Tom Gleeson is a man of many faces: the Australian Fast Bowler, the Ginger Ninja, that ranga on breakfast radio. But be prepared to give generously for his 2008 Melbourne Comedy Festival appeal, Tom-A-Thon.
You’ve made quite a few jokes (at your own expense) about your red hair. Are you doing for ranga what Nick Giannopoulos did for wog?
Dare to dream … one day I want to do a big stage production called Ginge Minge: The Musical, then follow it up with a film called RANG-A-RAMA!
What can we expect from your new show TOM-A-THON?
I’ve got some tasty tales about getting married, Dad practise, backstage bullshit at Dancing with the Stars and my gay bro.
Is there any truth to the rumour that you love your Monaro more than you love your new wife?
This rumour that I started is correct. My wife and I have a pre-nup which says that I get the Monaro and she gets the kids if we have any.
I’ve heard that you recently had your eyelashes tinted. Was this some sort of challenge or just the first step to becoming as well-groomed as Keith Urban?
Just because I am a fair redhead doesn’t mean that I can’t have the sexy penetrating eyes of a Latino love god.
You appear as the man-meat in the yummy-mummy sandwich on Mix 101.1’s breakfast radio show Two Women and a Metro. Do you have ‘Metro’ down as your title on your business card or is this a tag that has been given to you?
Mix 101.1 said that I remind them of the Paris Subway system. That is – underground and artistic. I don’t really get it to be honest but so long as the cheques clear, the show could be called Two Women and the Tube for all I care.
Who are your hot picks for this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?
Reginald D Hunter. I don’t know why. I’ve never seen him. Friends of mine form the UK give him a big thumbs up.
Tom Gleeson – Tom-A-Thon is on at Swiss House, 20th March – 13th April Tues-Sat 8.30pm Sun 7.30pm from $19.90-$27.50. For booking details click here