Welcome to Melbourne, Dixie. How does it feel to be performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival?
I have to tell you that last year being here for the first time was the coolest thing I had ever experienced. The people are amazing! It was like being at Summer Camp, but for odd, quirky, funny people who don’t comb their hair. I am looking so forward to coming back and doing it all again.
How did you break into comedy? Was it something you worked towards, or did it ‘just happen’?
I never thought of myself as a comedian. I was doing Tupperware parties in the U.S. as part of the conditions of my parole. A friend told me that I should do them onstage because I am funny. I almost fell over right in the middle of sex. I thought, who is going to want to listen to me talk about creative food storage solutions? I tried it almost as a goof in New York and I have now had one of the longest-running off-Broadway tours ever. It is crazy.
You’re from Alabama. Tell us what life is like over there.
Alabama is an amazing place to be born and get out of right away. It is a bit backwards compared to the rest of the U.S., but it made me who I am today. Well, that and the times I have spent trying to talk my way out of the back of a Cop Car. Lord, those policemen can be really generous when there are favours involved.
Your show revolves quite a bit around Tupperware. Do you love the fantastic plastic?
This year’s show is less about the plastic and more about my travels and where the plastic has taken me. I have been selling Tupperware for over 11 years, so I obviously love it. I have been able to see the world and meet incredible people all because of some air-tight, liquid-tight bowls. Plus, let’s be honest. Tupperware is the best crap on the planet. There is no comparison to that anywhere in the kitchen. Or any other room you choose to use your Tupperware.
Is this your first time in Australia?
I was at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival last year for my very first time. It was amazing. It was a lot of firsts for me. The first time I had ever been to Australia, the first time I pet a Kangaroo, the first time I climbed a bridge without being chased by the police, the first time I ever ate a Tim Tam, the first time I could say I’m going down under and not have the Reverend get a nasty look on his face. It was an amazing amount of firsts for me. I can’t wait to see what a second helping is going to be like.
What are your thoughts on Australia? Can you make any observations on Australian culture?
Well, it is very far away. I reckon y’all should try to move a lot closer to the rest of the world to make it easier to travel to. The plane ride alone is the better part of a week for me. Other than that, I was actually surprised how much I felt like I was just in a big city in America. I will say that thing I love the most about the Aussie people is just how damn willing y’all are to be outrageous and enjoying the comedy shows. Coming back from Melbourne last year and returning to touring in the U.S., I was shocked by how conservative all of the people are here while Aussies really let their hair down and play. It made me fall even harder in love with Australia.
Dixie Longate: My Bags Went Where?
Venue: Forum, Downstairs
Dates: Previews: Thu 28 Mar-Sun 31 Mar, Season: Thu 28 Mar-Sun 14 Apr (No Mondays)
Tickets: Prev $25.50, Tue/Conc (except Sat)/Group (+8)/Laugh Pack $28, Full Wed/Thu/Sun
$30 Fri & Sat $34
Times: 8:30pm (7.30pm)
Bookings: Ticketmaster, Try Bookings, Ticketek, At the door, www.comedyfestival.com.au