A Wilarious Evening

Wednesday night. A typically religious Royal Exchange night for most. But not this week. I skipped out on church the RE for something much more cultural (well, at least that's what I'm telling myself). Wil Anderson.

If you suffer from commercial broadcasting dependency syndrome, and haven't seen the ABC since your tweens, you may not be familiar with him. (Those of you who are, bare with me.) Back in the early 'noughties' he hosted The Glass House and had the breakfast radio slot on Triple J. Then moved to drive-time on Triple M, and began hosting the panel talk show about advertising (yeah, you know the one) The Gruen Transfer, now the Gruen Planet. And if you still have no idea; basically, he's Adam Hills, but with a right leg.

And every year, since 1997, Wil's toured Australia (and beyond) with his live stand up show. 2012 marks (the end of the world) his 17th show (do the maths, there was a double up in 2000), what originality could there possibly be? Was this just going to be sloppy, re-heated leftovers? Nope.

There was a buffet of laughs, chuckles, giggles, and gasps. Sure there was the standard entree of Gold Coast gags, kids say the darnedest things, and audience banter; but then things got deep. In a light hearted way. You see internet, unknowingly and unintentionally, I actually learnt things. Things that I want to (and maybe you do too) incorporate in your life.



Wil-life Lesson 1: 'Be the change you want to see in the world'
Give yourself a personal charity day. One day, where you act like a normal, personable human being. Where you don't wish death upon the screaming baby behind you. Where you stand up and offer your seat on the bus. You don't even have to go out of your way to do something nice, just maybe not do intentionally spiteful things.

Wil-life Lesson 2: 'You wont be friends with everyone'
The Wilosopher (see what I did there) says life is like a giant Guess Who board. Everyone is on it. Flip down everyone who disagrees with your most fundamental, and passionate morals. Whether its flipping down those who are racist, homophobic, violent, disrespectful, selfish, ranga. And then you are left with select group of people important to you; real friends and some family members. Moral of the story: you don't have that much time on Earth. Dont spend what you do have "with wankers"(Wil Anderson, 2012).

But of course he taught these with laughter, a much more effective way of learning then homework (just saying education system). Comedy is full of life lessons; intended or not. For example, going to your first live comedy show you'll learn that Youtube doesn't do it justice. I think all I'm really trying to say in this post is that I saw Wil Anderson live. It was funny. Go see it. Have a laugh, maybe even a little bit of wee might come out.

(This picture was stolen from Wil Anderson's Facebook)