Anthony “Dutchy” Holland exudes a grounded charm that immediately draws you in. He sits across from me, speaking with the ease of someone who’s lived many lives and embraced every twist and turn with humour. It’s a fitting characteristic for the creator and host of the upcoming Asian Comedy Ho-Down, a variety show celebrating heritage, relationships, and the quirky intersections of life, all with a comedic spin.
“I’ll start with myself,” he begins, as if reciting the prologue of a rich, layered novel. “My mum was Indonesian, Dad Australian, who died when I was 7. Grew up on welfare but Mum raised me well with a sense of humour to overcome tough times.” It’s this mix of resilience and levity that defines his comedy—a reflection of a life that’s seen it all: being self-employed across industries like crayfishing and video stores, raising kids young, coaching sporting clubs, and now, tutoring train drivers for Transperth.
“It all makes you relatable,” he says with a smile. “Comedy and being relatable come naturally from that experience.”
A Cowboy with a Twist
The Asian Comedy Ho-Down is as multifaceted as its creator. The show blends personal stories, comedic sketches, and audience interaction, all rooted in Holland’s journey of navigating life as an Asian kid in Australia. “The show is about growing up as an Asian kid and seeing the funny side of being teased rather than being traumatized from bullying,” he explains. “It’s about showing pride in my Asian heritage in a humorous way.”
For the Valentine’s Day-themed event, Holland will weave stories of relationships—some happy, some not—as well as the joy he’s found in middle age. “I’ve been married three times, had kids young, and now, I’ve found a happiness I never had before,” he shares. It’s an honest exploration of love and life that promises to strike a chord with audiences.
A Night to Remember
The evening opens with Holland’s monologue, where he introduces himself as the self-proclaimed “Asian Cowboy” and sets the tone for the night. From there, the variety format shines, with each performer adding their unique flair.
Jamie Salt brings heartfelt humour to conversations about relationships and parenting, while Zoe Philp’s juggling act—with its tongue-in-cheek references to “lots of balls”—provides a whimsical break. Graeme Beer’s sharp one-liners and crude quips balance Holland’s clean-cut humour, offering a dynamic shift in energy throughout the show.
And then there’s the audience interaction—a hallmark of the Ho-Down. Holland introduces a game called Heaven or Hell, where audience members anonymously share sticky situations where they chose not to intervene but can laugh about it now. “It’s all about finding the humour in hindsight,” Holland says.
Inspiring the Next Wave
Holland’s mission goes beyond entertainment; he hopes to inspire others. “I want to make the audience feel like they can do it too—encourage them to give it a go,” he says. It’s this spirit of inclusion and empowerment that makes the Asian Comedy Ho-Down more than a comedy show—it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and shared laughter.
As we wrap up, Holland reflects on his journey. “Comedy, for me, is about making connections. It’s about taking your experiences—good, bad, and absurd—and showing that we’re all in this together.”
On Valentine’s Day at the Guildford Hotel, that’s exactly what Anthony “Dutchy” Holland plans to do: bring people together, one laugh at a time.
A Festival in a Festival
The Asian Comedy Ho-Down is part of the A Festival in a Festival series, a unique initiative at FRINGE WORLD 2025 that features 15 comedy shows under one banner. It’s an effort by Grassroots Comedy to spotlight local talent and diverse perspectives, with performances across various venues including Leederville Comedy Club, Ronnie Nights, and, of course, the Guildford Hotel.
“This initiative is about more than just comedy—it’s about community,” says Susai. “We want to create spaces where performers and audiences can come together and celebrate the magic of live comedy.”
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