Marcus
Ryan
“Effortlessly Funny”
IN BRIEF
Hailing from Wonthaggi - a small town without a single traffic light - Marcus tells tales of his experiences from nearly 30 countries, charming his audiences with one liners, accents and characters, travel stories and observations - as a stand alone act and MC.
Marcus Ryan has previously worked in breakfast radio and acting. He has performed stand-up regularly at corporate events, clubs, pubs and festivals throughout the world. He has a laid back yet confident and engaging stage presence, with a sharp wit that can handle any heckler, and the ability to improvise, adapting to any situation or crowd.
From workshops and shows, to TV and corporate events in many countries, to all ages and ethnicities, to the late night stag and hen’s nights, Marcus’ broad Marco Polo skills are in demand across the globe. In 2008 he even did his first set in Spanish in Guatemala! Muy Bien!
HISTORY
Finishing runner-up from nearly 800 acts in a nationwide competition (Raw Comedy 2003) in Australia earned Marcus an invitation to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In the same year he reached the final of (Green Faces) another national competition, which he couldn’t attend due to Edinburgh. This kicked off his international career and a love for touring. He has performed 5 Edinburgh shows in 4 years, one of which was a comedy theatre show he co-wrote and produced. Gigging comprehensively around the UK, Marcus returned home to Australia after being selected for The Melbourne Comedy Festival's Comedy Zone (2004) a showcase of the country’s best new talent.
Shows in Australia and increased local interest grew with TV production companies and national radio as well as filming a TV Pilot. However, travelling abroad was more appealing. After appearing at festivals in Hobart and Melbourne, more touring followed with shows in Las Vegas and New York, then 3 more festivals (Montreal, Edinburgh and Vancouver) to cap off 5 festivals all in 2005.
Based primarily in the UK, Marcus has added shows in Spain and 3 tours of Ireland onto the growing list of countries that also includes Canada, USA and Australia and Guatemala.
PERFORMANCE CREDITS:
Stand-up Comedy Festivals:
2003 Raw Comedy National Final, Runner-up (Melbourne) AUSTRALIA
2003 Green Faces National Finalist (Canberra) AUSTRALIA
2003 'Raw Prawns' Caves II @ Gilded Balloon (Edinburgh) UK
2004 'The Comedy Zone' @ Town Hall (Melbourne) AUSTRALIA
2005 'Hobart Comedy Festival' @ The Venue (Tasmania) AUSTRALIA
2005 'Marcus Ryan's Festival Dream Favourites (Melbourne) AUSTRALIA
2005 ‘Le Swimming’ @ Just for Laughs (Montreal) CANADA
2005 'The Great Australian Showcase' (Edinburgh) UK
2005 ‘Rising Stars’ CanWest Comedy Festival (Vancouver) CANADA
2006 ‘For Ryan Out Loud, Wha’Choo Talking bout Willis’ (Edinburgh) UK
2008 ‘A Cold Slap Down Under’ (Edinburgh) UK
Radio:
1995-1997 College Radio Producer and Host
1998 Melbourne Radio School
1998-2000 Radio 3MFM (Breakfast Announcer/Voice-over)
2002 ABC/Triple J Radio Interview
2004 PBS Radio Interview
2005 BBC Radio 4 Interview
Television:
'Raw Comedy' ABC & Fox Network Comedy Channel,
'Raucous Live', 'Comic Box', 'Champagne Comedy' & 'Dave TV' Ch.31
Racing Life (Pilot) Sky TV
‘Wheel of Fortune’ & ‘Deal or No Deal’ Ch.7, ‘Shafted’ Ch.9 (Gameshows)
Film & Stage:
2000 'My Brother Jack' AUS
2000 'Child Star' US TV Mini-series
2000 'Blonde' US TV Mini-series
2002 'Kelly' @ CUB Malthouse, Nuworks Theatre Company
2001 F.A.T.A.L. (Comedy Play) Melbourne Fringe Festival
2006 ‘Both Sides of the Bar’ @ Underbelly, Edinburgh Festival
2008 ‘Princess & the Gangster’ UK TV
Reviews/Quotes:
“One of the better comedy shows on the free festival circuit” “Definitely worth a hike through the meadows” The Stage, UK 2008
“He does everything a stand-up’s supposed to do, engaging easily with the audience. After just a few years as a comic, this genial chap absolutely looks and acts the part” Chortle, UK 2007
Marcus Ryan & Dan Willis/ Edinburgh Fringe 2006
“In this intimate venue, every seat is a front row seat. Great observational comedy, personal stories and audience interaction equals a great night out at this free fringe event. We were treated to unpretentious, informal, belly-laughs-a-minute stand-up where the comedians really got a chance to know the audience, and we got a chance to know them as well. The charismatic and very funny Dan Willis charmed us, delivering a mercilessly high tempo set through warm and genuine audience interaction, whilst Aussie stand-up act Marcus Ryan amused us with hilarious anecdotes from his travels around the world. As Ryan calls it, the free fringe is a place where the comedians get to let their hair down and get the dirty jokes out of their system. Go!”
Review published: Sep-2006 Rating: 4/5
“ **** ” Three Weeks, UK 2006
“Thankfully, Marcus Ryan’s more laid-back confident approach and effortlessly funny delivery raised the vibe in the room”
Three Weeks, UK 2005
“Charming wit and clever comedy”
Beat Magazine, Melbourne 2005
“Good enough to make a packed room laugh and that speaks for itself”
The Chaser, Melbourne 2004
“Marcus Ryan had one of the best lines of the night, brilliantly subverting an established comedic segue” “worthy of a special mention by the judges”
Raw Comedy National Final Australia, Chortle 2003
“Marcus Ryan is a newcomer with a bright future. Don't miss this opportunity to see a star on the rise”
Comedy Stable, Melbourne 2002
