It's been over 4 years since I discovered Randy and I've still managed to keep the magic alive and never look up his puppeteer.

For some reason it hadn't occured to me that Randy's "how I got into comedy" story changes with each one of his specials, and that's ok because Randy can do that.

Randy Feltface feels like a genuine, real friend. So much suspension of disbelief, so incredibly well done.

_“Art is a lie that tells the truth”_ ~Picasso

Gordon Shumway? As in the actual name of the alien known as Alf? Nice choice of pseudonym

I absolutely adore Randy Feltface. Yes, the jokes are funny, in audio they are still entertaining, but seeing Randy perform truly is something else. He is energetic, erratic, moving all over the place, but also his mannerisms are what pulls you in. There are moments where he coughs and not only does his mouth move, he also brings up his hand to his mouth. You both forget that he is a puppet and also you are very aware of it, because his movements are so fluid you can't help but admire it.

I don't remember how I came across Randy the first time but Randy Writes a Novel and the Gumtree book shelf story in particular are probably the funniest things I have watched in a very long time. Going to be seeing his new show in the new year, I can't wait!

I went to Randy's show in NJ last Saturday and meet the actual puppeteer after the show. He is such a nice guy, and I was able to give him fan art.

What an absolute breath of fresh air in this video. A beautiful thesis on comedy, persona, and respect for “Shumway”. Recently, he’s been reclaiming his own name in the narrative - but I won’t say it here. Your list of comedic personalities on the spectrum was spot on, your analysis was perfect, and I’m really happy we have people like you on KZfaq. Thank you for putting the time you did into this video.

I think I'd watched/listened to Randy Writes A Novel for over 30 times already since I discovered him in march this year, and I just couldn't get over it of how amazing that show is. The end of that show is one of the most realistic and emotional connect I felt as a human being, even comparing to games or movies. The self doubt, the reason to live or the words that can describe who ourselves are, etc. It's really hard to describe, but the show is really what made him so special, and I love him so much.

I’ve only just got into randy and honestly it’s scary how easily i forget he is a puppet. He really does have his own personality

This video is a great overview of how performers play into and against audience's assumptions and expectations. And the Randy clip is a fantastic lesson in storytelling. Can't believe Randy has been off my radar until now! So glad you made this video!

Honestly I was never disappointed in the reveal of the fake story. it was quite a satisfying extra point to the joke to me... great analysis of comedians and their mechanics btw.

Fun Fact: He lies about the Gumtree story being a first draft as there is a recording here on KZfaq with a previous version several months earlier with different details.

This was an excellent essay, and I had a moment while watching it that really reinforced the point. When you said Shumway's end goal was to work on sesame street, my instinctive reaction was "No! We're going to miss Randy!" Not miss the performance, not miss the comedy, miss Randy. I was not expecting to see puppets at such an emotional angle tonight, but there we go.

Calling the guy behind Randy "Gordon Shumway" is such a good reference, especially knowing the behind-the-scenes drama of that series.

Anyone who realizes the genius of randy has my undying respect. You just earned a subscriber. Well done to you. Well done.

Seen him twice in two years, and it’s one of the most memorable comedy performances I’ve ever seen. Brilliant stuff.

This guy looks like a prince painters would paint slightly differently so they could make him look good.

Actual response to seeing this thumbnail: "OH F##K YEAH." Randy Feltface is a treasure.

I came across Randy because a friend of mine (who was a workmate at the time) went to school with the puppeteer and was kinda-sorta peripherally friends with him. So I got exposed to Sammy J & Randy first, then Randy's solo shows. Super glad I did, because Randy Writes A Novel is incredibly brilliant.

This is a really well put together video. As someone currently designing puppets this has helped me think about how the puppeteer uses them. Great job!

The final moments of that show, after the gumtree story, are amazing. You can feel the silence in the audience as he talks about what leaving a legacy is, and you can even feel small as he says the words "insignificantly miniscule". That's something not every comedian can achieve, Randy is truly one of a kind and that's the true power of the suspension of disbelief.

