You Know The Drill

If you haven’t heard of Steen Raskopolous, you’ve been living under a comedy rock. Not only has he starred in a few shows, ABC’s The Record, It’s A Date, and Utopia, but also in Top Coppers on BBC3 in the UK. He was nominated for Best Comedy Act at the Melbourne Comedy Festival last year; and was also nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival back in 2014.

Ever since then, he’s been taking the comedy world by storm with his hilarious stage show. ‘It’s just been good times rolling,’ he said, when asked if he’s felt any pressure off the back of a prestigious nomination. ‘It was a big surprise, (being nominated for Best Comedy Act), but obviously I’m very grateful and lucky that people seem to enjoy the show.’

This year, he takes to the Swiss Club for MICF with his new show, You Know The Drill. The inspiration behind his show is taking a little bit of the old, a little bit of the new, and a big pinch of constant spontaneity.

‘I think the people that have seen me before know my type of comedy, they know my style of performance in terms of my character sketches and audience participation, so it’s just kinda like, “Guys, you know what’s going to happen, let’s just get involved, you know the drill”. You get on the same page from the beginning and enjoy the show together from the first moment.’

Of course, expect the unexpected. That’s the beauty of improvisation, nobody knows what’s coming next, not even Steen. I asked him how he prepares for a show, if he can.

‘You can’t, which is exciting for me as well, I think why I really enjoy performing my solo show is that I always have to be switched on. I always have to be prepared – it’s not as if I’m telling the same joke, you know. For an hour, I have to be curious and confident that people might do certain bits and pieces [when they’re on stage with me] and that’s exciting! Every show will have something happen that is completely different from the previous show and you know, I think that’s what’s enjoyable for audiences too, when they come to see my show they’ll go “oh, you remember when this person got up and did that” and other people will be like, “oh no, but they did something completely different at my show”, so I enjoy that, the spontaneity that comes from the audience surprising me.’

Steen’s on stage characters are showcased through his amazing improvisation, and his passion and excitement for his live shows are tangible. He gets his inspiration for characters anywhere and everywhere. ‘I listen to a lot of music, which helps, but yeah –I watch people, take on characteristics, hear lines from people and accents and stuff, then I’ll just extend something or do a character from that.’

Steen’s show has been described as “ambitious and hilarious”, and he works well and engages audiences with his talent. He’s one of Australia’s up and coming performers, who listens to a bit of old school RnB to get him pumped for shows. ‘That’s my flavour,’ he laughs, but won’t tell me what his walk on song is, as he doesn’t want to give it away, but he promises a strong opening. ‘The second show I did I opened with ‘N*** in Paris’, by Jay Z and Kayne West. I guess that’s the sort of tone [as the show].’

He did however; give me a scoop on his shows. ‘There are some cool voice overs by some really awesome people, and some comedy heroes of mine. I was super grateful for that, so listen out for it.’

His shows in 2015 completely sold out, so get your tickets fast.

You Know The Drill
Swiss Club, Supper Room, Melbourne Town Hall, corner of Swanston and Collins Streets, Melbourne
Thursday March 24 – Sunday April 17
comedyfestival.com.au/2016/season/shows/you-know-the-drill-steen-raskopoulos