One Hot Minute With: Chris D'Elia

American comedian Chris D'Elia's fast and furious stand-up has made him one of the best in the biz in the USA. He arrives for his first ever Australian gigs with appearances on top US TV juggernauts including Late Night With Jimmy Falon and Comedy Central Presents under his belt. We spent one hot minute with the whip-smart, wise-cracking New Jersey-native ahead of his Down Under debut.

Can you tell us what we can expect from your show?

My silly point of view about adult life.

What inspires your comedy?

I'm becoming an actual man and realized it. I figured I should talk about where I am in my life currently.

When did you realise you wanted to be a comedian?

I was always cracking jokes as a kid. I can't remember when I started that, but I started doing stand-up when I was 25.

What are the biggest challenges you encounter when writing a new show?

Making sure this show was different from my last shows.

How long does it take you to write a show and how do you test drive material before unleashing it on an audience?

I do it right away and hone it in front of them.

You've got a reputation for being a master at taking down hecklers. What's your strategy for rowdy audience members?

I always get heckled, so I immediately go for blood. Fuck it - take no prisoners!

President Trump is comedy catnip (if America's late night comedians are anything to go by). So, to Trump or not to Trump in your show - where do you stand?

I avoid it - I don't talk politics usually.

Describe your comedy style in five words or less.

I tried...

What would you be doing if you weren't a comedian?

Crying!

What's the best thing about playing a fest like MICF, and what acts are you looking forward to catching?

There's a great atmosphere, and it's not as lonely as it can be on the road. To be honest, I don't even know who's going but I'm excited to listen to my audio I record and listening back to after my show.

Frontier Comedy presents Chris D'Elia Live, 18 — 22 Apr, part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.