misnomers and misadventures

Upon investigation, it turns out that Romance And Adventure, the latest show by UK comedian Josie Long, contains no adventurous romances, or, indeed, romantic adventures. “It is actually a really big con,” she giggles. “The show isn't about romance or adventure. It's about when I had a really hard time personally, and also when I was worried that I'd given up hope politically. But I thought, if I call it Romance And Adventure, everyone will come along ... and then, bad luck! Just lock the door!” Long lets out a cackle at the thought.

A show that's actually about keeping going when you are worn out politically and emotionally might sound less appealing, but Long is such an enthusiastic soul that it is almost impossible to respond to her with cynicism. This appearance at the Melbourne Comedy festival is her fifth, although it's been three years since her last visit. A lot has changed since then, she says: “Like, the whole bloody country in the UK has changed, and my life has changed quite a lot.” 

Starting out in stand-up at the precocious age of 14, Long shot to fame at 17 when she won the BBC New Comedy Awards, and has continued performing ever since then, with a few study breaks to complete a degree in English at Oxford University. She recently turned 30, and looking back, she says her comedy has come a long way. “When I was a bit younger I would only do really positive stuff ... and now I've broadened out a little bit more; I'll talk about everything that goes on in my life, not just positive things and not just silly things, all kinds of things.” 

For Long, that includes politics, which she has become more involved in since the Conservative Coalition came to power in 2010. “When they first got in, I became politically active; I was on marches and meeting people, doing activism, always thinking about politics. [But] you get exhausted. And they're still doing ... stuff that is going to change society for the worse, and that kills me.” She pauses. “BUT the show is about taking all that, and then saying, 'okay, I am still going to try and be positive, I'm still going to try to be active'. And I'm still going to keep going. So there.”

Long says she got some of her perseverance from her time as a student. “Intellectually it was so rigorous, and you just develop how to read and write and study.” Studying literary classics might not sound particularly funny, but Long says there are some surprises to be had – particularly Charles Dickens, whose Great Expectations she finds hilarious: “People think of him as very serious because he's from the 19th century, but he is a secret joker!” 

Finding comedy in unexpected places comes naturally to Long. She's a big fan of noticing the small things that make you smile. “[You've got to keep] trying to notice small delightful things around you. That's really important. And, like, just being aware of the fact that there are always changes for joy and delight and wonder no matter how shit you feel!” 

WHAT: Josie Long: Romance And Adventure 
WHEN & WHERE: now to Sunday 21 April, MICF, Town Hall, Supper Room VIC
Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 April, Enmore Theatre, Yalumba Wine Bar NSW
Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 May, Astor Theatre, Astor Lounge WA