Years of family gatherings have given Whittlesea comedians James Liotta and Piero Viavattene plenty of ideas for their new show.
The duo from Mernda and Mill Park are about to embark on a national comedy tour, showcasing their Italian-Australian characters who came to life online.
Liotta said the variety show centred on two characters – Pippo and Pasquale – who find themselves in crazy scenarios.
He said the pair represented many of their family members and friends.
“Pippo and Pasquale are the best, the quirkiest, the most absurd qualities of our dads, grandads, uncles, and even the relatives of friends,” Liotta said.
“The characters are all a combination of all our ethnic families rolled into one.
“Everyone can relate to the show because they know someone like that.”
Liotta and Viavattene started posting short sketches featuring their characters online a couple of years ago.
Their videos have now been viewed two million times.
Liotta said the pair have been performing together for about three years, staging 10-15 minute sketches at festivals and events.
“The sketches then became bigger and longer and that is when we realised we had a stage show,” he said.
“We debuted our show in Adelaide last year and it was well received.”
The Pippo and Pasquale Tour starts in Werribee this weekend.
Details: jamesliotta.com.au
