Who is Damian Callinan?
I’m a comedian, actor, screenwriter, playwright, writer, podcaster & generally considered to be a better dancer than first impressions might suggest. If you’re struggling to put a face to my name, look at the picture above. If that’s still not helping, I’m best known in recent times for being the writer and lead in The Merger – a feature film adapted from my one man show of the same name, about a struggling country Australian Rules Footy Team who recruit refugees to survive.
It won a bunch of awards, screened in about 30 countries and the pilot on a recent Rex flight to Mt Gambier said it was his favourite Australian film, so if you haven’t seen it, perhaps you don’t have your finger on the pulse like you thought you did. I’m also a prolific live performer. Spoons at the 2026 Melbourne Comedy Festival, will be the 28th show/play that I’ve created, not including the one-man sock puppet version of Wagner’s Ring Cycle that I did at school assembly when I was in Grade 2.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’d have put an interval in the Sock Puppet Ring Cycle.
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who opens a baffling mixed business. There used to be a shop in Port Lincoln (SA) that sold Mobility scooters and kites. I still lie awake at night wondering how this confluence of commerce came to be.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I only use ‘Who Gives a Crap’ toilet paper. I occasionally use a keep cup & I’m a paid-up member of Amnesty International, so I think I’m doing quick enough, thanks for asking!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Once my wife and I decided to have an unplanned holiday. We hit Sydney Road heading out of Melbourne and the plan was to follow a random car to its destination and that would be our holiday location. Unfortunately, the hearse only went as far as Fawkner Cemetery, but we were committed and set up our tent. We were there barely an hour before the police moved us on, but we still talk about that holiday.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would make everyone tiny myki cards and go on the miniature railway in Lower Eltham
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Penny Tangey’s new book, What Rhymes With Murder, but the guy on the tram keeps turning the book away, so I may have to buy my own copy.
What are you currently listening to?
The guy in the tram complaining about me reading his book
Happiness is?
… an abstract noun.
What does the future hold for you?
Look, after my heroic efforts in the Trojan war, I’ve been trying to get back to Ithaca, but I had a bit of a barney with Cyclops and a stoush with Scylla the Sea Monster and I ended up stuck here on Calypso’s Island. I’ve just found that Penelope and the kids think I’m dead, so I’m hoping my Rex Pilot mate form Mt Gambier can pick me up so I can get home in time for dinner. It’s been quite the Odyssey.
Damian will present his one man show, Spoons, in the Member’s Lounge – Arts Centre Melbourne, as part of the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, from 26 March – 5 April. For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Damian Callinan (supplied)