Jim Henson would've fucking loved Randy Feltface. He always wanted adult puppet shows and Randy is just that. Good luck to Randy's puppeteer making in understage of sesame street. My feelings for the gumtree skit are not really coherent at the moment - It's like the difference between a story that is told and that same story but then being told by the character in the story its not true. No one finishes the lion the witch and the wardrobe only to be told 'and this was a fun little DnD game that the Pensieves played ho ho ho' Narnia was real for the characters in the story At no point did the story legitimately 180 and go 'and the story didn't actually happen, the kids just made up the story between themselves after trapping themselves in that old cupboard, they were rescued by the housemaid and the wardrobe was torn apart and used as fire wood. what did you think there could be portals in the back of cupboards? lol. the end.'

I've always felt that Randy was a unique creation. Thanks for explaining why.

Gordon Shumway.. it’s ALF! Hahah

I just discovered Randy some weeks ago and he cheers me up so hard. Much needed fun for me

I saw Randy live last week in the UK. Managed to spot and meet 'Gordon Shumway' out in the real world before the show and shake his hand. Lovely guy. And in the club, the lights go out and Randy pops up. Mo preamble or explanation. Really well done.

Randy Feltface is a real professional when it comes to the art of comedy, his skits and material feel fresh.

Thank you for this video! Not only for the new references I need to Google and will surely follow up on, but for prompting me to revisit what I've already watched that's well worth the re-watch. Thank you!

Well I've seen the video your referencing here before. It's very good, and so far my favorite bit by him. I only just discovered Randy a few weeks ago and am trying to play catch-up. Thank you.

Great video! Love seeing that so many of my favorites get a mention - Stewart Lee, Al Murray and obviously Randy, and the examples were spot on. More of these man!

I really enjoyed this video, perhaps most especially the balance of formal discussion of how standup works and fascination with and enjoyment of the medium. It's kind of similar to Randy's approach, in a way: Zach Barr asks us to accept his analysis as reality (albeit with a reminder that some parts are clearly affected by personal bias) while delivering an engaging infodump on why Randy is what he is. This engaged so many different parts of my mind. I'm a long-time live theater geek with decades of improv experience so it touched a lot of dopamine generators for me

Fantastic video, absolutely loved it.

This was absolutely phenomenal. Well done.

I think another part of 14:47 that helps show the two characters on either side of the couch is the choice of lighting. When Randy is on the stage left side of the couch looking down from above he's covered in the blue light, when he's on the stage right side of the couch He's completely enveloped in a red light, immediately signifying that it's an angel and devil character on each side of the couch.

Dude…how is this guy not bigger? I clicked this video on accident (I usually don’t watch videos made by KZfaqrs under a certain subscriber count as a sort of quality control measure) and it wasn’t until about halfway through I paused the video and saw how small this guy is and just stared dumbfounded. This is quality, the voice work is smooth and pleasant, the editing is clean if a little simplistic, and the themes are well thought out and wonderfully executed. This guy needs to be bigger! Very impressive.

This is such a great video!

The thing with the gum tree story for me, was never at any point whether it was true. But whether in the world we live in, constantly changing whether it could be true. Elements of it reminding me of memories, experiences about the nature of what it is to live. And in those shared struggles, you see Randy the same as you, figuring out what it means to be human. And his brilliant mannerisms, and the way he conveys feelings, thoughts idea's really help to allow your mind to see him as real. I don't watch behind the scenes, documentaries of how movies are made. Because for me it's the same as revealing a magic trick. I don't want to know how your tricking me, I want to revel in the child like wonder that magic is real. That the fantasy world's of say Star wars or such, could be real places but not that they are. I know that it's a trick, but that's okay because my mind. My hopes, fears, dreams and moral compass, allow me to fill in the spaces. I very much like Virtual reality, and I bought adventure climb VR. I have a fear of heights but thought knowing my feet are on the carpet, that I would be alright but that was not the case at all at first. Although I could feel my feet on the carpet, my mind was telling me something completely different. Overriding what I know to be true, but films or comedy has never been able to cross that line. And that was fascinating, normally I am aware something is not true. Or is shades of truth, but I enjoy the hoax anyway. So Randy pulling away the rug, didn't effect me. What that says about how I think I have no idea, or whether it is good or bad...But it is what it is. Great video though, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

