By Danielle Kutchel
Arj Barker has something he needs to get off his chest.
The American stand-up comedian is back in Melbourne now with his show “We Need to Talk”, which he’ll be performing at Dandenong’s Drum Theatre and the Cardinia Cultural Centre in October.
But he assures audiences it’s nothing too serious.
“Some people have said to me, ‘are you breaking up with us?’” he laughs.
“But it’s all comedy, my main priority is to make it a very funny hour.”
Mr Barker has been a mainstay on the international comedy circuit for years with appearances on Thank God You’re Here, Rove, Spicks and Specks, Good News Week, The 7pm Project, Talkin’ ‘bout Your Generation, Have You Been Paying Attention, The Footy Show and numerous Melbourne International Comedy Festival Galas.
With such glamourous appearances under his belt, one might question what he’s doing 50-odd kilometres from Melbourne – but this tour isn’t his first time out ‘in the sticks’.
In fact, he often tours outside of the capital cities, and besides, Pakenham isn’t really that far away, he argues.
“I’ve been to Mount Gambier!” he laughs.
“I’m just happy to perform in front of a good audience. I try to have fun wherever I go. The audiences have always been terrific.”
While he’s been tickling the funny bones of audiences for years, he says he still loves what he does.
“It’s still a fun job, and every night is different – you never know exactly what to expect. It’s perpetually an interesting experience.”
This is the last chance for south-eastern audiences to see We Need to Talk, before Mr Barker premieres a new show in 2020.
Catch Arj Barker in We Need to Talk at The Drum Theatre on Friday 18 October, and at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Saturday 19 October. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/ccc/ for more information and to book.
