The Buzz Intro Interview | World Laughs/Marcus Ryan

Responder: Marcus Ryan, Producer/Performer/Pilgrim/Vagabond
Name of Company: World Laughs/Marcus Ryan
Name of Show: Marcus Ryan – Eat, Pray, Walk

“By merely sharing my experiences of travel I’ve learned that I can teach others, motivate and entertain all at the same time. It’s a powerful tool and I appreciate the warm reception I’ve received.”

Why should people see your show?

If you’ve ever thought about walking the famous Camino, never wanted to or don’t know what the hell it is then this show is for you! It’s a one hour travel storytelling comedy show with a slideshow to prove I’m not making it up! It’ll either leave you inspired and motivated to go on an adventure or put you off wanting to ever leave the couch! You’re in good hands, I’m a professional and really love telling this show otherwise I wouldn’t be bringing it out of retirement! I’ve toured the show across Australia, Asia & Europe. The reviews and feedback suggest it’s worth seeing. Even though it can be emotionally challenging to perform, it’s also pretty damn funny and you’ll leave feeling uplifted.

What about festivals intrigues you? And why the Atlanta Fringe?

I love the community at a fringe festival, it’s where “my people” can feel at home and express themselves. We’re a big creative family from all over the world coming together to celebrate ideas. Meeting people from all walks of life and performance backgrounds, seeing shows and getting to see a new city and share my stories with a new audience at the same time. It’ll be my first time in Atlanta and I can’t wait, everyone keeps saying good things about Georgia Peaches! haha

What inspired you to create this?

I often find myself on random adventures and ending up in situations that are either too ridiculous to be believed or should be kept a secret! I’d heard about the Camino so thought I’d give it a crack, I shared a daily diary of my walk across Europe and the overwhelming feedback was that I should write a book. I figured I should tell the story on stage first. I didn’t really know what the story was until I got home from Spain. There are 2 people in particular who inspired creating this, but I’ve learnt since touring the show that it means a lot to many people for loads of different reasons. It makes me feel really good knowing that my story has helped, healed and inspired people.

Life has been weird the last few years, to say the least. How has the “real world” affected the art you’re creating?

I’m an addicted vagabond. Having spent 15+ years constantly on the road as a touring comedian with no fixed address, the pandemic hit me hard. My wings were clipped and I was forced to stay in one place. Creativity was hard to come by. I need to be busy and active to get my creative juices flowing and travel inspires that. Many artists I knew pivoted or threw in the towel completely to survive. Eat, Pray, Walk is a show that I’m excited to bring back to life because there’s not a single mention of the pandemic in it! I’ve come out of the last few years stronger and a huge gratitude for life, having my life back and am not taking anything for granted. I’ll be giving it all at my shows and having a fun time exploring Atlanta! I’m hoping to meet some locals to show me around!

What have you learned from working on your show so far?

I’ve learned how to use PowerPoint and also that technology can be more temperamental than artists at times! I’ve learned that my story is a conduit for others to share theirs. By merely sharing my experiences of travel I’ve learned that I can teach others, motivate and entertain all at the same time. It’s a powerful tool and I appreciate the warm reception I’ve received. Without giving anything away, I’ve learned that by pushing myself physically off stage, I would be pushing myself mentally on stage to relive the tale but I’m glad I have. I also learnt how to do a South Africa accent which is heaps of fun!

There’s a mysterious stranger in the back row of your show, wearing a big ol’ N95 mask and a baseball cap and there’s something weirdly familiar about them, and then they come up afterwards to tell you they loved your show. In your WILDEST DREAMS, who is this mysterious stranger? (Bonus points if your mysterious stranger is an Atlanta celeb.)

Emilio Estevez, he might be sitting on the White Pages book to see over those in front. It would surprise me if he came up and said he loved the show because for reasons I won’t spoil, he cops a bit of a hiding in the show! haha.

Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: are you inviting your family to this show are “Hey, maybe sit this one out you guys…”

If my family made it to this show I’d be very impressed! Considering they’re in a small town in Australia. They’ve already seen the show though so I’d have no problem having them back. My family have been the source of most of my comedy material over the years so I think they like to come along now and then to check I’m getting the facts straight and probably to cut me from their will!

When my parents came to this show in Melbourne it was a pretty special moment for me. One I’ll treasure forever. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Will your show change the world?

Every second person who has walked the Camino has written a blog or made a video diary of it. I don’t expect it’ll change the world but it has toured the world and will keep on doing so for years to come! From the critics reviews it has received and the in person hugs and tears and private messages I’ve gotten, I know it touches hearts and has impacted people who see it. I wanted to make people laugh, I didn’t expect it to have such a profound lasting effect that it has.

Zoom meetings: dress up head to toe or Donald Duck it?

Donald Duck it. I’m a comedian and currently writing this sitting in my briefs. You’ll rarely get me fully dressed or wearing a suit unless it’s really essential!