Kitty Flanagan
Subscribe
X

Subscribe to Forte Magazine

Kitty Flanagan

Chuck her in a suit and tie or a glitzy dress and she’s just as funny as she is in her standard get-up. Kitty Flanagan’s comedy has an ability to transcend whatever genre or setting she’s put in, maybe it’s because no matter what situation you’re in there’s always something to complain about but more likely it’s evidence of her talent as a comedian. We had a chat to Kitty about her new venture The Weekly, heading to Bendigo, Warrnambool and Ballarat and general comedy funny stuff.
Hi Kitty, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
Things are great at the moment, very busy doing my tour and also having a lot on in Melbourne working on Charlie Pickering’s new show The Weekly.
Last time we spoke you were enjoying getting outside of the major cities for your shows, are you looking forward to heading to Bendigo this time around?
Bendigo is one of the favourite stops on the tour, we’ve been there a few times now so we know where to get good coffee, good food and nice wine – the important things in life.
You’ve since started on The Weekly show with Charlie Pickering, do you think it’s just what the public needs?
I think Charlie is really hitting his stride. I find myself watching the show going, ‘Ooh this is fun AND learning!!’ I’m laughing and also going, ‘Geez, good factoids! I did not know that!’ The Weekly has some excellent researchers.
Do you think there should always be someone poking a bit of fun at our politicians?
Yes and wherever possible, that person should be Tom Gleeson – no one does it better. He has giant comedy balls and will say anything to anyone.
Have you ever come across old friends that you’ve mentioned on stage, I know there was a certain cop that’s been mentioned. Have you ran into him?
A lot of people claim to know the cop I’m talking about but they don’t. I like to think of the cop as a compilation of people.
You’re often praised for your impersonations of people, have you ever done them face-to-face with someone before? Did it get you in trouble?
I remember rehearsing some “bit” for the Year 12 school review not knowing the head nun, Sr Maureen, had snuck into the hall to watch – she promptly cancelled the show. Shut the whole thing down. I was doing an impression of my ancient history teacher at the time…who had a great sense of humour and probably would have enjoyed it.
Other comedians have said that the career path has stemmed from a childhood/life of having to see the funny side of life, is comedy a bit of a release for you?
Yeah, sort of because in real life I’m a dreadful conversationalist. I’m that boring person people try and get away from at a party. I see them doing it, looking over my head to see who else is around – and I don’t blame them. In my head I’m thinking, ‘Oh I know! I’d be trying to get away from me too!!’ But on stage, something happens and I manage to be funny and interesting! Thank God.
We’ve got to say the tampon tax is something grinding our gears lately, but what’s been something that’s annoyed you recently?
I think the hating on social media has reached a tipping point. There is so much of it now, it’s just become white noise and it’s actually much easier to ignore. I don’t know why people feel the need to tell you how much they dislike you. It’s such a weird – not to mention rude – thing to say to someone you’ve never met.
When & Where: Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – June 5, Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – June 19 & Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat – June 20