“Any fear or even faint suspicion that Heath Franklin’s Chopper persona was running out of steam evaporate within the first few seconds of his smashing new stand-up show.”
That’s high-praise indeed by The Herald Sun.
But, Newcastle audience can decide for themselves when the Aussie comedy legend steps onto the City Hall stage on Friday 19 April.
A regular on The Ronnie Johns Half Hour sketch comedy show, ABC TV’s Spicks and Specks and Working Dog’s Thank God You’re Here, Franklin is best-known for his impersonation of the larrikin criminal Mark “Chopper” Read.
And, he’s reliving that identity as part of his Not Here to F*ck Spiders tour.
The nation’s “most wanted” comedian is back after a three-year sabbatical.
“So, I’m not here to f*ck spiders,” Franklin said.
“Not even if they’re dressed in a sexy spider nurse outfit.
“I don’t have the time.”
In 2010, Franklin starred in the New Zealand crime comedy Predicament.
Since then, he’s won Best Comedy at Fringe World 2018 and the Comic’s Choice Award at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in the same year.
Just recently, he backed up to take out Best Comedy Weekly Award at Fringe World 2024.
“It’s great to be performing again,” Franklin said.
“The world’s been on pause for the past few years.
“So, it’s time to dive back in because life happens, whether you like it or not.
“You can tiptoe around it, have a whinge or pretend it’s not there.
“But, like a man wearing bacon pants at a dog park, you’re going to get bitten on the arse eventually.”
Franklin’s also been nominated for two ARIA Awards and sold more than half a million tickets worldwide.
So, book your seats – available from civictheatrenewcastle.com.au – now cos we’re not here to….
The show starts from 7.30pm.
For more entertainment stories:
- What’s On in Newcastle
- Homegrown and unplugged, just the way Rox likes it
- Made New funding recipients to prepare for 2024 New Annual
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