Who is Tom Ballard?
I’m just a girl, standing in front of a series of questions from the Australian Arts Review, asking them to love me.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Fight space monsters with a laser gun and mind games and be a force for truth and justice throughout the galaxy. Or, you know, maybe retail?
Who inspires you and why?
Charlie Kaufman because he’s a constant reminder that there are absolutely no rules when it comes to making cool shit.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d release all the animals in the world from their respective human servitude and we’d all hang out together and just chill. I’d be like a reverse-Noah.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve just come back from New York for a month and I bloody loved it. It’s the best city in the world and it is NOT afraid to yell that fact at your face repeatedly.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I love me a botanic garden, so I do. I love the idea of them and walking around them and having picnics in them. Did I mention I’m a homosexual?
What are you currently reading?
Christopher Hitchens’ biography of Thomas Jefferson (when not watching pornography).
What are you currently listening to?
DD Dumbo, Thumpers, Sky Ferreira and a lot of comedy albums. I think Dappled Cities’ new song is awesome.
Happiness is?
A state of mind. And I’m sure it’s much easier to achieve that state of mind when you’re on a yacht.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m excited about this year. I’ll be touring a lot more with my stand up, writing and trying new things and, if time permits, spending a LOT more time Beliebing.
In 2010 Tom Ballard took a seat behind a microphone at triple j as its youngest ever breakfast host. Only 12 months earlier he took out the Melbourne Comedy Festival’s best newcomer award; he was also the youngest person to ever do that.
Four years after his comedy festival debut, Tom is now a relative veteran with sold out shows and national tours to his name. He has been seen on The Project, This Week Live, Can Of Worms, Spicks and Specks, Good News Week and the Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala.
After four years of Breakfast with Tom and Alex (and winning an ARIA), Tom decided to hang up his headphones at the end of 2013 for a well-earned sleep in and to focus on his first love, stand up. He was also recently announced as one of the co-hosts for the 2014 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade to be screened on SBS 2 on Sunday 2 March.
Tom will be appearing in his new show UnAustralian(ish) at The Garden of Unearthly Delights in Adelaide from 14 February – 2 March 2014. For more information, visit: www.gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au for details. He will also be appearing at the Brisbane Comedy Festival in March and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in March / April.
Image: Tom Ballard