I’m a simple guy. I first saw Randy in Melbourne around 2010 at a comedy festival. Funny. Insightful. Yeah, good mate. Then started watching him on KZfaq. For me, Randy is simply the physical expression of the guy behind it that is, I’ve assumed, more comfortable being behind the curtain than in front. When Randy espouses philosophies, ethics, insights about the human condition, they’re simply those of the shy guy we don’t see. If I had a stubby with the guy, I’d already feel I know him through the acts. I don’t care about the puppet; that’s no more or less a projection than what everyone else does to present themselves to others. With maybe a little bit more fear of Velcro.

Amazing analysis. When I watch Randy I find myself asking, Now iS he telling the truth?" as if that question would mean something for a puppet. Did Randy's girlfriend really fly in just to break up with him? Did he really get sober? Is he really a vegan? It's absurd but I totally buy Randy as a human being.

I guess I am not the average viewer...I knew he was a puppet, and everything he does is a story and part of the show. I guess I don't have the suspension of belief or whatever...but I love his push and pull...his ability to turn people away and then get them back. Not all comics do that, the ones that toy with my emotions...those are the best ones. Real or fake, Randy is a treasure. AND I hope his puppeteer gets the dream job he has always wanted...but I also hope he does not forget us plebs that love Randy.

One day, far in the future, it’s theoretically possible that I myself may be brought face to face with The Randy Feltface through the glass of a comedy or puppetry museum. My children might ask who he is. What his story is. I’d say to them “He’s Randy Feltface. An Australian man just trying to figure it all out, and became one of the best comedians on the planet in the process. Godspeed Randy and the humble genius who makes him come alive.

I saw Randy for the first time at a comedy club in a basement in Raleigh, NC. I accidently saw Heath McIvor setting up the merch before the show and recognized his voice and was shattered--he's great down there but I didn't want to be able to picture him. He still receded for me as Randy performed. That was the end of the Feltopia tour series in early 2024. The end of Feltopia's KZfaq version with Randy unlocking a Saab and driving away is fascinating. I hope the next tour, when I see him in Fall 2024 I hope they're selling DVDs. I'd stock up!

I thank you for the way you went about doing this documentary. Mainly I appreciate you keeping the Kay Fabe on RFF! AWESOME piece and VERY WELL DONE!!!

The only reason I didnt go away to watch the gumtree video was because I have already seen it and I was also only watching this video downloaded, I didnt have the WiFi to go watch the clip, but now I do and I have to watch it again, it is fucking hilarious.

You should do a video on the musical numbers in Randy Felface's new special about running for president

You using "Gordon Shumway" as a pseudonym for Heath is proof that ALF will never die.

every time i watch one of your videos my mind is literally blown

I got to see him live in Amsterdam a few days ago. He was amazing. You really believe he's a person. The movements, stories and delivery in general are done so expertly you believe Randy is real.

The Gumtree story is hysterical. I love it.

I thought there was something wrong with my screen at the beginning lol

Im from Melbourne Australia, and live in the general area northern suburbs broadmeadows as mentioned in the gumtree joke and where ricketts lane was set. And the local details are just spot on. I forget that he's a puppet because he sounds like every late 30s mate from brunswick I've had in my life. Randy is one of my favourite comics. I'm so thrilled to see nuanced interesting analysis of one of our better australian examples. Cos there's so many layers to randy as a concept as well as the wit.

Can’t wait for his Chicago show in November!

Great Vid... I just started watching Randy ( and Sammy J ) in August and now I'm ready to move to Australia. Take my dollarydoo's!

Thank you, fantastic analysis!

When I see the story I don't think about Randy doing those things. I think about the puppeteer doing them. I have made up in my head what I think the puppeteer looks like.

The fact some mentioned Milton Jones made me love this video more. Love him and randy, and a great deep dive into the persona I fell in love with

Wow what a gem of analysis and commentary! Thx so much!

