Who is Jon Walpole?
I am a comedian and improvisor from Melbourne, and have just finished touring my comedy show for the first time to Sydney and Adelaide. My choccy of choice from Cadbury Favourites is a Boost bar. That’s right, I know how to enjoy myself.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I wasn’t doing comedy I’d probably be a big businessman with a big business suit and big business car with a whole lot of big business money. Or a teacher, yeah, probably a teacher.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by pretty much everyone I know, but from a comedy perspective I think I’m mainly inspired by the Aunty Donna boys. They’re so energetic and fast-paced in their live comedy – I can really relate to that, energy is a big part of my performance style – and they also run a well-oiled machine as their own company, totally taking the industry by storm.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d love to push for more education in young men about concepts like consent, feminism, toxic masculinity, etc. Those things weren’t really taught at my school growing up, I had to learn about all of those things myself from the people around me … some people aren’t as lucky.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Germany, I’ve got family up there so I love to go and visit. Berlin is a bloody awesome city brimming with culture.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I used to always take any guests of mine to the glorious Melbourne Star. We’d make that glorious drive to the Waterfront City precinct in the Docklands, park in the beautiful car park, pay for tickets, wait about half an hour, and then soar gloriously into the sky, looking in wonder at the glorious city of Melbourne. But now that’s closed, so I usually take people to all the cool little cocktail and whisky bars around the CBD.
What are you currently reading?
Right now I’m reading the history of Saturday Night Live, just a book full of anecdotal stories from all sorts alumni from the show – very interesting! … I’m a comedy nerd.
What are you currently listening to?
As I’m writing answers to this question I’m listening to the beautiful music from my good friend Seb Szabo – excellent songwriting, excellent voice.
Happiness is?
Being able to enjoy and appreciate all the beautiful little things in life. I went to a pub a few nights ago – the toilet was immaculately clean. A rare find. I took a moment to be grateful for that.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m about to perform my show, One Man Performing a Two-Man Show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival at The Motley Bauhaus in Carlton until 23 April. I’m also performing a kids show with my friend Jeromaia Detto called Stuff! – playing at ACMI until 23 April 2023.
Image: Jon Walpole (supplied)