Bryan Roberts made quite an impression on the jaded punters when he first stepped onto the stage of the St Kilda Local a couple of years ago. With his confident and relaxed stage manner complimenting his fantastic material, he soon built up a loyal following. Since that first gig, Bryan has returned to The Local often, usually brandishing brand new material, always winning the crowd over. This April Bryan took the plunge, performing in his first full length show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, the critically successful “Life of Bryan”. I caught up with Bryan to find out a bit more about the man who makes stand up look deceptively easy.
Why did you decide to get involved in Stand Up comedy?
I used to be a preacher [for the Seventh Day Adventists] and that involved a lot of public speaking. Off the stage I am a very reserved and quiet person (Polynesian shy). There is an old adage that if you don’t use it, you lose it and having not been to church for over two years I wanted to do some form of public speaking. One night I was walking past The Local and not realising that the venue was called ‘The Local’, I saw a sign on the window saying ‘Local Laughs on Monday night’. I thought that this was a place where people who lived locally (only) came and gave stand-up a go. I rang the number and spoke to Janet McLeod and she sounded a little reluctant (based on my shy telephone manner and having never done stand-up before). So I left it there, rang up two weeks later and said that I was new in town and had done stand-up in New Zealand… I can tell lies now because I’m not a preacher anymore.
Did your background as a Preacher assist with your performing? Has it influenced your style?
Coming from a preaching background, I don’t really get too nervous about actual speaking side of things. I do struggle with memory and scripts. As a preacher I always had notes (behind the pulpit) but in comedy you have nothing. My very first gig at The Local I actually went on stage with a A4 text book in my hand.
My style is certainly influenced by my Christian up-bringing. I don’t swear in my delivery (only in my mind when no one laughs). At times I would tell a sexual joke and the few people who knew me as a preacher find it hard accept that I am telling a x-rated gag. Then people who have heard that I was a preacher and now hear me telling some sexual jokes, I get the feeling that they think, ‘mmmm, he must’ve of been a Catholic Priest’. I also never do any ‘Jesus’ jokes. Often I hear other comedians making fun and I say to myself, ‘I’m going to go and belt him/her backstage!’ I then have to remind myself that true Christians are non-violent.
You seem to perform exclusively at The Local? Have you performed elsewhere? How did these gigs go?
I work shiftwork and don’t have a car so rarely do venture far from St Kilda. I have occasionally done spots at other venues. I would say they have been mixed reviews but all have provided valuable experience. The few comedians that I do run into often comment that The Local is their favourite room. Based on their feedback I’m glad that I get opportunity to perform at one of the more favourable comedy rooms in the country.
Each gig you have done at The Local has been unique. Do you have trouble coming up new material each time?
After my first gig I thought that I was a spent force. I had used all my supposedly good jokes and I never knew that comedians could repeat telling the same jokes! I’ve often thought that I’ve come to the end of the road (no more material) but a new idea/thought always seem to pop up from time to time. The Local has a core of loyal patrons and I (not a good thing to say as a comedian) wouldn’t want to hear the same jokes over and over. So I do try to have fresh material most times when I’m there.
You tackled the daunting task of a solo Comedy Festival show after a relatively short time on the scene. How did it go? Did you feel you were adequately prepared for it?
I only performed two shows and the objective was to just gain some experience. Being a relative no-name comedian I only get to do 5-10 minute spots. So it was a huge challenge to jump from 5-10 minutes to a full hour show. I have no problem with talking that long (as a preacher I would speak for an hour every week) but I knew I was going to struggle with the memory side of things. On the night I did have to check my notes a few times. All in all I was happy with how it all went. Gained a lot of confidence and exposed many areas for future improvement.
What are you future plans for your comedy?
I don’t want to sound cliché but just take it one gig at a time. I want to be better prepared for every gig. I’m often still trying to learn my lines as the MC is introducing me to the stage. I get so annoyed with myself when I get tongue twisted or deliver with a line with bad timing because those are things that can be avoided had I prepared better.
I told a toilet gag in my earlier routines and I still get people running into me saying ‘oh, you told that toilet joke’. So I’m hoping that people will start remembering me for other gags rather than a toilet joke.
Other than that, I want the same as everyone else – my own sit-com and talk-back show. To work in any creative industry would be nice. I’m currently working in a bank. I appreciate that it provides me with a living but it would be nice to align your job with something that you are passionate about.
Bryan’s next gig is on August 21st at The St Kilda Local. As we have come to expect, he is promising an all new set. Many thanks to Bryan for his assistance.