29:42 I had a visceral reaction when you said “[Randy] has no life off stage.” For a split second I was offended on Randy’s behalf which goes to show how amazing Randy is as a storyteller and character.

Before I look at your video I've seen that Randy episode and I'm wondering if you're Morgan?

I have gone down the rabbitbhole to see where Randy the Puppet came from, but not once have I looked into whos actually behind him. The thought never really crossed my mind.

Seem many of Randy's videos and I am always amazed how he can keep a straight face whilst telling very funny jokes.

I already saw it , I absolutely love Randy, he's hilarious 😂😂

I appreciate you keeping the mystic of randy going. I have made the conscious decision to know NOTHING about the man behind the puppet. To me randy is randy. I'm going to see him this weekend and I want an autograph, but I want it from RANDY (Is that even possible?)

You're from Chicago eh? So am I & I also have experience with video editing/production & writing/recording music. Let me know if you'd like a hand on the technical side of making your videos, I dig your style...

Congratulations, this was an absolutely extraordinary analysis. Just brilliant.

I first saw Randy and Sammy J on Good News Week. It’s great to hear someone other than a bunch of Aussies acknowledging and praising our beloved purple citizen!

Best joke ever written

Absolutely FASCINATING analysis, and super well-presented and easy to watch. Left me with many a thought to mull on. :)

I didn't pause the video to watch the Gumtree skit. I already saw the skit prior to this video.

I literally just saw his last weekend in Spokane and he was HILARIOUS.

got to see randy in NJ last year, best comedian out there!

39:37 First time watching this special I was so disappointed that Randy didn't start reading after building it up the entire show. Randy successfully pulled the rug two times in two minutes

Randy and Sammy J in Ricketts Lane is a little gem

Great analysis, so glad for the context, satisfying conclusions

Is it just me or does anybody get the Gordon Shumway joke. There was a TV show in the 1980's called ALF. It stood for Alien Life Form. He came from the Planet Melmak. On his home planet, his real name was Gordon Shumway. Plus they used that joke on an episode of Archer, the animated TV show on FX, between Pam Poovee and Sterling Archer.

I went and saw him live not too long ago with my mum and the first thing she did was look up the puppeteer, tell me his name, and point him out to me cause he was actually just there in the crowd with us. I didn’t say anything about it to her cause she’s my mum but I was honestly pretty upset that she did that cause I specifically made it a point to never learn who the guy was :’)

Can I ask where you found the recording of "The Last Temptation"? It's the only one I can't find on KZfaq

It's so hard for me not to watch smug druggles before the October Toronto date! This is what I needed 😁

Thanks for warning me 20 seconds in that this wasn't a standup but.

This was about as well done as the Gumtree Story IS. Ive seen just about all the Randy Feltface Stuff on the web, and continue to hunt for it. I would LOVE it if Randy came to my town, and Mr. Schumway, I spose. Several times while listeneing to Randy, I occasionally catch myself going "Did Randy do that, or whomever is hiding under the table?" and ultimately, I dont care. The Gumtree Stroy is one that I have used for a LONG time as the example of the PERFECT story. its told well, it feels like it lasts only half as long as it does, and in the end, you are left with "I dont CARE that its untrue, Im just glad I heard it! Well Done Randy, Well done sir for your rundown, and well done steak! Thank you and goodnight! PS - This guy makes a REALLY fun Animatic of the Gumtree, ( I SWEAR IM NOT HIM/HER/THEM!) but I just LOVE it!! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kNmWq7WmnN-9das.html

Didn't click off your video but have seen that joke at least 4 times now because it's so good, so I hope you don't mind!

Going to see him at Helium on febuary 18th in St Louis Missour! i I can't wait! 😀

Very interesting and insightful video! Thank you.

Saw him live this past April in Austin. I was front row it was magical.

