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Last year, Steve Hughes called his show Heavy Metal Comedy, because like that kind of music, much of what he has to say is offensive and no-one wants to hear it.

Hughes is in many ways an old-fashioned libertarian. For someone who believes we own ourselves and can't trade away certain fundamental rights even if we want to, the creeping paternalism of today's society is both horrifying and absurd. Hughes hates the bureaucratic and managerialist mindset that seeks to exert power over our bodies and our time, best exemplified by health and safety regulations and political correctness. He's read the so-called social contract and is deeply suspicious of it.

In other ways he's more of a collectivist in the tradition of mysticism. We are all spiritual beings connected through the collective unconscious. We are part of a single giant organism, but instead of evolving as we ought, we are the targets of an economic imperialism sponsored by capitalist authoritarians bent on eradicating free thought and imposing a new world order.

It isn't your usual sort of stand-up show.

Is he funny? Frequently. Do you have to agree with him? Of course not. Is he a paranoid nutjob? No. He's intelligent, well-read and simply has his own reasons for rejecting most of modern society.

In fact, for those of us who frequently feel like we are stuck in an abusive relationship with our country, wondering if the right moment to escape will ever come, Hughes is both consolatory and refreshing – even if I'd think twice before letting him look after my children.

Like art and travel, Steve Hughes reminds us that things can be otherwise than they are. Whether you like him or not, that's something we could do with more of in this country. Much more.


2011 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Conspiracy Realist
Steve Hughes

Venue: Melbourne Town Hall, Council Chambers | Cnr Swanston & Collins Sts, Melbourne
Dates: 31 March – 24 April, 2011
Times: Tue-Sat 9.45pm, Sun 8.45pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $24.90 – $19.50
Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 | At the door