Talking Dogs with Joel Salom
Brunswick Picture House | 11–13 July | 2pm | $15–18; Family of 4 $65
Who doesn’t love dogs? Who doesn’t love talking dogs? Especially when they’re funny! Comedian, juggler extraordinaire, and international spiegeltent superstar Joel Salom has created a brand-new show: Talking Dogs. This family-friendly interactive show is an absolute must-see for the whole family! Seven had a chat with these two very chatty pups.
Can you tell me what you think about Joel?
Allen: He scratches me in all the right places, and I’m so grateful that he rescued me. He’s the best human in my world!
Erik: Honestly, he annoys me a bit but maybe that’s because we’ve been working together for nearly 20 years! He’s very good with a soldering iron, he made me who I am today and I respect that, but he does smell weird and he looks a bit weird too.
If you could change anything about Joel what would it be?
Allen: I’d change the fact that I’m not in his show all the time. I really want to go with him everywhere – life is better when we’re together.
Erik: I’d change his resistance to letting me get lasers! I really want lasers in my eyes. I wouldn’t take over the world; I’m just a little doggy.
Allen, what annoys you about Erik?
Allen: I wouldn’t say he annoys me but he does trigger me by not playing with me. I really want to be his friend but he’s not interested in me.
Erik, what annoys you about Allen?
Erik: He’s too soft! Harden up, Allen! Life is too short to be so soft; you really need to take life by the balls and sniff it, you know what I mean?!
How did you dogs get into showbiz?
Allen: I’m very new to this. I’ve only done one little show before now, at the Byron Comedy Festival, but I just love seeing kids laugh and have fun. It’s intimidating and exciting all at the same time.
Erik: My first gigs were Glastonbury and Edinburgh Festivals back in the late 90s. Then I scored a gig on a series on ABC TV; since then I’ve travelled the world and done so many shows. I was made to do shows, and I love it, hearing people cheer for me… there’s nothing like it.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions or prejudices you face as a dog?
Allen: That all dogs don’t like cats! I love cats; they’re often beautiful introverts.
Erik: I hate it how people think it’s weird or funny that we sniff each other’s bums. It’s awesome and you should totally try it, especially just before you go onstage. Sniff, boom, pre-show buzz, thank you!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Allen: I would create a dog library, where people could borrow a dog for a couple of weeks, or a day, or a few hours. I just think it would spread the love.
Erik: I would change the laws around robots being able to order lasers online. There’s always that pop-up that checks if you’re a ’bot’; yes I’m a bot, a very responsible bot. Give me the lasers!
What’s your view on the off-leash beach?
Allen: It’s so wonderful! I love the freedom to run and play!
Erik: I don’t like any beaches. I am a robot; salt and sand are not my friends.
Dogs and cafes? What’s your pitch?
Allen: I love cafes! They’re a great place to meet new friends and maybe score some crumbs! Bonus!
Erik: I don’t like cafes. They’re just a distraction from doing gigs! More gigs, fewer cafes!
Tell me about this show – what should we expect?
Allen: This show is a beautiful and playful experience that will lift you up and leave you feeling happy.
Erik: It’s awesome. Expect to be completely entertained and slightly envious of my mad skills!
Talking Dogs with Joel Salom and his furry and not-so-furry friends Allen and Erik the dogs.
Thursday 11 July till Saturday 13 July, 2pm at the Brunswick Picture House.
Tix at brunswickpicturehouse.com
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