Interview: Mel Buttle on being a female comedian, her desert island dessert & more

In need of some serious fits of laughter? Here’s some good news: the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Australia’s biggest comedy festival (and one of the world’s largest) returns to Singapore this July. Happening between 19 and 21 July, there’s a hilarious cast of international comedy talents from India, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand.

There’s Mumbai-bred Tamil star Rahul Subramanian, whose MBA credentials have somehow led him to the wild and unpredictable world of comedy; and Sri Lankan born Dilruk Jaysinha, who left his corporate life at one of the ‘big four’ firms for a career in standup.

Among this laughter-inducing cast is also the delightful Mel Buttle (who incidentally, also hosts The Great Australian Bake Off TV Show – the Australian edition of the wildly popular British programme).

Known for her hilarious sets, like Dog Bitch, which chronicles her hilarious episodes as a sometimes successful dog-owner, Mel shares her thoughts on being a female comedian in a traditionally male-dominated industry, as well as a few baking disasters she’s suffered despite being the face of a world-renowned baking show.

It’s been 8 years since your debut at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2010! How do you think you’ve evolved as a comedian from then till now?

Mel: I’ve definitely improved! I was so fresh when I did my first show. I didn’t really understand how to structure a show, now I see comedy as an art, I like to take audiences on a journey.

What first drew you to stand-up?

Mel: I was trying acting and I wasn’t getting anywhere. But casting directors would always laugh at my auditions – so, I went with comedy.  

How do you approach crafting a new set? What gets your comic/stand-up juices flowing?

Mel: My ideas come from my life and family mostly. I get inspired when I’m grocery shopping or driving the car. I write them all down and try them at open mic nights.

Do you have a pre-stage routine?

Mel: I like a beer before I perform and some banter with my mates on the lineup.

What is your favourite or most memorable set you’ve ever done?

Mel: I’ve had some great gigs in outback Australia. Once I did a show in a high school basketball court to the whole town, all 400 of them turned up. It felt amazing bringing comedy to such a remote place. We even met the mayor!

Favourite set you’ve ever watched?

Mel: Oh so many; I think seeing UK comic Sarah Milligan live was something special. I’d been a fan for so long. She’s amazing. So quick.

Talk about being a female comedian, in what we know is a traditionally male-dominated world.

Mel: It’s getting a lot better actually. There are a lot more women coming through the ranks. It’s good to see. I always try and make them feel welcome.

Complete this sentence: ‘Female comedians are…’

…. Always hungry!

We’ve definitely been seeing a more diverse pool of female comedians from different backgrounds, ages, etc. (i.e. Tiffany Haddish) coming into the spotlight in recent years. Your thoughts?

Mel: It’s all good for comedy, audiences now have so much choice. It’s a really exciting time to be in the industry.

Who cracks you up on the daily?

Mel: My dog… she’s not very smart.

Who are your favourite comedians?

Mel: Ronny Chieng, Anne Edmonds and Sarah Silverman.

Favourite/guilty pleasure TV show to unwind with, if any?

Mel: I love reality tv! Masterchef is addictive and so is Catfish on MTV.

We also have to talk about The Great Australian Bake Off! How are your baking skills these days? Any baking disasters to share?

Mel: Well, I’m still not a great baker, but at least now I know what the proper name for things is. Like creme patisserie, which is delicious. I can’t make it, but I can sure eat it. I burn everything. I’ve given up on baking and now I just buy ice cream for dessert.

Lastly, what would your desert island dessert of choice be?

Mel: Oh, that’s a tough question, maybe a really good chocolate salted caramel brownie that never runs out?

Catch Australia’s largest and best-loved comedy festival from 19 to 21 July at 8.30pm at the KC Art Centre, Home of SRT. Tickets are available from SGD69. For more information on ticket, visit the official website or SISTIC. 

Sarah Khan

Photos: Mel Buttle