From Pakistan to Poowong, Marcus is bringing the laughs home
From Pakistan to Poowong, Wonthaggi-born comedian Marcus Ryan has some very different stages ahead of him. But his next local show will support a cause close to home.
Poowong Public Hall will put together a night of comedy to help cover its insurance and maintenance bills, while simultaneously encouraging local farmers to get together and look out for each other.
Wonthaggi-born comedian Marcus Ryan will perform his hit show ‘Eat, Pray, Walk’ at the hall on Saturday, November 14, following on from a booking in Karachi, Pakistan.
Poowong Public Hall Incorporated president, Russell Follett, said the fundraiser would support the community-owned building’s annual running costs.
The committee keeps its fundraising events limited, mindful that residents also support football clubs and other local organisations.
“You can only ask for so much money out of a small community,” he said.
Mr Follett said the hall provided a hub for Poowong, bringing residents together for events.
Look Over the Farm Gate has subsidised the night through a grant supporting farmers’ mental wellbeing.
For Mr Ryan, whose family has a farm at Ryanston, that connection matters.
He has worked with mental health charities, participated in R U OK? workshops and spoken to students at his former Wonthaggi high school about mental health.
“I think communication and being open with friends and things is very important,” he said.
Mr Ryan said farming could be an isolating life.
“As the title of the ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ suggests, you’ve got to look out for each other.”
An organiser invited Mr Ryan to perform at the Poowong event after seeing his Kongwak performance in May, when he toured local halls in the area.
His show follows his 1000-kilometre journey along the Camino de Santiago through France and Spain, combining humour with personal storytelling.
“You don’t have to know much about the theme of the Camino itself,” he said.
“It’s very funny, but it touches people in a way that I didn’t expect it would.”
And just before his Poowong performance, he’ll perform for three nights in Pakistan.
“It’s kind of funny to have one gig in Pakistan, and then the next week I’m in a public hall in Poowong.”
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start at Poowong Hall, 2-4 Nyora Road.
Tickets cost $30, with booking information at itsmarcusryan.com.
Those attending can bring their own drinks and nibbles, with raffle prizes on offer.
Marcus Ryan will also stay afterwards for a Q&A and a chat with the crowd.
