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Everyone needs some comic relief to cope with life, according to Dave Hughes The renowned Melbourne comedian has just turned 46 and still gets the same buzz out of telling jokes (what he calls a form of therapy) as much as he did when he first began his career in 1993. “It’s almost like therapy, you have your own problems in life and you talk about them and people laugh, and you go ‘oh that’s ok’,” he said, explaining comedy is a snapshot of his life. “I’ve got three small children, and a wife sending me late night text messages when I’m tour. One of them recently she was saying she’s it’s a bit sad she’s never going to fall in love with someone again. I said ‘you can fall in love with me again’, and she said that’s ‘unlikely’.” Hughes is coming to Wollongong in April as part of Merrigong Theatre Company’s much anticipated Spiegeltent season. The elaborate mirrored big top will see some of Australia’s best funny men and women - along with cabaret performers, rock stars and other big name performers - take to the stage in the heart of Wollongong. “No matter your situation, whether a billionaire or a beggar, we’ll all be dead one day – we’re all human,” Hughes said. “You just want to grab people and go, what are you worried about, look around you. In 150 years none of this will be here, you won’t be here ... just f***ing relax.” READ MORE: Why an antique tent is a big deal for Wollongong Tasmanian comedian Hannah Gadsby is another performer playing at the Spiegeltent, and says she likes to “take a story of woe from my actual factual life and make it hilarious”. Her show Nanette is said to be an interesting hour of social commentary, not so much about her struggle as a gay woman growing up in Tasmania (who imposed harsh penalties for homosexual activity until 1997) but the general struggle of life everyone can relate to. “It’s not about being gay, it’s more about being struggling to be human. You know, life’s hard isn’t it,” she said. “Someone’s always got something to complain about. I’ve got a lot I can complain about, but i’m trying to [make the show] a resolution of sorts. Around the Illawarra there are various places for comic relief, whether as a punter or giving stand-up a crack. Places to find regular comedy nights include Samuel’s Bar in Thirroul, Jane’s Bar in North Wollongong and The Builders Club in Wollongong. Tom Gleeson, April 8 Chopper’s Republic of Anzakistan, Apil 14 Frank Woodley, April 20 Puppetry of the Penis, April 22 Dave Hughes, April 25 Luke McGregor, April 26 Wil Anderson, April 27 Rove McManus, April 29 Hannah Gadsby, April 28 For more information on all shows and for tickets, visit: www.spiegeltentwollongong.com

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