Wrestlebrainia
Wrestling is a form of entertainment unlike any other. In wrestling the crowd is oftener just as much a part of the show as the actual performers themselves. So when long-time wrestling fan & comedy writer Geoff Setty saw an opening in the market to combine his passions it was simply a matter of finding a format which fit his vision. After a period of contemplation Setty's light bulb moment came one evening whilst watching Rockwiz when he realised "we should do that but for wrestling!"
Ahead of the upcoming Wrestlebrainia shows at this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival Setty sat down with Pario to chat about his journey creating this show. During our conversation Setty also spoke about how vital & supportive the Australian wrestling community have been to the success of Wrestlebrainia.
When asked how he came up with the idea for Wrestlebrainia Setty said, "I noticed a hole in the market for a fun show about wrestling. At first the idea was simply 'let's discuss wrestling in a fun way' but then one night when I was watching Rockwiz & it clicked that we should do that but for wrestling." Now after a few years working craft this show Setty describes Wrestlebrainia as a "a cross between Rockwiz, Spicks & Specks and a Roman Colosseum."
Much like the wrestling shows which Wrestlebrainia explores via trivia the crowd is a crucial part of the experience. As Setty explained during a Wrestlebrainia show the crowd is not only allowed but encouraged to be "loud & rowdy... to yell & scream & cheer & boo" because they are "as much a part of the show as the wrestlers & comedians on the stage."
Obviously being a wrestling focused trivia game show die hard wrestling fans will take a lot from their experience at a Wrestlebrainia event. But as Setty explained these shows aren't exclusively for wrestling fans.
"We don't just get wrestling fans coming along to Wrestlebrainia. We also get a lot of people who aren't wrestling fans who simply enjoy watching the shows because it's a welcoming subculture. It has taken about 6 years to get to where we are at now but Wrestlebrainia has become one of those shows that people mark on the calendar to come & see every year."
Associating the Wrestlebrainia experience with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has also been very beneficial to the success of Wrestlebrainia. That link though hasn't simply been a one-way street, in fact Setty views Wrestlebrainia as a gateway for new fans to discover comedy or wrestling.
"The Melbourne International Comedy Festival know that we are weird & different show but their hard work & effort is rewarded by having people come to see comedy in all of its forms," said Setty. Then on the wrestling side of the spectrum Setty said, "I couldn't do this show without the support of the local wrestling groups. I'd be nothing without their support."
One wrestling group in particular that Geoff gave special mention to was On The Turnbuckle, "The guys at On The Turnbuckle, as big a pains in the butt as they are, have been very important to my run every year."
In terms of the wrestlers who compete during the Wrestlebrainia show Setty says he has noticed there tends to be two approaches. First up there are those that take Wrestlebrainia very seriously because their pride is at stake.
"You get these people who come along wanting to do the best they can, not only to put on the best show possible but also to show off their wrestling trivia knowledge... When we get Loverboy Lochy Hendricks involved he's chomping at the bit to answer questions, he's a very competitive man."
On the flip side Setty said there are those that are there purely for the fun, laughter & chaos which is a Wrestlebrainia show.
"Wrestlebrainia is not stand-up, it's unlike any other comedy show at the Comedy Festival each year. Wrestlebrainia is just pure insanity to watch or as Jessica Troy said after watching a show in Sydney 'I'd have been on there if I'd known it was such bullshit!'"
In closing we asked Setty to describe what audience members should expect if they came to a Wrestlebrainia show for the time.
"You're going to see comedians & wrestlers on the same panel getting into a bit of argy-bargy. People who come along to a Wrestlebrainia show will have the time of their life!"
Mar 3, 10 & 24. The Catfish Bar, 30 Gertrude St, Fitzroy. $25-60+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.comedyfestival.com.au
Follow Wrestlebrainia's creative journey on social media @Wrestle_Brainia
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