REX - Regional Express

closeup "That was my grievance," he says, "that there were so many weight loss shows and cooking shows and things like that. Sure, they're entertaining, but they're very temporary. In 20 years time you won't be saying, 'Season three of MasterChef was a classic! I have to see it again to relive all the moments!' like you do with shows like Fawlty Towers or The Young Ones. So I'm glad we're back in a position where there's a good chance that the next Australian classic show could be just around the corner." Indeed, The Ronnie Johns Half Hour proved to be a springboard for Heath, launching the character 'Chopper', from which he now makes a very successful living travelling around the country and mouthing off at various festivals. His attraction to 'Chopper' Read came after seeing the 2000 film. "There were funny moments that were quite black, but it seemed like such an amazing starting point for a comedic character," he explains. "Basically I was obsessed with the film when it came out. I thought Eric Bana's performance was just incredible and it was one of those things where everyone was going around parties doing Austin Powers impersonations and I was the creepy guy in the corner pretending to be 'Chopper'!" Heath never looked back. When he performed as 'Chopper' on his inaugural tour in 2007, the show visited 16 cities and encompassed 90 performances (40 of which were added because of popular demand) and Heath broke box office records at the Adelaide Fringe festival. Not surprisingly, Heath has a soft spot for the SA capital. "I've always had an incredibly good reception in Adelaide," he says. "I think, if my maths is right, this is my eighth time in a row. There are other festivals that are good but you're like, 'Yeah, well it doesn't quite fit,' or 'I might have to miss it this year,' but Adelaide Fringe is the one that I make a point of never missing." While Heath is missing his kids and his kitchen, you can see him doing what he does best as he tours Australia with his new show, Chopper's (S)hitlist. Previous page and above: Heath Franklin is a mainstay of the Australian comedy scene; Heath's renowned alter ego, 'Chopper' Read. 2013 TOUR DATES Adelaide Fringe: The Garden of Unearthly Delights, February 19 – March 3 (excl. Feb 25) Mackay: Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre, March 7 Brisbane Comedy Festival: Brisbane Powerhouse, March 8 Melbourne Comedy Festival: The Athenaeum Theatre, March 30–31 Sydney Comedy Festival: Enmore Theatre, April 25 12 14

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