7

Nick Friggin' Offerman


Among the greatest privileges of living in the US is access to world-class performers. The country hosts some of the planet's most renowned music festivals, whilst talented musicians, actors, and actresses are often just a short drive away (particularly if you're based in Southern California). I hadn't realised how straightforward it was to snag last-minute concert tickets or catch a well-known comedian at the improv. Because it occurred so regularly, I assumed this was standard everywhere. How mistaken I was! After relocating about two years ago, I discovered the reality was quite different. When international artists tour Australia, they typically do just one performance, ticket prices are astronomical, and everything is snapped up within hours.

 Picture my excitement when I discovered that Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally were heading to Australia! I was absolutely thrilled that one of my favourite comedians and his spouse were planning to perform in Melbourne. That enthusiasm evaporated instantly when I went to book tickets only to find them completely sold out! The disappointment was crushing. My optimistic outlook on Australia rapidly became one of frustration. Why were they only staging a single show in Melbourne? That seemed unfair (I recognise I'm being rather petulant)! However, clearly these two value their followers because they ultimately arranged an extra performance! I wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away. My partner and I both abandoned our tasks to secure tickets when they went on sale at 10am on a Tuesday. Success! We managed to grab two seats! Everything felt perfect again!

Several weeks before the event, we got a message indicating the show had been modified. My stomach dropped. I worried that this beloved celebrity duo had decided Australia wasn't the place for them and were pulling out. Thankfully (or rather regrettably) the adjustment was that Megan Mullally wouldn't be appearing, and instead Mr. Offerman would be showing his Full Bush performance. Fantastic!

 In advance of the performance, I had gone through, no actually, I was treated to the delightful tones coming from the throat of Nick (May I call you Nick? It seems like we'd know each other well) as I went through his audiobooks Paddle Your Own Canoe and Gumption. If you haven't picked up and/or heard these two brilliantly entertaining books I'd strongly encourage you to put aside what you're doing and grab copies. Once you've finished, head back here and keep reading... Excellent, you're here! Paddle Your Own Canoe proved the perfect introduction to what Nick's Full Bush show had in store.
Photo sourced from http://goo.gl/y0hYNM
Offerman runs his performances quite differently from typical comedians. Rather than standing at a microphone throughout the entire show, he takes a different approach. If you're anticipating a Ron Swanson-style performance, you'll likely find yourself let down. Given his theatrical background, his act was considerably more theatrical in nature. The show featured singing, comedy, and numerous references to home, which really resonated with me. The Australian and American jokes both landed well, though the American material got stronger laughs from me than from most of the crowd, and I found the bits about being American in Australia absolutely hilarious. Beyond being brilliantly funny, it was also quite educational about Australia. After the performance, I've got to say I feel rather regretful about not having grown up there, particularly missing out on the tradition of having your own koala companion (My partner, incidentally, named his Keith). Fittingly, Nick wrapped up the show by performing 5000 Candles in the Wind.

As the performance wrapped up, Nick offered a tantalising hint that he and Megan would be visiting Australia in the coming year, giving us the chance to experience their Summer of 69 show at last. I have to say, I'm really looking forward to when those tickets become available. Having watched Nick perform live and enjoyed his written work, I can barely fathom the incredible calibre of entertainment that the two of them would bring to an audience.

 Have you caught your favourite comedian live? Have you experienced Nick Offerman perform in person? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Until we meet again...

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Stephanie

Currently living in Australia, I started writing about my travels as a way to keep in touch with family and friends back home. From my travels, I developed a deep passion for photography. I find great joy writing about my experiences and sharing them with others. Be sure to follow to keep up with all the amazing adventures!