It’s to be expected when you go to one of Tommy Little’s comedy shows that there will be no shortage of laughs. And his current show, which the comedian is performing at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and taking on tour across the country, is certainly no exception.
“This year’s show is just stupid and filthy,” he tells WHO of the aptly titled I’m Not Proud. “I think it’s the funniest show I’ve done so far.”
With Little’s previous shows often focusing on a big challenge he’s successfully undertaken – “like running a marathon in Antarctica or swimming the English Channel” – this time around he’s changed tack.
“I realised people are over hearing about success, so this is about all the times I failed,” he shares. “It’s great, because if people think their lives are bad or they’ve got failures of their own, they can forget them for an hour and come and laugh at me or with me. I don’t really mind.”
That’s the thing about Little – he is more than happy to be the butt of the joke. But, perhaps more admirably, he’s also not afraid of showing another side to himself – either on stage or on his radio show with “best friend” Carrie Bickmore. Although, he admits, it’s not something he’s particularly aware he’s doing.
“I mean, anybody who’s kind of listened to our radio show knows I cry more than the average person,” he says with a laugh. “I can’t really help it. So it’s certainly not on purpose, but I just try and give 100 per cent me and it turns out that occasionally that’s sensitive.”
As far as comedians and even radio hosts go, that vulnerability and openness certainly sets Little apart from the rest. And it is, he admits, because he’s “a bit more comfortable in my own skin” these days.
“Maybe in the early years, I was focused 100 per cent on just trying to be funny all the time,” he continues. “I think I’ve probably just grown in every aspect. I think I probably have experienced a bit more life, and so it just comes through.”
In February, the comedian turned 40 – a milestone he appears, at first, indifferent to. “I mean, you wake up the next morning and nothing’s changed,” he reflects. “As my dad says about ageing, the alternative is pretty grim, and I agree.”
However, he doesn’t agree that 40 is the new 30. “I feel like it’s undeniably just not young, like I don’t actually feel old, but I’m undeniably not young now,” Little jokes. “I think if I died now, I don’t think they would say he’s gone too soon anymore, they’d say he’s gone.”
With a thriving comedic career, a hit radio show and regular TV appearances – including a run on the recently launched new season of Taskmaster Australia – Little certainly has his fingers in many pies. However, he confesses it’s come at the sacrifice of his personal life.
“I’ve realised over the years that it is quite hard to have relationships when I’m constantly touring the country and away from home and working, and because I love what I do, I really throw myself into it,” he shares. “And I think at some point, if I want to have a family, which I do, maybe that balance might have to change.”
For now, Little is loving the juggle. “Stand-up will always be my backbone. It’s how I started, and I’m sure I will probably die on stage on a cruise ship somewhere in international waters. So it’s my first love in that way,” he adds. “But it doesn’t mean I love any of the other stuff kind of less. I love getting to make radio with one of my best friends. I love getting to make TV with some of the funniest people in the country. It’s all a joy.”
Head to comedy.com.au to purchase tickets to Little’s tour.
