You’re visiting Australia on your new stand-up tour. Do you have a favourite comedy club worldwide?
I don’t really have a favourite comedy club. I love them all! I do however prefer shows where the people know they are seeing a comedy show. I have performed at baby showers, birthday parties, even funerals, and the people had no clue there was going to be a comic. Those are always awkward!
What can you tell us about your childhood?
I was born and raised in New York by two wacky Brooklyn parents. As a child I wore leg braces like Forrest Gump, was illiterate to the age of 16 and at one point weighted 215 pounds – I was pretty much a walking sitcom. I use the word ‘walking’ lightly… more of a wobble. With all that, my family and I found humour to be our saving grace. The most common misconception about New Yorkers is that we are assholes. I mean, we have asshole qualities, but we aren’t total assholes.
Do you have any tips for new comedians who are dying onstage?
Just do it! There is no way to get good at stand-up except by doing it. The best advice I ever received was, “You have to fail to be great.” Also, “Hey Robyn, you should try comedy.”
Who inspired you to perform?
When I was young and in and out of hospitals (with a bone disease), I used to watch a lot of television and I loved sitcoms with strong women. Ellen, Rosanne, The Nanny, I Love Lucy, Blossom. I knew from the age of six I wanted to grow up and make people laugh.
What are you looking forward to doing in Australia?
In the NYC comedy clubs there are always Australians in the audience. I have noticed that Australians can really take a joke and are out to have fun! I am really looking forward to performing for a whole room of fun people. I would also like to see a kangaroo.
Robyn Schall’s stand-up gigs are atBrass Monkey, Cronulla onWednesday April 6; and the Bridge Hotel, Rozelle onandFriday April 8, both withSteve Bedwell.
