Who is John Glover?
I’m a stand-up comedian, improv performer, and last living fan of the TV show Lost.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I very rarely do anything I don’t want to do. Not interested. I have a day job in marketing which I enjoy but it’s not changing lives. If I could get a job planting trees while still working from home and maintaining my salary, I’d do that.
Who inspires you and why?
I look up to comedy performers who have no inhibitions about looking stupid, or ones who subvert the trope of being self-deprecating. This is where comedy is going. My favourite comics are people like Anne Edmonds or Katherine Ryan who know what they’re about and commit to it hard.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Universal four-day work week. The benefits to individuals and companies would have no ceiling.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Shanghai. I had the best week of my life there. Everybody is so friendly and there’s lots of art, culture and history to explore. It’s like if Melbourne had more money, more people and more cigarettes.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
As a current Sydneysider and ex-Melbournite, I make sure to take my tourist friends to the Opera House and Opera Bar. An afternoon drinking wine in the sun while looking at the harbour is the only you can say you’ve experienced Sydney.
What are you currently reading?
Swearing Is Good For You by Emma Byrne. It’s all about the science of swearing and unpacks the taboo around bad language. They should teach this book in schools.
What are you currently listening to?
I saw Carly Rae Jepsen live when she toured Australia recently, so I’ve got her discography on repeat at the moment. In my mind, we are best friends.
Happiness is?
Making every decision in life because you want to, not because you feel you should.
What does the future hold for you?
Honing my improv and hosting skills and seeing what kind of stages that can bring me to. Chuck me on The Gala one comedy festival. Bring back The Panel and let me host it. I could be the Rove of the 2020s.
John presents his show, John Glover Must Die – which is currently playing at The Vault Theatre – Speakeasy HQ, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, until 11 April 2023. For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.
Image: John Glover (supplied)