Gavin’s ‘sempel’ style proves a comedy hit
Dropping out of law studies to pursue stand-up comedy.
It wasn’t exactly welcome news to his father, but Drouin resident Gavin Sempel is taking on this unlikely career change with great strides.
His latest achievement was beating out more than 1000 competitors to make the national final of the “Raw Comedy” open mic competition.
Gavin believed “I’ve got this in the bag” after stepping off the stage in the state finals. However, a friend performed and gained a bigger audience reaction.
The judges couldn’t decide between the two, and both were advanced to the national final to be staged at the Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
“I was speechless, I couldn’t even take the mic,” said the 20-year-old.
Gavin is one of 11 finalists and stands a good chance of taking out the major prize – jetting off to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Gavin was given his first taste of stand-up comedy after winning a variety show whilst studying year 11 at Drouin Secondary College. The prize was a comedy course.
He decided to further pursue his passion about two years ago. Last year he dropped out of law at Deakin University after struggling to balance the two.
Gavin’s self-deprecating storytelling style is quickly proving a hit to audiences and winning over his proud father David. He has performed at comedy festivals in Melbourne and Adelaide as well as gigs across Victoria and New South Wales, including a recent show in Bunyip.
Gavin even had his own solo show, “Plain and Sempel”, at the Basement Café in Melbourne last week as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Helping him along the journey has been friend and mentor Dilruk Jayasinha who after seven years pursuing comedy has now reached TV.
Gavin said Dilruk didn’t even make it past the heats of the “Raw Comedy” competition, which highlights how hard it was to be a national finalist just two years in.
The “Raw Comedy” national final will appear on TV in late September to early October, a huge thrill for Gavin.
His next goal is to perform at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s “Oxfam Gala”. “It’s the big time. That’s my goal.” His message to West Gippslanders was to support unknown comedians.
“There’s so many comedians you don’t see on the TV who are brilliant. Some of them even sell-out their shows. But come and watch mine as well.”