Daniel Oldaker is an Australian based physical comedian, writer, producer, MC, theatre practitioner and variety artist. Born in Ballarat, Victoria, Daniel’s talent was recognised early, winning first prize on the Red Faces TV Variety Show at the age of 18. He then left Australia to study at Circo-Arts Circus School, Christchurch, New Zealand. After two years honing his skills in circus and physical comedy he returned to Australia to appear in many festivals including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. It was during this time that he began to write and produce in addition to perform. Oldaker began to develop his vaudeville-inspired “Bell Boy” character in addition to creating his signature character “Dandyman” now called "Dandé".
“Dandyman” has been compared to international classics like Jacque Tati, Mr. Bean, and Buster Keaton. He has an idiosyncratic fetish for paper drinking straws that can only be called his own.
From 2001 to 2010 Daniel produced a regular variety night in Melbourne, Acts of Absurdity, showcasing his talents as comic and MC and providing a platform for other artists.
From 2001 to 2010 Daniel produced a regular variety night in Melbourne, Acts of Absurdity, showcasing his talents as comic and MC and providing a platform for other artists.
Daniel also began cultivating an international audience, dividing his time between the European festival circuit, Asia and America. Intense touring saw Daniel’s reputation as the “performer’s performer” begin to widen, achieving awards and critical success in the press. Reviewers called him “masterful”, “playful” and a “valued contributor to the arts”. His numerous accolades include Award for Best International Act (Busan International Comedy Festival in Sth. Korea), Nomination for Just for Laughs award at the St Ambroise Festival, Montreal & Patrons Pick award at Winnipeg Fringe Festival.
For many years Daniel performed not only his own shows but worked alongside Rani Huszar presenting shows like "The Great Gondos" which appeared on ABC's "The Sideshow" and performed at many Australian and European Festivals. In 2008 Daniel and Rani opened their doors at a shopfront they rented in North Coburg and presented variety shows, it became a hub for brewing culture and a stage for artists to develop and hone their skills to a very accomodating local crowd.
Daniel produced a street theatre festival called "Fun Fest" in Bendigo for 3 years and organised countless tours up the East Coast of Australia and world tours to over 30 countries. At the onset of the pandemic in 2020 he pivoted online and was instrumental in creating one of the most successful online zoom variety shows in Australia if not the world.
Daniel continues to find ways to contribute to the wellbeing of his community and inspire ways to breath joy and happiness into the world. Two major ideas Daniel is brewing is touring Australia with a mini core crew of artists that provide a unique boutique festival and also creating an Eco-tourist Arts Village where shows, workshops and festivals thrive.
Everyday is a blessing, to inspire a smile or some laughter into the world is a bonus.
Daniel produced a street theatre festival called "Fun Fest" in Bendigo for 3 years and organised countless tours up the East Coast of Australia and world tours to over 30 countries. At the onset of the pandemic in 2020 he pivoted online and was instrumental in creating one of the most successful online zoom variety shows in Australia if not the world.
Daniel continues to find ways to contribute to the wellbeing of his community and inspire ways to breath joy and happiness into the world. Two major ideas Daniel is brewing is touring Australia with a mini core crew of artists that provide a unique boutique festival and also creating an Eco-tourist Arts Village where shows, workshops and festivals thrive.
Everyday is a blessing, to inspire a smile or some laughter into the world is a bonus.
