already broken the ice, I’m a fool, I’m an idiot, it’s OK to let go a little bit. I think what I say shouldn’t be taken seriously.”
Dusty Rich: Stand Up Comedy For Kids (And Adults) performs at HOTA on March 21. Tickets are $20, visit hota.com.au