2 things I respect so much I gotta write this comment (Which I never do) even before finishing the video. Congrats on not showing too much of the original video and inviting (twice) your audience to go watch the original video, and also on trying to keep the image of the puppet and not get the puppeteer. Not even finished this first video and I want to watch more of your content. Nice work

wild to think i ALSO went to the first chicago show of his tour and i just now found this video. 10/10

I didn’t have to switch over to the Gumtree video because I had already seen it. I don’t know what it says about me, but I didn’t give much thought to the veracity of the story as I was listening to it. As best I recall, I sort of vaguely assumed it was based on something that had happened to the puppeteer, but that most of the more astonishing details were made up. Regardless, I wasn’t at all disappointed by the reveal at the end. The video was brilliant and hysterically funny. That was all the truth that I was looking for that day.

This is great. A fantastic conundrum for standup in terms of authenticity is Maria Bamford, who plays a version of herself that feels entirely honest, and a whole series of characters, based on people she knows and people she's made up, and it all feels entirely authentic while also being a one-woman show, even when it's billed as a stand up routine.

Just curious: Why are the video clips from "Randy Writes a Novel" flopped (left and right switched)?

At 50yrs old and part of the generation raised watching the Muppets Show and Sesame Street... Randy isn't new or different! He's a welcome return and more like a walk down memory lane... And much like Triumph the Insulting Dog... I don't supend belief... I simply believe... FYI, "Randy buys a bookshelf on Gumtree" is how I first saw Randy! As for the question... I enjoy any good story - real or fictional... The points I look for - did I enjoy how the story was told and what did I gain from the story!

Speaking of suspension of disbelief, have you seen the performance he did where apparently guests on the extreme wing of the stage could see "Shumway" behind the desk? He addresses a few viewers and in doing so notices that a few can actually see him performing and commenting that "they are getting the DVD version early".

I almost didn't go actually watch the video. I can't imagine having not watched it, now.

actually never felt anything close to dissapointment with that joke, and as is said towards the end, a puppet comedian is, while being an adult, the closest we can come to sanely (officially) talk to stuffed toys like we all did in our childhoods, also you missed out the tragic comedians who, make jokes as if they happened to others when, eventually, you find out tht and worse happened to them and comedy was thier therapy for years before therapy became an option, Billy Connelly and his wife are a true example of that, the stuff hes been through has broke many a lesser person.

As odd as it sounds, even in my day to day life, I prefer to think of Randy Feltface as a short human with a skin condition who happens to be legally blind. I love the kayfabe element to his character, and honestly? I absolutely *respect* the puppeteer for wanting to give the stardom to Randy himself and avoid the spotlight by any means necessary. In my mind, he's just his roommate and his agent. This sort of stuff continues to make me think regarding celebrities, and Vtubers. VTubers in Japan likewise operate by the principle of Keyfabe, with their original identities being protected to hell and back. And they became *celebrities*. People forgot the era where anybody could be anybody on the web. Having an avatar or a puppet is a layer of protection, anonymity, *and* artistic expression.

I have been watching Randy Feltface for many years. First when he was with Sammy J. And when he started going solo. I had always been curious what the man looked like behind the "curtain". Randy, who is performed by the comedian Heath Mclvor, has a very unique voice. And I have always had difficulty putting a face to it. It wasn't till like 6 months ago that I finally saw the man himself. And I have to say, he was nothing like I had pictured. Heath was much younger looking than I was expecting and he looked much more normal than I had pictured. He's a fairly good looking fellow, where before I had always pictured someone much more "awkward" looking. Now I had always respected this comedians ability to give Randy such a realistic presence. When he would tell his stories about things that would happen off stage, I couldn't help but actually picture Randy the puppet doing those things. For something that is so obviously a puppet, what Heath has been able to accomplish in breathing life into Randy, is nothing short of remarkable. And I was always worried that if I ever see the actual comedian some day, will it take away some of those feelings, and make Randy less real? Fortunately it really hasn't.

Outstanding video ❤❤

I think that you greatly over thought ,and the funniest thing about randy is I do see both on the stage but in no way try to logically think the puppet isn't real in persona that's why I love it ,that the persona is genuine in feel and once the show is begun I'm watching only for randy and the puppeteer I see as the tool lol as for Gumtree the punch line is the reveal and only made it satisfaction for me

The best part of Randy writes a novel is after you look at it again it seems the whole special was just the set up of the Gumtree joke.