Popular Australian comedian and radio host Marty Sheargold is making a highly anticipated return to the stage in Geelong, following a period of controversy that saw him briefly step away from the airwaves.
Sheargold is scheduled to perform his acclaimed stand-up show at the Geelong Arts Centre on Saturday, August 17. This performance comes after he was absent from his regular Triple M radio slot in the wake of comments made during a broadcast about the Matildas.
The Controversy That Prompted a Break
The incident occurred in early August 2023 during Triple M's coverage of the FIFA Women's World Cup. Sheargold, part of the station's commentary team, made a remark that was widely criticised as being in poor taste regarding the Australian women's national soccer team.
Following significant public backlash, Triple M management took swift action. Sheargold was removed from the broadcast team for the remainder of the tournament. The radio host subsequently took a planned break from his daily show, which had been scheduled prior to the event.
A spokesperson for the Southern Cross Austereo network confirmed at the time that Sheargold's absence from his drive program was a pre-arranged holiday, but the timing coincided directly with the fallout from the commentary controversy.
A Triumphant Return to Live Performance
Despite the radio disruption, Sheargold's live comedy career has continued unabated. His upcoming Geelong performance is part of a national tour, indicating strong ongoing support from his live audience.
The show at the Geelong Arts Centre promises to deliver Sheargold's signature style of sharp, self-deprecating humour and witty observations on modern life. Fans can expect a night of laughter as the comedian shares stories from his long career in radio and comedy.
Ticket sales for the August event are expected to be robust, demonstrating that his fan base in Geelong and the wider region remains loyal. The Geelong Arts Centre performance marks a significant return to the city for the entertainer.
Moving Forward from the Fallout
The episode highlights the intense scrutiny faced by broadcasters in the era of instant social media reaction. While the Matildas comment sparked genuine offence, Sheargold's planned stage tour suggests a path forward focused on his core craft of stand-up comedy.
His return to Geelong, a city with a vibrant arts scene, is a positive step in reconnecting with audiences directly through live performance, away from the pressures of live sports commentary.
For those looking to attend, tickets for Marty Sheargold's performance on August 17 are available through the Geelong Arts Centre website. The event is likely to be a highlight on the local entertainment calendar, offering a chance to see one of Australia's most recognisable comic voices in an intimate theatre setting.
