Michael Workman

How can we laugh as the world slides into chaos? How can we not? Chaos is hilarious. And sliding on anything is always funny. Particularly abstract assignations given to events. Man walks into a bar, slides on existential angst, falls on his altruism. That sort of thing.

What punchline have you longed to find a joke for but never quite managed? "Perhaps you should consider exorcism.... exorcism." *straightens tie*

If you could call a moratorium on one over-used stand-up premise, what would it be? "This is my first time doing comedy, it's like my first time having sex." I believe the moratorium would result in rocket launchers being installed in all clubs for any one who attempts such a tired line.

Bill Hicks or Bill Cosby? I would definitely have sex with Bill Cosby.

Does your mother approve of your career choice? No, she wants me have a job with more money. I think she has little faith in her ability to support herself in her old age, and hence would have liked me to be a lawyer. Or a mafia kingpin. You know, something honourable that pays well.

What's the one subject that you've never been able to make a joke about? Religion. I get too angry.

If your comedy was a musical genre, what would it be? New York minimalism ala Philip Glass. Because I am a prat.

Of what comedian would you most like to hear about the mysterious, asteroid-collision-related disappearance? Dane Cook. Although I wonder if an asteroid would do the job.

Complete: Two men walk into a bar... ...graph. One accuses the other of being parabolic. The other abandons this ridiculous premise.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Some kind of lake. A salt lake, possibly.

What's the funniest thing about Sydney? Honestly, I find the funniest times are when I hang out in cafes with the local comics and just relax. The people of Sydney have a very good sense of humour.  

In 30 words or less, explain what your show is about and why everyone should go and see it. The Ogre is my first full-length show. It's the story of living with my father in a city south of Perth. It's not a typical comedy show in as much as it isn't strictly stand-up. Although it's very funny, it's also designed to be reflective and nostalgic. I hope people really get something out of it, because I believe comedy is best applied when saying something serious.