WHEN Wil Anderson met up with Andrew Denton five years ago to discuss a new show about advertising, he had no idea how it would pan out.

Now, “The Gruen Transfer”, what Anderson describes as their “nerdy little show about advertising” reigns at the top of Canberra’s TV ratings.
“It’s as much a surprise to us that it’s doing so well,” he says.

Anderson returns to Canberra next month with his Helpmann Award-nominated show, “Man Vs Wil” (“I think it’s a better show than last year’s”).

Anderson is no stranger to Canberra, not only does he visit the capital as a regular spot on the comedy tour circuit, Canberra was once home to the comedian when he studied journalism at the University of Canberra.

Following university, he had a brief stint at the Press Gallery in Parliament House with “The Financial Review”.

“I wrote a couple of stories,” he said.

“But I mainly ran around and got people coffees, made sure there was wine on Friday, organised cab charges.”

Anderson, who grew up on a farm in country Victoria, said he never really wanted a career in journalism, but had a keen interest in the media.
“I liked to pick apart the world and journalism seemed the best fit,” he said.

“But to be a good journalist, you need the passion to tell other people’s stories.

“I was always interested in telling my own story and sharing my perspective.”

Last year was an epic one for Anderson. Not only did his show “Wilful Misconduct” win a Helpmann Award, but his Australian and NZ shows were performed to sold-out crowds.

The accolades didn’t end there, the show was also nominated for Most Outstanding Show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, where he won the People’s Choice Award.

Wil Anderson in “Man Vs. Wil”, Canberra Theatre on Friday, November 11. Tickets at canberratheatrecentre.com.au