Docklands is a laugh

Docklands is a laugh

According to comedian Joel Creasey, Docklands is full of material.

Joel has lived in Docklands for the past five years and says the observation wheel is the number one source of comedy in the area.

“I haven’t been on it yet, but I do plan to,” Joel said.

According to Joel, the best part of the wheel’s re-launch last year was his subsequent discovery of a frozen yoghurt store at its base.

Joel moved into his NewQuay apartment at the age of 19, after leaving his hometown of Perth, where he started his comedy career.

He said he had always wanted to be a performer, starting in theatre and imagining a career as a serious actor.

“I’d always watch the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala with my parents every year and remember thinking, how do these people do it? What a terrifying job, why would you ever put yourself through that?” he said.

“When I was 17, one night I literally just thought, I need to do that and now I’m doing it, and next week I’m doing the gala. So it’s all come full circle.”

The same year he started doing stand-up spots in pubs, with his parents in tow.

“For the next six months, up until I turned 18, my parents had to come with me every time I did stand-up in a pub,” Joel said.

“Very rock and roll,” he laughed.

For Joel, the best part about living in Dockland is the convenience.

“I fly interstate around three times a week so it’s easy to jump in a cab and be at the airport in 20 minutes,” he said.

“I can’t imagine living in Prahran or Malvern and having to travel to and from the airport all the time.”

And when he is in town, Joel says he enjoys Docklands’ relaxed nature.

“I kind of like how Docklands is still a little quiet,” he said. “Who would have thought so close to the city you could walk along the boardwalk here and not be bothered?” Joel said.

“Well, that’s as long as they’re not filming Winners and Losers,” he joked.

And he says the area is changing, with the restaurants getting busier, new restaurants opening and more people around.

“My friends came to a party here the other night and that kind of shocked me. It was a warehouse party in Docklands.”

Joel said people often asked him why he chose to live in Docklands. “It happens all the time, but I just say ‘it works for me’.”

You can catch Joel in Stand Up @ Bella Union on SBS 2 on April 6 at 9pm and at his Melbourne International Comedy Festival Show “Rock God” until April 20.

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