Anonymity is a state some of us take for granted, and which some of us crave. It can be achieved by a costume you change into in a phone box, or by leading a calm existence, keeping your alter-ego at bay. For Heath Franklin anonymity is found by simply removing a moustache.
I'm not easily intimidated, but the thought of interviewing one of Palmy's favourite comedians had me up in the night doing more and more research. I needn't have worried as the voice that answers our phone call is that of a next-door neighbour, a guy you say hello to on the street, or strike up a conversation with at your kids' swimming lessons.
Born in Sydney in 1980, Franklin burst on to the comedy scene in Ten Network's Ronnie Johns Half Hour. His work in New Zealand is extensive, with starring roles in crime comedy Predicament, and numerous appearances on 7 Days, alongside one of Palmy's favourite sons, Jeremy Corbett. As well as performing his numerous Chopper shows to huge audiences, Franklin has also appeared at private corporate gigs and Christmas functions in Palmy, very much top of the bill, proving that playing a bogan can be big business.
Staying on Palmerston North, I attempt to prove my comedy genius by alluding to the fact that Palmy is so dull we even named our central park The Square, which basically means boring and conservative. Franklin is having none of it and sends me to the comedy naughty corner with a vitriolic defence of our Square, saying it's a great place to chill between rehearsals, and exclusively reveals his love of ducks, saying The Square is the perfect place to chuck some bread at the feathered Palmerstonians. You heard it here first.
The Chopper character is Franklin's bread and butter. I ask him if he has other characters, like Catherine Tate, or fellow Aussie Barry Humphries – will there ever be a Heath Franklin universe? He apparently had success doing Steve Irwin, but the impression was limited by Irwin's death.
