Hot Mess Comedy: "There are no scripts, no protective gear and nothing is off limits. "

The Brisbane comedy scene is a wild and lively scene, and it’s innovating fast. Gone are the staid monoculture line-ups of yesteryear. Instead a new breed of performers are taking to the stage. Comedians who punch up, who can talk dirty without being misogynists, or serve clean comedy without missing a beat, who can fill a line-up with all genders and colours and pack out a West End venue on a Sunday. Yes, this week Adam Wood spoke to Sandeep Totlani of Hot Mess Comedy, and got the lowdown on one of Brissie’s favourite regular comedy gigs.

How would you describe Hot Mess Comedy to someone who knows nothing about it?

Hot Mess Comedy is a unique place to experience comedy in its most raw form. You can see some of the best comedians from around town get out of their comfort zone and make up jokes from audience suggestions on the spot. They can kill or die, but either ways, you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun.

You're a stand-up comedian and comedy producer; why did you decide to start Hot Mess Comedy? How is it different from other comedy nights in Brisbane?

I had always thought of running a show that was not just a regular stand-up comedy show. So, when the opportunity presented, myself and my good friend, and fellow comedian, Ting Lim work-shopped some ideas and came up with the concept of Hot Mess Comedy. It’s different from other comedy nights in Brisbane, because it combines the classic stand-up comedy with improv comedy. The comedians perform their regular stand-up sets in the first half of the show. The audience suggest topics that they want the comedians to talk about when they buy tickets. The second half of the show is the improv part, where comedians get topics and have to come up with a set on the spot. The audiences then vote for the funniest comedian on the night.

How has Hot Mess Comedy grown since you started it?

We have been very lucky to have received a lot of love from the community, despite a few glitches in the start. With relaxed restrictions, we have been able to welcome more people at our shows. We have definitely become better with the technology side of things and have become more streamlined in the way we run our shows, seeing some familiar faces on show days.

How would you describe the Brisbane comedy scene?

The Brisbane comedy scene is great. It is very welcoming, and there are a lot of rooms where one can get up to hone the craft. Brisbane audiences are as honest as they come. They don't give you easy laughs and if you can make Brisbane crowds laugh, you are likely to succeed in most comedy rooms across the country. 

Where are your favourite places to see comedy in Brisbane apart from Hot Mess Comedy?

Some of my favourite places to see comedy around town are the Sit Down Comedy Club at the Paddo and Good Chat Comedy at Fritzenberger.

Why should all of Brisbane come to a Hot Mess Comedy session?

Because it is a unique comedy experience that you won't get to encounter elsewhere in Brisbane or even Australia. There are no scripts, no protective gear and nothing is off limits. The comedians cannot rely on pre-rehearsed sets and have to push themselves to come up with jokes on the spot. The acts are fantastic and every show is different because as audiences, you decide the topics, and only the funniest survive.

 Check out Hot Mess Comedy on socials and get along to one their events - highly recommend booking in advance as these sessions are sure to sell out!