MICF interview with Ben McCarthy

Image Courtesy of Ben McCarthy

Find out why Ben titled his show Nevermind…

The Australia Times (TAT): When did you first start stand-up comedy?

Ben McCarthy (BM): I first tried it about four years ago, but it wasn’t until two years ago I became more consistent.

TAT: Where was your first gig and how did it go?

BM: First gig was my mates Dad’s pub, I was working there. My job for the night was to sit with the open mic sign up sheet. I told a joke to the MC backstage and he dared me to give it a try. I went you know what- I’ll just give it a go. There was a guy in the audience- he ran a comedy room and said I could come down if I was interested.

TAT: Why do you like comedy?

BM: It’s fun. It’s the best thing you can do to make someone laugh. There’s no better feeling.

TAT: What is an average day for you like?

BM: I work in civil construction doing inspections.

TAT: How do come up with your material? 

BM: Just naturally. I feel like I’ve got the ability to make a joke about anything. No matter what the situation. I’ll see something and just think ‘how can I do something with this?’ I can’t sit down and write jokes.

TAT: Who are your favourite comedians local or famous? 

BM: Anthony Jeselnik, and I really like the work of Gabriel Iglesias. They would be my two absolute favourites.  There’s alot of Melbourne talent I wouldn’t know where to start.

TAT: How would you describe your comedy style? 

BM: Laid back. I’ve done some sets where I’ve just done dark humour, but mainly just laid back.

TAT: “Comedians are damaged people.” Discuss…

BM: Well that can either be a good or bad thing I suppose. Some people need something to happen to them to make comedy, for some people it’s their way of dealing with things.

TAT: What’s been a favourite moment on stage?

BM: I did a small lounge gig to about 40 people. At the end of my show I had a standing ovation.

TAT: Do you like audience interaction? 

BM: Depends if I initiate it or not. Sometimes hecklers can be interesting, because  it makes you see how good you are on your feet. Especially if what they say is really funny and you’ve got to throw one back.

TAT: Do you feel like it’s you on stage or a character? 

BM: I feel like it’s the real me. Who I always wanted to be.

TAT: Where do you normally perform? 

BM: A lot of the comedy clubs, a lot of universities. I’m MC at Swinburne University.

TAT: What’s your favourite object?

BM: My bed. That’s the best place.

TAT: Okay, tell us about your show…

BM: I got the title from a long running joke with a friend of mine. I’d go to tell her what my show was and she’d get distracted, so I just say ‘oh nevermind then.’ Then she asked me one time and I said ‘it’s called Nevermind.‘ The show will be a lot of storytelling. Humour based on anything- when I’ve travelled, pop culture- relatable humour.

TAT: Why should people come and see it?

BM: I need the money (laughs). No honestly, if you want to have a laid back time for 45 minutes- an hour, come and enjoy the show. Forget about everything and have some laughs. If you want to forget about something- come and see my show.

 

You can see Nevermind…

When: 29th March- 8th April (except 2nd, 3rd and 4th)

Where: Speakeasy HQ (522 Flinders St)

Tickets: $20

Information: Venue has wheelchair access

Links: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2023/shows/ben-mccarthy-nevermind