Booked Out is a speakers agency for writers, artists and thinkers. More »
Contact Us
VIC: (03) 9824 0177
FAX: (03) 9824 0677
Contact us »
Declan Fay
Author, Entertainer, Inspirational Speaker, Podcaster, Storyteller/Performer, Wellbeing
Declan Fay is an award-winning writer who co-created the show Ronny Chieng: International Student which screened on ABC, BBC and Netflix. He has written for numerous shows such as The Weekly with Charlie Pickering and the hugely popular kids sketch show, You’re Skitting Me. Declan has also authored articles for The Age, The Guardian, The Herald-Sun and The Big Issue. On radio Declan has hosted shows on ABC, Triple M, Triple J and Triple R. Earlier this year he co-wrote a comedy podcast called Crossbread, which became one of the most popular podcasts in the Australia and the US.
What other jobs have you had?
My first job was as a pie boy at the MCG, selling lukewarm pies to very angry football supporters. I then worked cooking the pies. And finally got a job in charge of the pies. Now I really hate pies. I have also worked as a Truck Driver, a Trivia Host and a Dish Washer.
What themes are recurring in your work?
Usually it’s about the horrible mistakes I’ve made along the way, like the giant block of chocolate I stole from my high school or the time my car caught fire while I was driving it.
What have been the highlights of your career?
Melbourne Comedy Festival – Runner Up, Best Newcomer Melbourne Fringe Festival – sold out every night Arts Writer – Beat Hosted The Pinch on Triple R for 8 years. Have interviewed some of the biggest comedians and bands.
Where have your works been published?
Currently write for The Big Issue. Have written for Beat, Inpress and appeared on Triple R and Triple J.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about letting kids know it’s okay to stuff up. It’s really okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. I’m also passionate about helping kids reach their potential. (That sounds a bit like something Tony Robbins would say in a late night advertisement, but it’s true)
Haven’t I seen you before?
Melbourne Comedy Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Emerging Writers Festival, Ketches on Rove, MCG Scoreboard.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
I played a fat baby on the television series Prisoner. While I was a baby, not a fully-grown man dressed up as a baby. That would be weird.
The Crossbread podcast which I wrote won a writers guild award last year and was nominated for an aria and is being developed as a TV show.
Testimonials
Declan is a fantastic storyteller and even better he always ensures that there is a key message relevant to the audience that is linked to his stories. The students loved him and his anecdotes, and have taken to heart many of the life lessons he touched upon. He is engaging, personable and always excellent value.
Declan presented at Charles La Trobe College Year 9 Health Day and was enjoyed by both students and staff, feedback overall was excellent. The performance covered many areas of adolescent behaviour and sent a positive message in a funny way which students could relate to…I would highly recommend Declan and Booked Out and plan to utilise their services again in 2016.
In a laughter-filled presentation he encouraged our Year 9 students not to “wonder what if…”. Having developed for himself a career as a comedy writer for Rove and The Chaser as well as a host and radio presenter on Triple R, Triple J and most recently Triple M, Declan Fay provided the students with real life illustrations of taking full advantage of opportunities on offer. He noted that no matter how well you may plan there are times where all may go wrong. However what is critical is developing the resilience to never give up and always learn from one’s mistakes. He also spoke of the importance of following one’s passions in life as there was no value in doing anything in life if it didn’t bring us enjoyment. He noted that as a student he had a real passion for writing and that he has utilised this talent in his comedy writing that has seen him do very well in the very competitive field of comedy. Through the laughter our students had heard some important life lessons which they could employ.
[Declan] was terrific! Really funny, pitched at their level, had good advice that came out clearly. He also stuck around and chatted to the staff and kids afterwards. The Skyline Board members were impressed with the light hearted tone he set for the afternoon (at what was a very dry information session in previous years). Thanks for organising it, your recommendation was spot-on.
The students loved Declan – thought he was hilarious but also took on board the message of his presentation. Not only was his talk humorous but it was insightful, thought provoking and very relevant for our students. I would recommend him to other schools happily!