Episode 36 of This Week in Comedy sees veteran entertainer Marty Fields join hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes for a packed conversation covering Australian comedy, showbusiness, Melbourne’s underworld and a dangerous Albert Park bike ride.

With a career spanning more than five decades, Marty shares stories from stand-up, television, radio and musical theatre. He remembers playing five different characters on Blue Heelers, appearing opposite Nicolas Cage in Ghost Rider and spending seven years on Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Marty also explains how he began playing piano in Melbourne pubs at just 14, performing among the colourful characters of St Kilda's Fitzroy St and South Melbourne before touring Australia and moving into stand-up comedy.

Marty credits his versatility to his father, legendary comedian Maurie Fields, who advised him to learn as many skills as possible so he would never be out of work. Maurie’s connections produced some extraordinary stories involving Melbourne’s criminal underworld. These include a murder weapon travelling in the boot of the family car and a young Mark “Chopper” Read arriving to collect the troublesome firearm.

The discussion turns to Eric Bana, from his early comedy career to his acclaimed portrayal of Chopper. Marty, who knew Chopper personally, agrees that most impressions of the notorious criminal are really impressions of Eric Bana playing him.

Marty also explains his theory that audiences prefer to “laugh downhill”, why comedians need to show vulnerability and the difference between comedians who say funny things and comics who say things funny. He discusses meeting Robin Williams, working alongside Australian entertainment legends and using humour to brighten the days of strangers.

Morry and Lily guide Marty through comedy news, tours, festivals and milestones involving Lucille Ball, Candid Camera, Daryl Somers, Acropolis Now and Robin Williams. The episode also includes the remarkable story of Australian athlete Reg Spiers posting himself from London to Perth inside a wooden crate.

For the episode’s beer tasting, Bridge Road Brewers provides its Coffee Stout, featuring Genovese Coffee’s Super Brazil blend. Morry and Lily enjoy its coffee, caramel and chocolate flavours, with Lily comparing it to an espresso martini in beer form. Marty is considerably less impressed, delivering a brutally honest review that leaves no uncertainty about his position.

Episode 36 concludes with Marty discussing his support for The Lost Dogs’ Home and Animals Asia, before Morry recounts seeing him charge through schoolchildren on the Albert Park bike path, loudly ordering everyone to move.

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Bridge Road Brewers Coffee Stout: Click here

The Lost Dogs Home: Click here

Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.