Tim Ferguson’s “The Cheeky Monkey” Ignites Melbourne Comedy Scene
Melbourne’s vibrant comedy writing fraternity gathered in force on Saturday night for the eagerly anticipated launch of comedian Tim Ferguson’s latest literary offering, “The Cheeky Monkey.” The event, held at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival within the historic Melbourne Town Hall, celebrated the unveiling of a book billed as a comprehensive guide to the art of crafting narrative comedy.
The guest list read like a who’s who of Australian comedic talent, a testament to Ferguson’s standing in the industry. Among those in attendance were seasoned performers and writers who have already made their mark on the local and international stage. This included Paul McDermott, known for his sharp wit and extensive television career; comedy writer Mark O’Toole; producer Marc Gracie; the inimitable Paul Livingston, better known to many as Flacco; and writer-comedian Peter Moon. Their presence underscored the book’s relevance and the high regard in which Ferguson’s insights are held.
Ferguson, a familiar face to many as a former member of the iconic Doug Anthony Allstars, has transitioned into a respected educator, currently teaching comedy writing at RMIT. His passion for the craft extends beyond the classroom; he is also in the process of developing his first feature film, a romantic comedy. This diverse experience informs his approach to comedy writing, a subject he feels is in urgent need of greater attention and development within Australia.
A Call for Australian Comedy Revival
Ferguson expressed his motivation for writing “The Cheeky Monkey,” citing a perceived “dearth of good local comedy” across both television and film. He believes that Australian television has shied away from producing sitcoms, and the film industry is, in his view, “saving itself from itself.” His critique is pointed: “Australian film is in the hole it’s in because there’s too much drama being made by Australian filmmakers.”
He highlighted a stark statistic that fuels his concern: “There are no comedy scripts in development with Screen Australia at the moment – that’s a disaster given that 14 of the top 20 box-office hits in Australian cinema history are comedies.” Ferguson playfully adds that the 15th is a buddy movie, “Gallipoli,” noting that “at the end it stops being a buddy movie and we get the message, but until then it’s two Aussie blokes in Turkey causing trouble, going to the bazaar.”
Ferguson observed that while Australians have a strong affinity for comedy, the content being produced often leans towards the dramatic and even bleak. “Our screenwriters are depressed and they don’t know comedy language, so they write stories about dark and horrible things,” he stated. “Comedy talks about those things as well, but in a different way.”
Unpacking “The Cheeky Monkey”
“The Cheeky Monkey” aims to demystify the principles behind successful comedy writing. The book is designed not only as an academic text but as a practical guide, complete with exercises to help aspiring writers hone their skills. It also draws inspiration from Ferguson’s comedic heroes, including his former colleague and esteemed host of “Good News Week,” Paul McDermott.
During the launch, Ferguson enthusiastically rallied the crowd, encouraging fans and fellow celebrities alike to cast their votes for Paul McDermott’s Gold Logie nomination. He quipped about his own dedication to the cause, saying, “That’s Gold Logie nominee Paul McDermott. I’m voting for him so much I’ve got RSI from texting – he’s going to get my phone bill. But it would be the most wonderful thing if he won it.” Ferguson reminisced about a time when the Gold Logie was more synonymous with comedians, listing legendary figures like Don Lane, Bert Newton, Barry Crocker, and Graham Kennedy, and suggesting that while he admires Ray Martin, the award should reflect a comedian’s domain.
Beyond his advocacy for McDermott, Ferguson spent time signing copies of “The Cheeky Monkey.” He emphasised that the book is more than just a dry academic treatise. “It’s for writing sitcoms, essentially, but even if you don’t want to write comedy but you want to read about it, it’s still funny,” he promised with a characteristic grin.
Tree Sculptures and Gum-Leaf Prayers Symbolise Hope and Rejuvenation
In a poignant display of community spirit and resilience, the 19th annual Awakening Easter festival at Docklands became a beacon of hope and harmony for those affected by the devastating Black Saturday bushfires. The festival’s theme resonated deeply with attendees, offering a message of renewal and shared strength.
A particularly moving ceremony saw children, adorned in bright sunflower attire, meticulously decorating three blackened tree-stump sculptures. Their heartfelt prayers for the future of bushfire-ravaged communities were carefully written on gum leaves and attached to the sculptures, transforming the stark remnants of tragedy into symbols of new beginnings.
Fiona Gunnion, a spokesperson for Awakening, described the ceremony as a powerful representation of “new life that can come from the ashes.” She highlighted the diverse tapestry of people who gathered, stating, “Today has seen many walks of life come together; different communities together. It’s through connecting with community and seeing each other that we can have hope.” Gunnion added, “We believe that the Easter message holds the key to a harmonious future.”
Jack Walhout, a member of Awakening and a resident of Castella, a community tragically impacted by the bushfires, echoed these sentiments. He described the tree-dressing ceremony as a “fantastic symbol of hope.” Walhout shared the ongoing struggles faced by those affected: “A lot of people affected by Black Saturday are still devastated because the process of rebuilding is really slow, so it’s great to see hope come into the community in any form.” He concluded by reflecting on the universal symbolism of nature’s resilience: “There’s something about growth and green which symbolises hope and makes you look to the future.”
