Local actor Joey Minogue has taken a bold step with his upcoming one-man show, Tom Payne, Based on Nothing, an unorthodox theatre experience that’s as hard to explain as it is compelling to watch. Joey stopped by the UCFM studio to chat with Tash and Barrett from The Real Radio Show about the production.
The show follows a stand-up comedian who slowly goes off the rails, and according to Joey, it’s something you really have to see to understand. “It’s very interesting, very unorthodox… you sort of just have to go to it to see it,” he says. Alongside starring in the show, Joey is also co-producing it with The Mill Theatre, juggling everything from licensing and marketing to rehearsals and set-building, all while carrying an entire performance solo on stage.
The drive to create this opportunity came from a familiar challenge for young actors in Canberra: limited roles. Rather than waiting around, Joey emailed every theatre he could, hoping for a single yes, and that’s exactly what he got. Supported by mentors, school connections and a growing local network, he’s now leaning into social media to get audiences through the door, using Instagram reels and a bit of humour to spread the word. “Live theatre has a real place in modern society,” Joey says, “that real human connection needs to be kept alive.” With passion, persistence and a lot of hard work behind it, Tom Payne, Based on Nothing is proof that sometimes, creating your own opportunity makes all the difference.
Listen to the full interview with Joey below:
The show open on Friday 17 April at Mill Theatre. Get your tickets here.