Robyn Butler

The earliest of your comedy work that we are aware of is your time on "The Comedy Sale" in 1993. Was that your big break or had you been writing and performing prior to that??
Firstly, I don't think The Comedy Sale could be regarded as anyone's big break. More like a big scar.  I started out doing Theatresports in Sydney in 1988 (I think) which was kind of a catch net for comic performers at the time. I did a few bits on Andrew Denton's shows; first the Money or the Gun and then Live and Sweaty. I remember that felt like a very big deal to me at the time. We also did a lot of impro comedy at the Harold Park Hotel which was one of the only comedy venues
> in Sydney then. Prior to that I had written quite a bit of stuff at University for cabarets etc..   

Did you recieve any theatre or performance training?
No but I know my way around 19th century french philosophy quite well.  Actually, my time in SUDS (Sydney University Dramatic Society) taught me an enormous amount about theatre. We basically ran a theatre company each year  - putting on some terribly turgid plays which we thought were terribly important, but I LOVED every second of it. Then
Theatresports and impro comedy taught me a lot about stagecraft and storytelling.

Do you have a preference between writing and performing?
Nup. Love them both with all my heart. Love writing  - particularly on my own ideas - because it's the truest expression of me and I love making stories. I could sit at the computer for hours if it wasn't for the two pesky children claiming to be my daughters and that they need food. Performing is the showier side of me, but when it's good material and with the right people it's the best thing in the world.

Having been part of Eric Bana's sketch show, what has been your take on the former Australian comedian becoming one of the biggest box office stars in Hollywood?
Good on him. He's an immensely talented guy. And sucked in to channel 7 who treated his show with contempt.

Did you find the change from playing various characters in comedy sketches to playing a sustained character in "Welcher & Welcher" more enjoyable or more challenging? What made it so?
Yes, more enjoyable, because of exactly that.

With the inevitable comparisons to Martin Molloy, did you ever feel you needed to fill Tony Martin's shoes as Mick's on-air partner?
No. I certainly would never  try to emulate Tony and I knew from the outset we would have a different show. Mick and I have found our own rhythm which we really like. We actually have a very similar sense of humour although I have a little less emphasis on underpants.

If you were to guest host ABC's  "Rage" for a night, what bands/videos would we be seeing on your playlist?
Elvis Costello, Radiohead, Baccara.  

What brought about the ideas for "Stories from the Golf" ? Was this yours and Wayne's first major professional project together or had you worked on other films/plays/projects previously?
We were swimming at the local pool with our daughter on a really hot day  and the water was chockers. There was  a couple swimming near us who were joined at the hip. They were both covered in tats, missing a few teeth, swearing like truckies ... I couldn't take my eyes off them; they seemed so in love and they were fascinating to me.  I wanted to know more about them. I swam over to Wayne and said you know the only way you really know the truth about people is in a car. It would be great to go on a  car trip with people  so you see the way they really act with each other when no-one's around. We should make a show about that ... 

Prior to that we had worked together (and fallen for each other)  on small tales and true for the Comedy channel which I co- wrote with Matt Cameron and Roz Hammond.

Is it harder or easier to work with one's spouse in the entertainment industry than to work with other actors/writers/directors?
I don't know about anyone else's spouse but mine's the cat's pajamas and it's easier easier easier!! We can yell, pout, make eye signals that no-one else understands - it's a gas.

Every year, dire predictions are given about the state of the Australian film and television industry. What do you feel is needed to turn the industry's fourtunes around?
About 80 million more people. Seriously. We need a bigger population before we can ever get our own HBO. And we need more people to get excited about the idea of writing and not just acting.  We need great writers more than anything.

Are their any new comedians or shows out there right now that are really grabbing your attention??
I love love love Arrested Development. I think John Saffran in the most exciting performer in this country. He's the most truly daring comedian/thinker... whatever you call him..

Any television shows on that you hate with a passion?
Most reality shows. Things like Big Brother are just anathema to me; someone who wants to write stories about the human condition.  Pitting brainless twats against each other so  brainless viewers can feel better about themselves makes me feel ill. Can't watch.

Would you encourage or discourage your children from embarking on careers in television, film or radio? Any words of advice or caution you might give?
It would be wrong to discourage my children when my mother always told me to do whatever made me happy. I would encourage them to be smart and well rounded and  most of all mutlifaceted  - because I don't think that 80 million population thing is going to happen in their lifetime.

Do you have opportunities and ambitions for more television and film projects in the near future?
I'm writing a new tv series with Wayne at the moment.

Any hopes to work with Shaun again?
You betcha. That'll happen.

Thanks so much to Robyn for answering our many questions for this Q&A!

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**Robyn's credits Actor - The Brush Off (2004) - Stiff (2004) - Stories from the Golf (2004) - Micallef Tonight (2003) - Welcher and Welcher (2003) - Crackerjack (2002) - Short Cuts (2002) - The Mick Molloy Show (1999) - The Micallef Programme (1999) - Small Tales and True (1998) - Eric (1997) - A Country Practice (1994) - Janus (1994) - The Comedy Sale (1993) - Live and Sweaty - Money or the Gun Other Talents - Stories from the Golf:  Writer, Producer and Director - Micallef Tonight:  Writer - Skithouse:  Writer - One Size Fits All:  Writer - Small Tales and True:  Writer - Eric:  Writer - The Comedy Sale:  Writer ** Sourced from The Internet Movie DataBase

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