Freddie McManus: Comedy Return

By June Ramli

Australian-British comedian Freddie McManus returns to the Sydney Comedy Festival with his latest show, “Remind Me Later,” where he humorously confronts grief, recovery, and his knack for putting things off.
Fresh from a successful run, including a Best Newcomer nomination at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and sold-out performances at last year’s festival, McManus is set to deliver a dynamic, fast-paced hour of comedy.
Mark your calendars for a memorable night of laughter at the Enmore Theatre Wine Bar on May 18th and 19th.
I also had the opportunity to dive deeper into McManus’s world through a written Q&A, where he shared candid thoughts on his journey in stand-up comedy, his approach to sensitive topics, and how he handles the ups and downs of live performances.

Arj Barker recently made headlines for removing a mother and baby from his show due to disruptions. What are your thoughts on this incident?

I’m reserving judgement until we hear the baby’s side. With that said, if that had happened in a show of mine I would have done the decent thing and raised the child as my own.

Could you share your journey into stand-up comedy? How do most comics get their start in the industry? 

The usual path is through the open mic circuit, known for its total absence of glamour and fanfare. The biggest comedians in the game all started out by gritting their teeth through four-minute sets standing on a milk crate in a pub function room with the TVs still on. Baptism of fire, but a necessary step that ultimately toughens and sharpens you as a writer and performer. 

When it comes to your performances, do you collaborate with writers or are the jokes solely your own creation? 

I write my own stuff.

What does the earning potential look like for a stand-up comedian? Is compensation typically based on hourly rates, or is it more performance-based? 

Speaking as a man with some of the more affordable tickets the Sydney Comedy Festival has to offer, I would not say I am the definitive expert on earning potential. You’re welcome to Google “Freddie McManus Net Worth” in your own time, especially if you want a good laugh before seeing my show.

In the U.S., successful comics often transition to film or secure specials on platforms like Netflix. What opportunities do Australian comics have in comparison? 

I am currently in talks to record a special for Kayo, which will stretch to four hours long once they’ve added all the adverts for four-wheel drives and erectile dysfunction medication. Besides that, I did (actually) just record a self-tape for a role in a motion picture, but I’m worried my disdain for the script may have bled into my performance. Stay tuned.

Comedy often treads a fine line with sensitive topics like sex. How do you decide where to draw the line? 

Most people would assume I’ve drawn the line at having sex in the first place. I would say I mostly sit on the cleaner end of the comedy spectrum, but this isn’t the result of any deep-seated principle. I’m open to rebranding as absolutely filthy down the line.

Have you ever performed explicit material in shows attended by children? In such situations, do you believe a comic should adjust their set, or proceed as planned? 

If it’s a show aimed at children, obviously you’d cater to that. But if their presence is the result of laissez-faire parenting, I can’t think of many comics who would look to change anything. Well maybe one. Arj would call security.

How do you handle situations where your jokes don’t receive the expected laughter?

Stay present, don’t panic, back yourself to win them over.

Finally, could you share some highlights from the best shows you’ve performed and what made them memorable?

Opening for Jim Jeffries at the State Theatre and hosting the Sydney Comedy Store are on the podium. But the best shows of my career are going to be at the Enmore Theatre on May 18^th and 19^th. Be a part of history and book a ticket.