Q&A: Tripod

Meet Simon ‘Yon’ Hall, one leg of comedy trio, Tripod

Q. 2021 marks your 25-year anniversary and Tripod’s comedic genius is still fresh – what’s your secret?

First of all, thanks for saying that our comedy’s still fresh. Not only does it imply that it’s fresh now, but it implies that it was fresh before. We do still write new songs. We also throw out songs that have dated, you know like when you clean out your fridge every six months? Yes – the miso paste is still fine, but that tandoori paste from two years back has to go (why is everything in my fridge a paste?).

Q. Who are your top three favourite musical comedy acts?

The Doug Anthony Allstars had such a unique punk aesthetic; Flight of the Conchords, for their beautiful New Zealandy gentle understatement; and Weird Al Yankovic – some people might think parody’s easy, but I challenge anyone to write parody as well as he does.

Q. If you could have anyone in the world appear on your (very funny) Perfectly Good Podcast, who would it be?

Maybe a scientist and we could ask them lots of questions. I enjoy annoying scientists. I’m not sure why.

Q. What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF)?

Getting to actually do it! We’re playing the same venue, [the newly renovated] Brunswick Ballroom that we had to cancel gigs at when Corona got going.

Q Which MICF acts will you see this year?

I really want to see Anne Edmonds.

Q What’s next for Tripod?

We are working on a video game and I’m confident in saying no-one has ever done what we’re trying before.

Q What’s your favourite city to perform in?

Well, Edinburgh, the Fringe there is kind of an intense nightmare but there’s an energy in the audiences which is very exciting - they’re unruly connoisseurs. And there’s so much great stuff to see, not just comedy.

Tripod will be performing at the Brunswick Ballroom as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival March 28; April 4, 11, 18. For a complete list of upcoming shows and tickets visit www.brunswickballroom.com.au

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