POV: Mum’s back home and she’s performing at the Brisbane Comedy Fest.
Everyone’s favourite Tiktok mum, Mel Buttle, is not here to put socks on centipedes. In fact, the Brissie-born and based comedian will be performing an hour of loose laughs at Brisbane’s Comedy Festival later this month. Nothing’s off limits in this show, and with her signature dry, sarcastic humour, she’ll likely leave you in stitches.
A staple on both the big screen (regular visits to The Project, The Hundred and Question Everything) and the little screen (your TikTok fyp, where you might know her better as ‘Lyn’), she’ll be stepping onto the stage for the festival before embarking on her very own comedy tour around around Australia. So wrap yourself in your best cardigan and grab your tickets here.
Before she hits the stage at the Powerhouse, we had a chat to her about what it's like to perform in her hometown and where she eats and drinks when she's not jetting off to record TV appearances.
We can’t wait to catch you at the Brisbane Comedy Festival—does it feel good performing in your hometown or is it the same as any other stage?
Brisbane is a rock concert, I think it’s because I have a shorthand and a big connection with the audience. Also, Brisbane people come out for a good time I reckon. I love doing shows here.
How much of the show takes advantage of your newfound wealth of material as a toddler mum?
Let’s say 55%. The rest is dedicated to my other loves, The Matildas and Bunnings.
If you could see one other comedian who’s on the bill with you, who would it be?
Just one? That’s tough, I’d say Bronwyn Kuss, she had a belter of a season in Melbourne, and won an award (again) she’s my hot tip.
"Brisbane shows go off, as I’ve warmed the show up in other lesser cities that shall remain unnamed and I just feel here in Brissy can we talk freely about issues facing our community, like what’s Stefan up to? And does Sarina Russo still have the Bentley? See you at the top as Sarina would say."
When you are home in Brisbane, what are your favourite haunts?
Your go-to cafe or coffee spot? I grab a pre-show coffee at Death Before Decaf, and weekends you’ll find me at Riser in Toowong for the pastries and coffee. Or getting some fresh bread at Gathered Bakers in Chapel Hill.
Your favourite restaurant or regular takeaway order? I like Oh Boy, Bok Choy for a long lunch. My favourite take away is Taj Mahal in New Farm, their gobi manchurian (cauliflower) is amazing. As is their chicken tikka masala.
What about where you go to get out of the house with a toddler in tow? The Grange Bowls club has lots of space for little ones to run around and when I’ve been there they’ve had a jumping castle. They do coffee, booze and light food. They’re next to two playgrounds and have a retro toilet setup that’s got to be seen to be believed. My other favourite place is the Shorncliffe pier, there’s a great playground and it’s a good place to run out some energy, and fantasize about moving there to look at the sea.
What’s one thing you’d tell visitors to Brisbane they have to do?
Drive out to Cedar Creek, where I grew up, past Samford and go for a refreshing summer dip. Also, road trip out to Scenic Rim Farm Shop in Kalbar for brunch, pick up some farm fresh veggies and flowers, it’s great start to the weekend. Also, have a burger at Ben’s Burgers in the valley and a drink at Savile Row.
What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Brisbane?
It was at Michael’s Oriental in Sunnybank, I would’ve been around 8 years old. We were there with clients from dad’s work, this was the first place I tried salt and pepper quail, lobster, and ginger and shallot fish, fresh from the tank to the table. I was mind blown by the flavours and the theatre of the meal. Chinese was the first cuisine, I tried that blew my skirt up, it still does. Go have a deep fried ice-cream and tell me you’re not impressed.
What do you miss most about Brisbane when you’re not here (other than the fam)?
Oh everything, the weather, the people who’ll tell you if you’ve got a tag hanging out of your shirt. I like knowing where everything is, and of course my own bed.
Describe Brisbane in one sentence.
A warm city, in every sense.
Catch Mel Buttle at the Brisbane Powerhouse from Tuesday 21 to 26 May for the Brisbane Comedy Fetival.
Image credit: Supplied