Suit up in a high visibility safety vest and join tour guide Xavier the Penguin to explore several fascinating parts of a city or town's past, while marvelling at the stupidity of the people, products and practices of the present day.

Set one hundred years in the future, this comedy walking tour features historical gems, special guests and yelling at strangers.

Sold out: Melbourne Fringe & Comedy Fest, Sydney Fringe, Brisbane Anywhere Theatre Fest, Cairns Festival.

'Shows off some of the city’s secret gems while highlighting society’s flaws' - YAWP Comedy Magazine

'A novel and interesting idea' - Herald Sun

★★★★★ “Exceptional” On the House, Melbourne

★★★★★ “It may change your life” Yelp Sydney

Venue Format
Outdoor
Technical Rating
The production can be modified to suit most venues
Touring Party
One
Considerations

It takes me a few days in each city to do the necessary research and plan the tour route. There isn't much walking, but people will be on their feet for the duration. Show's run for around one hour to 90 minutes. It is possible to run several shows a day. Tour groups work fine with numbers between ten and forty people. There is no swearing, and minimal to zero adult content, which is phrased in such a way that anyone who's not meant to get the jokes won't have any questions. It is extremely easy to stage, fun, and leaves locals, visitors and everyone who attends with a huge smile, plenty to ponder, and several gems of information about the location that they most likely won't have otherwise known.

With a background that includes Bachelor Degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Arts (English), Masters in Creative Writing (High Distinction & Vice Chancellors Award), and years of experience in journalism, engineering, writing, editing and stand-up comedy, Xavier brings a unique skill set and perspective to every creative undertaking.

Over the last decade Xavier's performed on the comedy circuit and at festivals throughout Australia and around the world. At the same time as frequently contributing to several highly regarded newspapers, magazines and websites.

In 2014 UWA Publishing released Xavier’s debut non-fiction comedy book: ‘Mining My Own Business’. The sequel is due out in mid 2015. His first book of fiction ‘Alpha Male’ has just been sent to USA publishers by his literary agent.

During 2014 & 2015 Xavier has continued to perform at comedy clubs and festivals, including a sold out run in New York City. At the same time as continuing to write, edit, and present a variety of talks and workshops.

He currently splits his time between Australia and the USA.   “With a warm, laid back style that delivers real insight, Xavier proves it’s possible to deliver an intelligent message at the same time as a constant stream of original punch lines.” Herald Sun, Melbourne, 2014

Company Website
xaviertoby.com

Unique Selling Point

This show attempts to deliver interesting and important information at the same time as being entertaining. In my opinion, too much comedy these days is instantly disposable.

The primary purpose of this show is to be funny at the same time as sharing knowledge, so that people can learn about the past, in order to better consider the future.

Too often any consideration of the future is so depressing that it's instantly disregarded. By putting a positive spin on societies problems, I'm hoping to cultivate deeper understanding and better conversations around essential issues.

Marketing Materials

Posters Flyers Published Opinion Pieces Published Articles Press Photos Script Teacher's notes & community engagement resources could easily be assembled upon request Historical facts Merch as required Doing the show itself - it is quite visually arresting, occurs outside, and generates a lot of interest with the noise, colour and laughter.

Community Engagement

The show seeks to explore imaginations and open minds. It's a roving hybrid performance that helps people explore their city in a new and innovative way, in the hope that it challenges the way people think about how they live.

Tours also have a strong historical element, and any future predictions will be based on science, with doses of frivolity and fanciful excursions aplenty.

Additionally, I put in significant preliminary work, delving deeply into the history of each area where the tour is held. Uncovering the compelling and little known, as well as the notorious stories particular to each setting.

Also, we use a non-traditional performance venue; the city is our stage. Set one hundred years in the future, the walking tour creates a space for people to think about the way they live their lives.

I'm also interested in how the audience interacts with the performer. Many of the set pieces during the tour actually depend on positive audience interaction, with the pressure on the performer to make sense of their replies. The object is to create a far more interactive atmosphere than the traditional performer versus audience/heckler dynamic.