Australia’s adopted son of comedy, Arj Barker, will return to Belmont next month with his brand new show – We Need to Talk.
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Barker admitted that it sounded like he is breaking up with Australia but the US-born comedian said it was just the right title for a show that shines a light on humanity.
“It’s a serious chat about humanity,” Barker explained. “About what we’re doing here and where we’re going, are we going in the right direction with technology? That sort of thing.”
We Need To Talk looks at how the world has changed in the last 20 years as a result of the internet and society’s endless access to it from smart phones.
But in classic Barker’s stand-up style, the comedian infuses it with his funnier observations about life.
In particular, Barker talks about what he has learned from married life, which he is “fairly new at”. The comedian, from California, married an Australian woman, Whitney, in 2017.
Barker spends his time travelling between Australia, of which he said “my life is here”, and the US to tour.
The other topic Barker discusses in We Need To Talk is children.
“One of the funnest parts of the show is when I talk about raising children because I don’t have any,” Barker said.
“It’s a little tongue in cheek. I don’t have any children so what would I know about raising them? I talk about my philosophy in raising children, which is being honest with them.”
Barker debuted his new show at Adelaide Fringe in February – a festival he regularly performs sell-out shows at – and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in March.
A prolific writer, he said he began working on We Need To Talk while touring his show Organic last year.
“I’m quite happy with this one,” Barker said. “I think as jokes go it’s some of my best writing.
“I think audiences to this show can expect better than ever Arj. When I look back at my first DVD, Live [2006], to now I’m a much better performer and writer, more refined. Come along and catch me at my best.”
Barker will perform his new stand-up show at Belmont 16s on Saturday, September 8.
Tickets to see We Need To Talk, available from the club or online at 16s.com.au, cost $44 for just the show or $83 for dinner and the show, which begins at 8.30pm.
The Lakes Mail has one double pass (two show-only tickets) to give away to the Belmont 16s performance.
For your chance to win, send your name and daytime contact number in an email titled “Arj” to huntercommunities@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
The winner will be notified by Wednesday, August 29.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
