“I want to have an impact on people – that’s the reason I got into comedy,” says McCarthy. “Knowing that people like what I’m doing feels good, and I Iike to make other people feel good too.”
The friendly and humble McCarthy is a huge believer in the power of positive thinking, but admits he used to let his nerves get the better of him. “When I first started gigging I used to panic and rush a little bit because I was so eager to get it over with,” he says. “That was something I had to overcome.”
Growing up as a strong-minded and spirited kid, McCarthy says he always knew he had the knack to make people laugh, but never seriously considered being funny as a career. That all changed when the pub he worked in hosted a comedy night, and while riffing backstage he had the show’s MC in stitches. “That night was a bit of a fluke,” he laughs. “Although people had always encouraged me, I never knew what it took until I actually got up onstage and did a set.”
Determined to succeed, this clever comic will join the ranks of comedy’s best and brightest with a brand new show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival. “I’ve been working on my show Nevermind for a while,” says McCarthy. “I wanted to put everything on the table using my very best material, putting together a big festival run.”
While his grit and focus is undeniable, McCarthy is also looking forward to watching his mates have a crack at the big time.
“There’s a lot of my good comedy buddies doing their first shows this year too and I’d love to see them put a good 50 or 60-minute show together,” he says. “A good friend of mine Matt Young is doing his debut show, and I can’t wait to see what he is going to bring to the table. That’s the same with Joseph Green and another buddy Andrew Iles. He’s a great stand-up comedian and he says he’s got some brand new stuff coming. They’re ones to keep watch for. They’re very talented comedians and we’re proud of each other and of how hard we work.”
By Natalie Rogers
Venue: Speakeasy HQ
Dates: Wednesday March 29 – Sunday April 8 (bar Sunday April 2, Monday April 3 and Tuesday April 4)
Duration: 45 minutes
Tickets: $20
