Shaun has been announced by the Australian version of GQ magazine as “Comedian of the Year” in their Men of the Year awards for 2012. Noted as the “silver fox”, he is described as someone who “grafts the subversive to the obscure.”
For someone who doesn’t easily fall into the traditional “comedian” category, it’s a great acknowledge for his wit and charm.
You can read the full story on the website or in the Dec/Jan magazine.
Filming is continuing on Mr and Mrs Murder at the moment, with reports that it’s looking quite good. Channel Ten have recently announced their 2013 line-up, with Mr & Mrs being a major element.
As for whether TAYG will return, Josh Thomas has again confirmed the end of it via a tweet: “I keep getting asked…Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation isn’t returning. Mostly because Shaun has run out of new ways to poor [sic] food on my head.”
And with another season of Mad As Hell next year, there’s plenty to look forward to. And maybe… another book… ?!
Strangely enough for a topic news show, the first season of Mad As Hell is making its way to DVD. It’s available from this Wednesday 3rd October from most DVD retailers or the ABC shop. We’re not expecting any special features, but if you didn’t tape it when it first aired, here’s your opportunity to complete your Micallef collection.
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Stephen Hall and Michael Ward – both part of the writing team for Mad As Hell and many other Shaun related projects – are bringing back their stage show, Bond-A-Rama!
If you didn’t think it was possible to fit 22 James Bond films into 75 minutes – you were wrong! It’s all recreated, from the villians, the Bond girls. to the stunts and gadgets. Emily Taheny and Ben Anderson, both Micallef alumni, round out the cast.
I went to see it last year, and highly recommend it. Whether you’re a true James Bond nut, or have just seen a few of the films, you’re going to enjoy this.
It’s playing at Chapel off Chapel in Melbourne for 4 weeks from the 17th October, with a national tour expected next year. Book tickets early and get a discount 🙂
It has been confirmed that Mad As Hell will return for a second series of 10 episodes, probably in February 2013. This will be after filming of Mr and Mrs Murder, which will take most of the next 6 months. Shaun’s also keen for a third season, around the time of the next federal election, but this will depend on other factors.
Friday’s episode should be one of the best yet, with a beautiful report-cross-sketch on the topic of health care with an ever-changing Xanthe, a clever four-way discussion on obesity, Gay March pops back, and hopefully the premiere of the gay Olympic table tennis team sketch, which has been teased at a few “live nights”. Josh Thomas makes a guest appearance too! Shaun was also very generous with his time to the audience, answering (and asking) questions while the cast was changing wardrobes. Even Tony Martin popped in during the taping, to wish Shaun a Happy Birthday and celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Late Show.
I also had the great pleasure to interview Shaun, as well as Tosh and Stephen, and look forward to slowly getting those written up and posted. Thanks to everyone, especially Anthony, for their time.
Our favourite quick-witted, silver-haired, worldly intelligent and charismatic comedy writer and performer has hit the big five-o. Although… he spent 10 years practising law before going into comedy, so does that make him 40?
From all your fans, Happy 50th Birthday Shaun!
A very special opportunity has come up for me to pose your questions to Shaun… and maybe some of the Mad As Hell cast and writers!
You have till this Wednesday (18th) to email or “comment” the questions you would like answered. I can’t guarantee who will be free to answer questions, but there’s only one way to find out!
Well, talking about it… he’s already “on it”. 🙂
In a tidbit with The Age’s Green Guide, Shaun talks about what he used to watch on TV when he was younger. (He revealed in an earlier interview with this website that he doesn’t watch much on TV these days.)
I remember when I was about 15 I was watching The Don Lane Show and Bert Newton rode into the studio on an elephant. I thought: ”Wow, that’s what I want to be when I grow up.’
Sadly, I am now almost 50 years old and am neither Bert Newton nor an elephant.‘
Photo by Simon Schluter
I was lucky enough to see another taping of Mad As Hell, and have a few previews to whet your appetite!
Poor Shaun fluffed his opening monologue most of the way through 3 times, and Tosh had some tongue twisting lines which forced Shaun to say “gusset” more times than I can remember!
There was a very clever debate on gay marriage (the cast were all excellent), a look at how the media can ‘hound’ their stories and a look at Gina Rinehart through the lens of pop culture.
Shaun held another real interview with the star of Queen Leer, Robyn Nevin, which was so post-modern, I couldn’t tell if it was going to be shown as is or to be re-recorded later.
I loved a segment they shot, which may have just been in-case of topical material changing later in the week, called Hey No Nanny, all about whether Shaun felt particular elements in our society were making us too much of a “nanny state” – the graphic alone is worth seeing.
I thought it was the best show yet.
Oh, and we found out at least one source for the names of the reporters – Carrington Mews is apparently an area in Adelaide!
Thank you Verity.
Will wonders never cease? In another ABC cross-over, Shaun is to guest program music video show Rage next Saturday night, a role usually filled by fellow musicians.
They must have been impressed with Shaun’s songs on ‘His Generation’ or his opinion on ‘We Built This City (on Rock and Roll)’ – “a flimsy construction method if ever I heard one”. Perhaps we’ll get some Sade? Or Duck Sauce?
It starts 11:25pm this Saturday night – the playlists will be posted on the Rage website on Friday.