Australian slapstick comedian Marcus Ryan / Courtesy of Marcus Ryan
By Rory Kelly
Marcus Ryan has carried out comedy in 56 international locations, and Korea is seeking to be his 57th.
“I am informed I will need to have soju and Korean BBQ,” the 44-year-old Australian informed the Korea Instances, including, “Or do you simply name it BBQ?”
Having loved a baseball recreation in Japan, he needs to expertise one in Seoul as properly and sheepishly admits to trying ahead to visiting the DMZ. And, clearly, he is enthusiastic to make individuals chuckle. “I am excited to do a few reveals and see what native audiences are like!”
Ryan has been doing stand-up for practically 25 years. He began out dwelling in a small city, driving greater than two hours every strategy to ship a five-minute set. And but he knew that he could not give it up — “Comedy was in my blood, and I did not actually have a alternative!” he mentioned.
At one of many reveals he’ll carry out in Seoul, titled Eat, Pray, Stroll, he’ll contact on the time he walked the Camino De Santiago, a well-known pilgrimage. Though he wasn’t actually positive of his motivation to do the stroll and typically questioned why he was doing it, he mentioned the 1,000-plus kilometer-long route solely supplied two difficulties, “tendonitis and blisters.”
However is he touring for trip or for work? Ryan mentioned that it is each, “I do not know the final time I ever went on a vacation and did not attempt to line up a present.”
After doing reveals in Europe whereas dwelling in Britain, he realized he did not want to decide on between having a job he loved and seeing extra of the world. “I have been very blessed to have the ability to mix my two best passions, journey and fooling around on stage!”
Marcus Ryan clothes for a day of labor. Courtesy of Marcus Ryan
Having accomplished comedy in so many various international locations, Ryan has obtained some on-the-ground insights into the various tastes of various nations. He was nearly arrested in India, which he considers “a quick lesson in studying what you possibly can and may’t say in sure international locations,” and one time somebody put a curse on him.
How does he keep away from such confrontations and ensure he connects together with his viewers? “I like to observe the comedians on stage earlier than me to listen to what the viewers is laughing at,” he mentioned. “Then I can modify my strategy to a gig.”
In fact, doing stand-up for various communities might be tough. Ryan says he tries to make enjoyable of each nationality within the room in addition to throwing in some self-deprecation, as then the viewers is aware of it is accomplished with good intentions.
“It may be tougher work if it is a nation that has by no means had English-speaking comedy earlier than,” Ryan admitted, “however they are usually so up for it that the vitality and help is much more pleasurable than taking part in an everyday membership in Australia.”
He will not say the worst place he is carried out — “I do not need to be boycotted,” he mentioned — however names Eire as considered one of his favourite nations the place he is accomplished comedy. “I am half Irish, they’ve an amazing humorousness, and I’ve at all times beloved gigging there.”
Though he does adapt his units to each place he goes, in addition to throwing in native taste into what he is saying in addition to choosing up new materials for future gigs.
He mentioned, “I discover that the majority audiences worldwide are the identical: in case you are humorous and the group likes you, then it may be enjoyable.”
Marcus Ryan / Courtesy of Marcus Ryan
For such a seasoned traveler, Ryan has just one piece of recommendation for coping with airplanes: “earplugs.”
Marcus Ryan can be headlining a stand-up present at 9.30 p.m. on Aug. 30 at KYLDN Social Membership close to Noksapyeong Station, with host Steve Gallas and openers Arthur Minsu, Alisha Feitosa and Paul Russell. Tickets are 10,000 gained prematurely or 15,000 gained on the door.
He may even be acting at Eat, Pray, Stroll at 8 p.m. on Sept. 5, additionally at KYLDN Social Membership. Tickets are 10,000 gained and might be bought prematurely or on the door. Each reveals are produced via Stand Up Seoul by Kristen Pimley.
Go to itsmarcusryan.com for extra info or @standupseoul on Instagram for particulars concerning the present and to order tickets.
Rory Kelly is a author, actor, improviser and slapstick comedian based mostly in Seoul. He is additionally usually noticed not fairly successful pub quizzes within the Itaewon space.
