ER: As far as I know this is your first visit to Riga. How did you know about it?

MR: It’s as far east in Europe as I’ve ever travelled so I’m excited to be here for the first time. I’ve only ever met a few Latvians in my time. I had to Google where it was! Which is sad, because I’ve been to many parts of the world. Haha
I was offered shows in Estonia and Finland, so I figured I’d be silly not to make a stop in Latvia.

ER: Great! What is your show about? Is it based on true stories or some fiction?

MR: It’s straight stand-up comedy. A mix of my observations of different cultures, the people and places I’ve encountered and a bit of my background and family life thrown in, as well as 100% true stories from my travels. I’ve gotten into a fair bit of mischief over the years so I’ve not had to make-up any of my stories!

ER: Can you tell a little bit about yourself? How did you decide to be a comedian?

MR: I started out in breakfast radio, in a small country town in Victoria, Australia. In between songs I’d make jokes and eventually got the courage to try it out on stage.
ER: So, when did it happen since you’ve managed to visit 45 countries?

MR: I’d done a few competitions and got some early success and was invited to perform at the Edinburgh fringe festival. Since then I’ve travelled constantly and found a way to see the world and make a living at the same time. Once I was based in London I got asked to do a show on Spain, then a few other countries, and slowly I built up a reputation as the “vagabond comedian” and have been known to work anywhere! Haha. I enjoy the challenge of finding remote places where there’s very little or no previous comedy in English and seeing if it’ll work.

ER: For how long do you enjoy such a lifestyle? And isn’t it difficult to be on the move all the time?

MR: It’s certainly not “living the dream” as many would believe, not having a boss can be great, but not having a stable home life or not knowing where I’ll be sleeping day after day can be exhausting.
This’ll be about 15 years I’ve lived and worked on the road. I’ve been lucky to see the world doing what I love. But there’s definitely times I’d give it all up for a coat hanger and not having to live out of a bag or ask for the WiFi password every few days!

ER: Asking for a password! That’s everyone could experience making a step aside a daily home-work-friends circle! (smiling)

MR: (laughing)

ER: The last question for today hoping this is just the first your visit to Riga, with a return ticket!
What do you expect from the show that will be held on Wednesday in Buberts?

MR: I’ve tried to lower my expectations in life, that is one thing I’ve learned over the years! I used to worry about the empty seats, but now I focus on giving a great show to whoever comes to my shows. Being my first time in the country I’m hoping for support from the expat community. I’m in love with the city already so I’d hope all goes well and it’ll not be the last time I’m here!
My comedy is catered for travellers and the expat community, and I’ll stay on stage as long as the energy is in the room!

ER: Good luck!