When an outstanding comic performer like Mike Delamont (God is a Scottish Drag Queen) tells you to go see a show—you go, or, at least I do. So it was in 2016 that he recommended Field Zoology 101 by Shawn O’Hara, another local comic who was performing for the first time at the Victoria Fringe. The show was a hit, and it’s back for another run at this year’s Fringe.
How long have you been producing work on the Fringe circuit? As an artist/company?
My very first Fringe festival was Victoria 2009, with a small play called Missed Connections. After that, I didn’t do anything in the Fringe until 2016 where I premiered Field Zoology 101, which I’ve been performing for three years.
Last time at the Victoria Fringe? Shows you’ve presented at the Victoria Fringe?
I performed in the 2017 Victoria Fringe with Fake Ghost Tours, which I co-wrote with my writing/performing partner Abdul Aziz.
Have you been (or will you be) taking the show to other Fringes?
This year I’ll perform in Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Victoria, and Vancouver.
Is your show a new work, or has it been performed elsewhere?
I’ve performed Field Zoology 101 since 2016 in what will be a total of six cities.
Significant awards or accolades? (not just on the Fringe circuit)
Nothing outside of the Fringe circuit
Can you speak to the creation process of this work?
Field Zoology 101, and the character of Brad Gooseberry, started at a local show called Come and Play! with Ryan and Chris, run by local comedians Ryan Banga and Chris Vickers. I based the character on TV animal experts Jack Hanna and Steve Irwin, with all of the confidence and none of the know-how.
Who will your show appeal to?
Fans of silly deadpan comedy, animal lovers, animals haters, and people with no strong feelings about animals one way or the other.
What would you say to entice a potential audience member to come?
I’m a terrible artist and I somehow made an award-winning show that heavily relies on my drawings.
What do you hope to inspire in your audience?
Pure, instinctual, unadulterated laughter.
Is there anything I’ve missed asking you, or that you would like to comment on?
I’ll also be performing in Fake Ghost Tours 2: Tours Fast, Tour Furious with Abdul Aziz. Last year’s show had a totally sold out run, and we’re looking forward to doing it again with a new route and a new tour.
RETURNING HIT! “HILARIOUS!” – Georgia Straight. “RAUCOUSLY FUNNY!” – Showbill Magazine. From Producer Mike Delamont comes award winning comedian Shawn O’Hara’s Field Zoology 101! In this introductory course Field Zoologist Brad Gooseberry shares a lifetime of “knowledge” and “experience,” teaching you to thrive and survive in the harrowing and hilarious world of field zoology. Winner of Best Comedy at Victoria Fringe 2016.
Field Zoology 101 written and created by Shawn O’Hara
Venue 6 The Roxy Theatre (2657 Quadra Street)
60 minutes * PG 14+ * coarse language * comedy
Tickets $11 through Ticket Rocket online or in person.
Monday August 27-7:30pm
Wednesday August 29-6:30pm
Thursday August 30-9:30pm
Saturday September 1-10:30pm
Sunday September 2-noon
NOTE: All ticket holders 13 + must have a Fringe Button to use their ticket. A $1 surcharge applies per ticket (this fee directly supports the Victoria Fringe). Advance sales cut off 3 hours prior to show time. At door tickets go on sale at venue 1 hour prior to show time, cash only (half of all tickets are reserved for at door sales). Fringe Buttons can be purchased in advance at Fringe HQ, Ticket Rocket and at every venue. No latecomers, exchanges or refunds.
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