‘Every parliament has a Lindsay Lohan’

At only 20 years of age, comedian Joel Creasey’s doing his bit to challenge the stereotype of the politically disengaged young queer, more interested in Gaga than Gillard.

The self-described political junkie will delve into the world of Australian politics in his new stand-up show, Political Animal.

“Politics is so rock star; they’re always yelling, fighting and getting in trouble. Every parliament in the world has its own Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears,” Creasey told the Star Observer.

When we spoke to the young comic, he said he’d prepared his routine up to a point — but with the 24-hour political news cycle, he was always on the lookout for new scandals from Canberra.

“I’m really praying for someone to sniff a chair, or for Tony Abbott to change from the speedos to the Borat mankini, or for Julia Gillard and Penny Wong to have a lesbian hook-up, Britney and Madonna-style.”

And if the scandals don’t eventuate before opening night, Creasey’s evidently happy to make some up.

“I heard Julia Gillard deleted Kevin Rudd off MSN Messenger. So Kevin blocked her on Facebook. There’s definitely trouble in paradise,” he said, tongue planted firmly in cheek.

Creasey’s comedy career started early, propelled by the knowledge, he said, that he has “no other talents — apart from cooking, and Julie Goodwin stole my shtick”.

“My first gig was in a bar when I was only 17 so I had to bring my parents along, which was tricky, because my mum has a drinking problem. It’s not good when your own mum is heckling you at your first gig.”

He’s come a long way since then, and is now a regular on Channel 7, the Comedy Channel and Nova radio. He’s also made a point of not hiding his sexuality.

“My first year of stand-up I didn’t really talk about my sexuality, but then that got ridiculous, with people saying, ‘Do you think he knows?’ Yes, I know!

“But there’s only a small portion of my show where I talk about being gay. For the most part it’s all politics.

“I actually studied politics and foreign affairs at uni, but I only went for two months because it was incredibly boring, and because the lecturer once told me I have messy handwriting. I shouldn’t have to put up with that.”

And be warned, punters with opposing political views: Creasey’s not afraid of a bit of crowd interaction.

“Family First voters should be down the front so I can name and shame them. And then perhaps even kick them in the face, if they’re close enough,” he promised.

“Normally people who support the Liberal Party don’t come and see me. Although my parents do, and they still come. But no, generally the Christian Democrats and Family First supporters aren’t booking tickets to my shows. And you know what? That’s fine by me.”

info: Joel Creasey plays Melbourne’s Forum Theatre, March 31 – April 24, and Sydney’s Yalumba Wine Bar, May 4 – 7.  Visit www.joelcreasey.com