On a late-summer afternoon in Fremantle, Western Australia, Brian “Buddha” Shields prepares for his newest stand-up show, Chipping Away, set to grace the stage at Ronnie Nights. Affectionately nicknamed “Buddha” since his school days—when older pupils told him he could choose between “Buddha” or “Uncle Fester”—Shields has turned that childhood moniker into a comedic brand synonymous with honest, energetic storytelling.
From Cricket Fields to Comedy Clubs
Born in Ireland and raised in Australia after relocating in the late ’80s, Shields carries a bicultural influence that colours both his outlook on life and his humour. “I grew up surrounded by laughter and sunburn—the Irish way,” he jokes. But before comedy took centre stage, cricket was his first passion: a standout player, he even earned a spot on the Australian Under-17 squad. Later, through the Western Australian Cricket Association, he coached elite teams and managed community cricket programmes.
It might sound like an unlikely transition, yet Shields sees a surprising amount of overlap between the cricket pitch and the comedy stage. “The nerves before a show are like walking out to bat,” he explains. “That first laugh is like getting off the mark—it’s the same relief. Sometimes you feel on top of the world but have a tough night; other times you’re not feeling sharp and still smash it. It’s addictive.”
Grassroots Comedy and the Friendship Factor
For Chipping Away, Shields joins forces with Grassroots Comedy, led by his longtime friend and fellow comedian, Xavier Susai. Their friendship first solidified during a Perth Bushfire Fundraiser at the Regal Theatre, where Susai was one of sixteen performers donating their time and talents. “Xavier is the man!” Shields exclaims. “He’s been a huge mentor and friend—always great to gig with and talk smack with.”
What sets Grassroots Comedy apart in Perth is its commitment to building a supportive ecosystem for stand-up. “From open mics to pro nights, they create a real community hub,” says Shields. “It’s all about opportunity and high standards, which makes it a brilliant environment for both comics and audiences.”
What to Expect from “Chipping Away”
Fresh off the sold-out Up In Joke Tour, Shields is looking forward to a more intimate vibe at Ronnie Nights. “I love smaller, club-like venues,” he says. “They carry the best energy.” In Chipping Away, he’ll delve into real-life observations, from parenting and cost-of-living woes to the everyday quirks of suburban life. “Think of it as the trials and tribulations of another straight white male doing it tough,” he jokes, “juggling family, dirty nappies, sketchy neighbours—everything.”
A frequent source of material is The Grin Reapers podcast, which Shields co-hosts with Chris White. “Conversations there sometimes spark memories or stories I’d forgotten,” he notes. “Next thing you know, I’m weaving them into my stand-up set.”
Perth Pride and Taking Time to Reflect
While Perth may not be as large as Sydney or Melbourne, Shields has no desire to leave. “I love this city and its comedy crowd—some of the best humans and funniest comics in the country,” he says. “WA audiences work hard, aren’t easily offended, and just want a good night out. It’s a perfect recipe for comedy.”
And what does Shields hope audiences take away once the show is over? “Whatever you’re doing in life, keep chipping away,” he muses. “Little steps lead to big progress down the road.” Spoken like someone who’s balanced the discipline of competitive sport with the spontaneity of live comedy, he leaves us with a gentle nudge: stay persistent, stay genuine, and above all, stay amused.
BRIAN SHIELDS: CHIPPING AWAY is on for one night only at Ronnie Nights (Fremantle)
8th of February at 9PM – Tickets on Eventbrite
For more information click here
