In the bustling heart of Mornington, amid the laughter and applause of delighted audiences, is a hidden gem of entertainment – Oscar Robertson.
From a tender age, Oscar was drawn to the world of entertainment, displaying a flair for dancing, singing, and piano playing that would eventually catapult him onto the national stage. He credits his passion for piano playing to his piano teacher at Peninsula Grammar Mr. Simon Stone.
Raised in a household filled with music and laughter, Oscar’s passion for performing blossomed early on. He immersed himself in the vibrant world of musical theatre, honing his skills and cultivating his natural talent. But it was his love for animals, instilled in him by his compassionate upbringing, that set him apart from his peers. As a child, Oscar would often be found busking on Main Street, Mornington, captivating passersby with his musical skills while generously donating a portion of his earnings to the RSPCA – a testament to his deep-seated love for animals, including his cherished dogs and chickens.
Despite his young age, Oscar’s ambition knew no bounds. He auditioned for the hit television show X Factor, in 2013 at the age of 12, surprising his family, most of all his mother Trudy who had no idea when she was driving him on the day of auditions! He won over audiences and the judges with his magnetic and humorous stage presence. His journey on the show took him to national television, where he showcased his remarkable talent to viewers across the country. It wasn’t just his musical prowess that set him apart; it was his infectious personality, quick wit and ability to connect with his audience that truly captivated those around him.
While studying for his Honors Degree in Education, Oscar embarked on a work placement journey to the UK, where he discovered a new passion for stand-up comedy. After being inspired, he returned home determined to pursue his newfound calling. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic threw a wrench into his plans, forcing him to put his comedic dreams on hold.
Undeterred, Oscar turned his entrepreneurial spirit towards creating a business that would not only sustain him during the pandemic but also allow him to express his creativity. He launched an online venture selling singing cards, personalised recordings that brought joy to recipients around the world.
Additionally, he ventured into clothing embroidery, starting off with one machine in his mother’s garage and then expanding to commercial grade equipment in a bustling workshop employing extra staff to keep up with the demand. There they capture and transform the customers pets and just about any other cherished memories through intricate stitching @RKThreads.
Throughout this time, Oscar never lost sight of his ultimate true passion – writing and performing musical comedy.
Throughout this time, Oscar never lost sight of his ultimate true passion – writing and performing musical comedy. He continued to develop original songs, sharing them with the world through platforms like YouTube, where they garnered a dedicated following eager for his signature blend of humour and melody.
As the world began to re open, Oscar seized the opportunity to return to the stage, performing at various venues and events across the country. His talent and charisma soon caught the attention of comedy aficionados, leading to appearances in prestigious competitions like RAW Comedy, where he showcased his wit and musical expertise.
Last year, Oscar took a bold step forward by creating his own show as part of the Melbourne Comedy Festival, unleashing a barrage of satirical and topical songs that left audiences in stitches. Now, in 2024, he’s set to take the festival by storm once again with his latest creation, ’88 Keys Tall,’ a musical extravaganza featuring the talented young saxophonist, Olivia Hamilton. “I’m very excited to show everyone what I’ve been working on for over a year!” says Oscar.
If you want to see a local performer at the Melbourne Comedy Festival go and see Oscar. He is poised to cement his status as one of our new exciting comedic talents.
From his humble beginnings on the Mornington Peninsula to the bright lights of the national stage, Oscar’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of creativity.
For those lucky enough to have experienced one of Oscar’s performances, it’s clear that he’s more than just a musician or a comedian – he’s a true entertainer in every sense of the word. And if there are audiences eager for laughter and music, you can be sure that Oscar Robertson will be there, ready to delight and entertain with his unique brand of musical comedy.
You can catch Oscar at one of his 23 Melbourne comedy festival shows at The Charles Dickens Tavern in Brunswick during April. Tickets for upcoming shows are available through his website.
IG: @robooggy
FB: @ Oscar Robertson Comedy
musicalcomedy.com.au