Mandy Nolan
There is nothing quite as magical in the comedy world as light-footed Dave Callan dancing Beyonce’s All the Single Ladies. In fact, this comedian, who started off spoofing the pop act, found himself quite the dancer, and in the end learnt her entire choreography. If it weren’t for the beard, Dave Callan could be Beyonce’s body double!
But the beard and long hair is Dave Callan’s trademark. He was working the beard before it was trendy. In fact he has been sporting the Game of Thrones look way before the book was ever written. He thinks it will be very fashionable when the new Ice Age comes.
Born in Ireland, Dave moved to WA when he was eight. Apart from performing standup comedy in Perth, he did a series of ads in WA for WA Home Loans and Fruitisma. He didn’t move to Melbourne until Rove McManus asked him to help him out with his new TV show.
Most non-Melburnians only know Callan through the two seasons he spent with Rove. At the end of its second season, Dave decided to concentrate on his first love, live performance.
Callan returned to live work in 2000 with a show that proved to be a sellout success. In 2001, he returned to the world-famous festival with a vengeance: in addition to his own comedy festival show, Dave Callan is Hairy, he was a part of Jesus Christ, Movie Star with two other comics.
The segment on Rove for which he is best remembered is Words That Sound Better When Said By Dave. Cloaked in his thick Irish accent, Dave was able to make words such as the following extremely funny: portfolio, plectrum, haberdashery and trousers to name a few.
Dave Callan is appearing at the Byron Brewery on Wednesday October 30 and the Currumbin RSL on Thursday October 31.
Seven caught up with the dancing enigma of bearded beauty as he stepped out of a meditation retreat…
If I could only keep one album it would be: Some sort of dancefloor fillers compilation. Is that cheating? I DON’T CARE.
I want to die: In a huge explosion (literally).
I want to live: In a huge explosion (metaphorically).
If I were going to award the Nobel peace prize, it would go to: The police force in Albury-Wodonga at the weekend.
If I were on Mythbusters I’d want to have a go at: The moustaches to see if they are real.
If I could be on any reality TV program anywhere in the world: Waikiki.
Men with beards: Are probably wizards, Vikings or pirates in previous lives.
The perfect woman: Is happy and chilled and funny.
The secret to a happy life is: Be flexible and expect more from yourself than others; get back to nature every now and again; eliminate anger, fear and greed.
My greatest regret is: No regrets!
Next year I’m going to: Learn saxophone (true story).
In my life I have learned: Not to drink OJ after toothbrushing.
My mother taught me: To respect everyone.
The thing that annoys me the most is: Flakiness.
My perfect meal is: Anything Indian.
If I could invite anyone to a dinner party I’d ask: The CEO of the Illuminati.
My greatest strength is: My sweet guns.
My biggest struggle is: Eat the muffin or have the abs.
Vegetarians are: Never arseholes.
To me god: Is inside us and we should listen.
When I dance: I feel like a magical faun.
Being a comedian: Is lovely because the sound of laughter is beautiful – except the cruel laughing-at-people-falling-over kind.
Single ladies: Now put your hands UP.
Tickets – $25. Available from and can be booked on 6619 0529 or bought directly online at http://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/DaveCallan.
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