Comedy Collective: Dave Thornton, Mel Buttle & Nikki Britton | Byron Comedy Festival | Byron Surf Club | Saturday 8.30pm | $50
This week sees the launch of the very first Byron Comedy Fest! Held over three days – Friday–Sunday – at the Byron Surf Club, the event offers comedy lovers a smorgasbord of laughs, from Breakfast on Sunday with Denise Scott to a brand-new show for the whole family with Joel Salom, to a late-night comedic burlesque show (Show Us Ya Wits) on Saturday to a hardcore closing session with a comedy debate where six comics argue if Women Rule The World!
Saturday night’s feature is The Comedy Collective.
Full of sarcasm and self-depreciation, Mel Buttle is as The Age declared in a review of her recent comedy festival show, ‘gifted of rare talent’. Mel steps off the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow to perform with Nikki Britton and Dave Thornton at the Byron Comedy Fest this weekend.
So before you have the pleasure of meeting Mel onstage, let’s get to know a little more about her…
What are the most impressive things you’ve done lately?
I made a very nice shepherds pie last week; I used slow-cooked lamb shanks. Worked out just great.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brisbane, but on the outskirts on five acres, a place called Cedar Creek. I hated it as a teenager, but now I’d love to live back there.
What did your parents ACTUALLY hope you might do?
Dentistry.
What set you on the comedy path?
I did a drama-teaching degree and got into it through that. I never thought of it as a career, just something fun I’d always wanted to try.
What’s the weirdest thing someone has said to you after a gig?
I don’t hang around; I’m in the car and at a Maccas drivethrough straight from the stage.
What’s the secret to a great cardigan, do you think?
A nice motif and a jazzy brooch.
And dogs. You love dogs. What is this dog-whispering thing you have going?
I’m allergic to dogs, but I’m obsessed with them. Cats. Meh. But dogs rule.
If you could live your dream what would you be doing?
Attending a cooking school in France.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about comedy?
That we’re confident and like being the centre of attention.
What advice would you give an emerging comic?
Write down every idea and do as many gigs as you can.
Who are the people who inspire you?
I like how Tina Fey has managed her career. She’s an inspiration to me for sure.
What’s your take on the upcoming election?
I asked my dog whom to vote for.
You’re a QLD girl. What’s the go with Pauline?
It’s all gone downhill for her since she sold the fish and chip shop.
What do you have in store for the Byron Comedy Fest?
A very nice time.
Mel Buttle is part of the Comedy Collective at the Byron Comedy Fest at the Byron Surf Club on Saturday at 8.30pm. Tix are $50 at byroncomedyfest.com
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