Julian O’Shea has built a name for himself online, with over 90k followers on Instagram and 125k YouTube subscribers tuning in for his quirky, passionate takes on design, cities, and Melbourne life. His videos are smart, enthusiastic, and full of genuine curiosity – and now, he’s brought that same energy back to the stage at the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
In One for the Record Books, Julian transforms his brand of informative storytelling into a personal and humorous deep dive into his lifelong fascination with the Guinness Book of World Records. From childhood dreams to his own attempts at making the list, Julian takes the audience on a delightfully witty journey. There are unexpected detours along the way, including escalators, railway systems, and even restaurant reviews.
If you know Julian from social media, you might wonder if he can pull off a live comedy set. He absolutely can. While the show stays true to his educational style, the whole set is remarkably well crafted, cleverly setting up jokes in a subtle fashion to deliver many surprising punchlines throughout the show.
Julian’s comedic voice leans into self-deprecation but also celebrates his passion for obscure knowledge. The result is a charming, authentic and relatable show. We’ve all got that one topic we secretly want to show off at trivia night. Julian’s knowledge base is broader than most, and he knows how to make it funny.
What really sets the show apart is the passion behind it. One for the Record Books isn’t just about the eccentricity of world records; it’s about the joy of chasing something just because you care. Whether it’s reviewing obscure infrastructure or diving deep into niche facts, Julian reminds us that being a little obsessive can actually be kind of wonderful. He gives permission to love things loudly, no matter how strange they might seem.
One for the Record Books is a witty, informative, and very funny hour of comedy. If you’re looking for something a little different: nerdy, nostalgic, and genuinely feel-good, it’s worth your time.
Julian O’Shea One For The Record Books is performing until 20 April at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, 270 Flinders Street as part of the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/one-for-the-record-books
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/melbcomedyfestival/
Website: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/ and https://julianoshea.com/
