Comedian Chris Parker will be mining a rich vein of family embarrassments for his World Buskers Festival show. Not that you would call it family-friendly though.
What can we expect from your show, Iconique? I can’t help but laugh at this question. It reminds me of my parents every year asking with dread about what awful, embarrassing aspect of our family I’m going to talk about on stage this year. Truth is, so many stories about my family. There are also a few songs and a lot of my giant hands flapping around on stage. This show is high impact.
You’ve listed Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton and Patti LuPone as icons of yours – will this show pay tribute to them? I’m not sure if this will pay tribute to them, but I’m seriously trying to harness some of that magnetic star energy they have. If my presence is even half as luminous as Dolly Parton’s wigs, I’ll be happy.
Who else inspires you? I’m mainly inspired by very talented cool friends. OK, sorry, I’ve made you cry with my beautiful, earnest answer.
What would be your dream collaboration? I’m dying to be in more music videos and fashion shows. They are just the most indulgent art projects and I adore every part of it. Who doesn’t want to see my size 14 feet walk for Valentino – lol!
You’re originally from Christchurch, what’s your go-to spot in town? Well, as a teen I was such a local at Java, honestly I thought I was everything drinking my giant moccas there. I love the new Riverside Market, and always make an effort to get out to Coffee Supreme while I’m in town.
You have a podcast, The Male Gayz, where you and Eli Matthewson discuss different aspects of queer Aotearoa – what do you hope fans take away from this? Basically our goal is to make the content we felt was lacking when we were coming out growing up. Our goal has always been to never take ourselves too seriously. We let others tackle the tricky stuff so we can be queer kids’ outlet for a laugh.
Highlight of your time as a comedian so far? It’s all such a highlight, but I debuted in Edinburgh this year, which is such a tough festival for comedians. So to come out of that festival with a few sellout shows and five-star reviews was a total highlight.
Do you have any pre- and/or post-performance rituals? I like to perform my show with one glass of rosé, hahaha. But usually before a show I’m just filled with frustrating anxiety – you can’t do much with your day when you know you have to perform in a few hours. Usually afterwards I like to eat my body weight in terrible food.
What advice would you give to your younger self? No one can rock three-quarter pants, adults can be wrong, invest in Apple, and travel more.
If you could invite any three people living or dead to a dinner party, who would they be? Because I’ve done the show so many times and sadly never got to meet them, I’m dying to meet Hudson and Halls, and then maybe Freddie Mercury for fun.
Are there any other Buskers Festival acts you’re hoping to catch? Always Pax Assadi – he’s so funny – and icon, legend and star Cal Wilson.
Bread & Circus – World Buskers Festival, January 23 – February 16, 2020
breadandcircus.co.nz