Bev Killick Comedy Bites Dog Interview

Bev Killick Comedy Bites Dog Interview

A line-up of some of Melbourne's best and most outrageous comedians, including Bev Killick, Puppetry of the Penis, Dave Callan and many more will share the stage at Comedy Bites Dog, a fundraiser event for the Black Dog Institute that promises to be a great - and affordable - night of comedy and head banging on Sunday, September 9th at The Order of Melbourne.

MC Bev Killick, who was the driving force behind the recent and highly successful charity event, "Shaun's Kick Ass Party", has this time pulled together the cream of the crop to raise funds for her son, Abel Killick to take The Peru Challenge 2012 in support of The Black Dog Institute, an organisation that works with rural and metropolitan communities to raise awareness of mood disorders: how to recognise their warning signs and how to seek help.

Joining Bev will be Monte Diamonte, Anthony Demasi, The Four Chairs, Puppetry of the Penis, Dave Callan, Simon Palomares, Jodie J. Hill, Steve Bedwell, Pommy Johnson and Jeff Green, with Shed Zeppelin rocking it home with their Led Zeppelin covers.

Says Bev, "When Abel reached the milestone age of 21 recently, I offered him a trip of his choice to anywhere in the world and he instantly said Peru.

"Synchronistically, an hour later I came across a discussion on the Amazing Women of Melbourne Facebook page about The Peru Challenge. As the challenge raises money for The Black Dog Institute I thought it serendipitous, as Abel himself has suffered mood disorders and has triumphed over illness in the past two years.

"I see the Peru Challenge as both therapeutic and altruistic. Abel is a fit young man and has always had a love of nature and adventure. I envisage this trip to be one that will inspire, motivate and encourage him to tackle life's obstacles as they arise.

"I am incredibly proud of the 'get up and go' attitude that he has newly found since registering for this charitable pursuit and I see this trip as an holistic approach to his healing.

"I wholeheartedly embrace his fundraising endeavours and aim to raise at least $5000 from the Comedy Bites Dog fundraiser.

"All the performers on the bill were quick to come forward to play on the night and fully understand the magic of laughter.

"Steve Bedwell and Simon Palomares have also been sufferers of mood disorders, so it is especially close to them, as a subject."

No fundraiser would be complete without a raffle, with fantastic prizes to be won, including yoga membership, hair styling, DVDs, event tickets and more. Plus, there will be the chance to participate in an auction for an original painting by local St Kilda artist Tony Longo.

Tickets are just $30 for general admission and $40 for premium seating, or donations can be made on line. The aim is to raise $5000 to pay for Abel's flights and necessary equipment for the trip, and any excess funds raised will go directly to The Black Dog Institute. There is also a further target of $4000 to go directly to The Black Dog Insitute through the online fundraising at Go Fundraise

The Peru challenge is one of the events which Inspired Adventures designs, manages and leads charity challenges for people of all ages and fitness levels. Their adventure treks raise on average between $50,000 and $150,000 for charities around the world.

The Black Dog Institute is an educational, research, clinical and community oriented facility offering specialist expertise in mood disorders- a range of disorders that include depression and bipolar disorder.

Comedy Bites DogSunday, September 9th, 2012
MC Bev Killick, Monte Diamonte, Anthony Demasi, The Four Chairs, Puppetry of the Penis, Dave Callan, Simon Palomares, Jodie J. Hill, Steve Bedwell, Pommy Johnson and Jeff Green, Shed Zeppelin
Doors open 6pm (show commences at 7pm)
Level 2 / 401 Swanston Street Melbourne
$40 premium seating, $30 general admission, $20 virtual tickets
Purchase tickets at www.epodcentral.com.au/comedybitesdogIf you can't go, make a donation online at Go Fundraise

Interview with Bev Killick

Question: What is Comedy Bites Dog about?

Bev Killick: Comedy Bites Dog is a fundraiser for my son who is participating in a challenge called The Peru Challenge with Inspired Adventures where you have to raise funds for the flights and other costs. Also, $3,000 goes to the Black Dog Institute.


Question: What inspired your son to participate in The Peru Challenge 2012?

Bev Killick: My son has been suffering from mental illness personally in the last few years and mental illness has also been in our family. My son wanted to go to Peru anyway and the arrows all pointed to him doing The Peru Challenge. It's an adventure for him to go and raise the funds for research into mental illness.

I have never seen my son more motivated over the last few years, than now. It's been very up and down over the past few years but his so inspired to do The Peru Challenge trek, AbelKillick, and his training nearly every day and fitness is a great way to combat mental illness. The whole process has been very inspiring for me to see.


Question: What is the Black Dog Foundation and why is it close to your heart?

Bev Killick: The Black Dog Institute is a research and community support foundation for mood disorders. It's been an interesting couple of years, there have been lots of ups and downs and I've always thought that if there was a challenge, adventure or something to look forward to in your life it can help to steer you out of the doldrums and The Peru Challenge has really got my son up and motivated.


Question: Who else is performing at the event?

Bev Killick: We have comedians: Jodie J. Hill, Jeff Green, Simon Palomares, Steve Bedwell, Monte Diamonte, Anthony Demasi, Pommy Johnson and Dave Callan. We've also got acts such as The Four Chairs, Puppetry of the Penis, Burlesque and Shed Zeppelin who are a tribute to Led Zeppelin which is really fitting because of the Led Zeppelin's The Black Dog song.


Question: What should audiences expect from the show?

Bev Killick: Comedy, fun and a lot of laughs. People who want to support the charity should come and put their money towards something worthwhile and fun.

The audience is going to be a real mixed bag because with comedy you can never tell, I think we'll have people aged 18 - 100!


Question: What do you hope people take away from the show?

Bev Killick: I hope people become aware of the stigma that is attached to mental illness and that comedy can make a difference which is all in the title Comedy Bites Dog! Humour can really help free mood disorders and can help change people's lives.


Question: What inspired you to become a comedian?

Bev Killick: I found humour personally to escape being in trouble or told off! If I could tell I joke quick enough I could avoid a smack (laughing)!


Interview by Brooke Hunter