Peter Helliar – One Hot Mess

As one of Australia’s most beloved comedians, Peter Helliar has been a mainstay on television, radio and in film. Now one of the full time co-hosts of Network Ten’s The Project, it’s a better time than ever to catch one of Helliar’s upcoming One Hot Mess shows as part of Just For Laughs.

Whether you find him more hot than mess – or more mess than hot as Helliar joking says his wife would say – this tour is shaping to be one of the largest he has done in recent years.

“I’ve always identified myself as a stand-up comedian first and foremost,” said Helliar. “It’s the most honest test for a comedian to do stand up… It feels very freeing in that regard… The intention is to make people laugh and provide some escapism for an hour.”

Alongside his solo shows, Helliar will also be featuring in the Just For Laughs All-Star Gala alongside Julian Clary, Margaret Cho, Jim Norton, Beardyman and Charlie Pickering.

“Any kind of big [comedy] festival… is kind of like our Olympic period where everyone’s been working up towards their shows. It’s our league season,” Helliar emphasized. But of the bad press and heckling that has seemingly followed the Olympic athletes this year?

“I won’t pull a Ryan Lochte… at the Opera House, [audiences are] pretty cool,” said Helliar. “I think we’ll be safe with heckling, but if anyone wants to have a crack, feel free!” (ES)

Sep 8 (7pm) + Sep 10 (9.15pm). The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House. $43. Tickets & info: www.justforlaughssydney.com/portfolio/peter-helliar/ 

BY EMILY SHEN