Werzel Montague sits comfortably in the pantheon of Perth comedy. A veteran of the scene, a pioneer recognised (though not officially, he insists, and mercifully so) on the WA State Heritage Register, Montague’s influence on the comedic landscape is undeniable. And now, with his latest show, Sigmund’s Mom Has Got It Going On, he continues to illuminate the madness of humanity through his unique comedic lens.
The Cornerstone of Perth Comedy
“We should make it clear to folks that the State Heritage Register thing is a gag,” Montague clarifies with a smirk. “I’m glad humans can’t literally be on the register, mostly from a paperwork point of view. A six-month turnaround to get permission to trim your own toenails would suck.” But the title of “pioneer”? That, he admits, holds weight. “Recognition of the stuff I personally started is nice because it reminds me of times in my life when I said, ‘Forget the doubters, this will work.’”
Montague’s contributions are legendary. As the original owner of the Comedy Lounge from 2000 to 2005, he shattered expectations. “The scene doubted a room in Perth could pay properly, fill hundreds of seats weekly, or gain national and international recognition,” he recalls. “To Perthlings generally, it swept aside the cultural cringe that says WA-made means a bit subpar.”
Madness and the Human Condition
His current show, Sigmund’s Mom Has Got It Going On, is billed as a comedic lecture about humans and madness. For Montague, the theme is deeply personal. “I’m forever stuck on the stupidity of humans enforcing the myth of ‘normal’—whether that’s neurocognitive, cultural, moral, biological, or perceptual,” he explains. “I believe in a social contract, but groups oppressing each other over disagreements about reality? That’s frickin’ ridiculous.”
Described as “a TED talk without the performative earnestness,” the show combines warmth, philosophical inquiry, and Montague’s trademark balance of emotional intelligence and crudity. It’s a style honed through both observation and personal experience. “Thus far, I’ve collected four distinct diagnoses of neuropsychiatric and neurodivergence. I’m a Capricorn, so if I’m going to think weird, I want to be highly competitive with it.”
The Old Guard Meets the New
Montague has witnessed the evolution of Perth comedy firsthand. The emergence of Grassroots Comedy, spearheaded by his long-time friend an fellow veteran comedian Xavier Susai, represents what he calls “the new guard.” “I’ve seen so many comics over 30 years have an honest swing at running rooms,” he says. “But until Grassroots, only a handful built anything of real and consistent substance.”
Montague and Susai’s friendship dates back to 2007, a relationship he speaks of with great admiration. “From the minute I met Susai, I recognised the mix of huge intelligence, curiosity, energy, drive, and just enough mad scientist to make things happen,” he says. “Xavier is both a prodigy and the good kind of workaholic. He would still be doing great things regardless of my pre-existence, but I’ll take whatever ‘foundations’ credit that could lead to a residual income.”
The bond between the two reflects a shared vision for Perth comedy. “Xavier has this remarkable ability to see both the big picture and the tiny details,” Montague explains. “He’s built Grassroots into something substantial, a genuine force in the comedy scene, and it’s incredible to see him succeeding so spectacularly.”
Does he see this moment as a passing of the torch? “I passed the torch a long time ago,” he says with a laugh. “Thank the gods people like Johnny Mac and Xavier have used that sputtering torch to light more torches and hurl them at some oil-soaked buildings.”
Bridging Generations Through Comedy
This year, Montague’s show is part of Grassroots’ “A Festival in a Festival” initiative. The concept behind the initiative is simple yet innovative: create a platform where emerging talent and seasoned performers can collaborate, celebrate, and showcase their craft under one cohesive banner. “How do I feel about Grassroots doing all the logistical admin and leaving me the fun of making a show?” Montague jokes. “I feel like Dolly Parton and Henry Cavill are at my front door with baby oil.”
The inclusion of Montague in the festival speaks to a blending of veteran experience with emerging talent. “Maybe having a dude who’s been around the scene for 30 years gets him some kind of credit for age-inclusive practice,” he muses.
Xavier Susai’s role in creating this platform isn’t lost on Montague. “He invited me into the mix, and I trust his curatorial smarts,” he says. “Grassroots is the perfect bridge between the old guard and the new, and Xavier has built something that feels exciting and inclusive.”
Reflections and Advice
As a veteran, Montague offers sage advice to up-and-coming comedians. “Find a voice. Why you? Why not any other confident kid dropping pull-back-and-reveal one-liners?” he says. And to his younger self? “It’s okay to cry. Just not on stage.”
Comedy, for Montague, is about connection. “Laughing with strangers heals acute stress and trauma, and fuels connection,” he says. He recounts a recent moment teaching in a prison where a structured story he told lit up the room. “That’s why comedy matters.”
What’s Next for Werzel?
Montague’s future plans include a fictional memoir navigating horror themes in his stand-up voice. “It’s entertaining to me, if nobody else,” he quips.
As for his role in the comedy community? “I just turned 51, so I figure I’m five to ten years away from the cultural permission to behave backstage like an obnoxious old turd,” he says with characteristic humour. “I plan on demanding sandwiches with ‘proper ingredients,’ in a vaguely racist tone.”
Sigmund’s Mom Has Got It Going On is a testament to Werzel Montague’s enduring impact on Perth comedy. It bridges the gap between old and new, laughter and thought, showing why Montague remains a torchbearer of the comedic craft and a crucial part of the Grassroots Comedy story.
Where and When
Catch Sigmund’s Mom Has Got It Going On as part of the Grassroots Comedy “Festival in a Festival” initiative:
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Date: 7th of February at 7pm
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Venue: Ronnie Nights – Fremantle
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Tickets: Available now on Fringe World
For more information click here
