Comedy Q&A: Cal Wilson

Cal Wilson in Mitzi and Hammond Wurlitzer’s Triumphe De Force.

Why should we see your show?

Not only is it a trifle twisted and dripping with gags (described by one punter as funny and a little bit evil), it contains songs, sequins, and William Shatner's underpants. Think Moulin Rouge meets The Addams Family.

Tell us a joke in 25 words or less.

This is an old joke (it's practically heritage-listed), but I love it.

What do you call a dog with no legs?

Doesn't matter what you call it, it'll never come to you.

What makes you laugh out loud?

Living in Australia.

What's the worst line you've ever delivered?

It was in a low-budget movie: "Remember if he does anything at all, just shoot him in the face." It was meant to be dramatic but you couldn't hear the tension over the audience's laughter. I'm sticking to comedy.

What keeps you awake at night?

Worrying whether William Shatner will come back for his underpants.

When were you last embarrassed and why?

Last week, when I took my cat to the vet. He bit the vet nurse on the boob. Given that he's elderly and rather moth-eaten, it must have been like being savaged by an old piece of carpet, but I was mortified.

What were you like as a child?

Shy, yet insistent. Also easily flustered. Imagine being pestered by a hen.

Without looking it up, give us a scientific explanation of laughter.

A sudden release of tension in response to an unexpected event, or to put it more clearly, the geeky noise you make when something sudden and undignified occurs, that you're glad didn't happen to you.

If you weren't a comedian you would be...

A primary school teacher. Trust me, it's better this way.

What: Cal Wilson and Scott Brennan present Mitzi and Hammond Wurlitzer's Triumphe De Force
Where and when: Playhouse Comedy Underground, Wallace Trust Gallery until Saturday.
Show duration: one hour.
Bookings: Adults $20/Groups $16 from Ticketek.

* The Comedy Festival runs until May 22.