Dreaming of Pappou and a global stage: Anthony Locascio shines at the Enmore Theatre
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
What happens when you combine the legendary Enmore Theatre, one of Australia’s top comedians paying homage to his inspirational grandfather, and an opening set from the brilliant George Kapiniaris? You get an unforgettable night of laughter, nostalgia, and family pride at one of the country’s most iconic venues.
On a day when many Sydney Greeks celebrated the Epiphany at Carss Park, Anthony Locascio capped off the occasion with his comedy show, offering a perfect bookend to a day steeped in Hellenic culture.
Performing at the century-old Enmore Theatre, a venue owned by Greeks and nestled in an area historically significant to Greek migrants, Locascio delivered a show that resonated deeply. In the 1950s to 1970s, suburbs like Enmore, Newtown, Marrickville, and Dulwich Hill were hubs for Greek and Italian migrants. Today, the Enmore Theatre stands as a beacon for talent, located within the world-renowned Enmore Road Entertainment Precinct, championed by the Inner West Council, Mayor Darcy Byrne, and the NSW Government.
Anthony’s show, Παππού/Pappou, has toured nationally and internationally, establishing him as one of the few Australian comedians to make a mark on the global stage.
“My Pappou’s love of jokes, and his stories of chasing his dreams, have been my life’s biggest inspirations,” Locascio explained.
“My show is the story of his life, but also our relationship, and the nature of our respective times. It’s a love letter to Greeks, to all immigrants—especially Italians. It’s a love letter to anyone who’s chased a dream.”
The performance brought to life the odyssey of Anthony’s grandfather, who migrated to Australia nearly 70 years ago.
While his Pappou wasn’t the mythical Odysseus, he was a formidable goalkeeper in Argos and later Adelaide in the 1960s, playing for a Greek club. However, his football career ended abruptly due to a punch thrown at a referee and the politics of Greek club rivalries.
Anthony shared how his Pappou’s path changed in Sydney, becoming a beloved family man. Inspired by his grandfather’s journey, Locascio has carved out his own path, achieving his dream as a comedian.
After his grandfather fell ill in 2023, Anthony felt compelled to create a heartfelt tribute, which has since captivated audiences at the Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane Comedy Festivals, and even in London’s West End. With plans to tour Canada and New Zealand next, Anthony’s story and his Pappou’s legacy continue to inspire.
The night’s highlight was when Pappou Petros Flessas made a surprise appearance on stage, receiving a standing ovation from the delighted audience.
The event, supported by the Combined Universities Greek Association (CUGA), ensured a packed house, marking the largest audience Anthony has performed for.
As someone who never had the chance to meet my own grandfathers, hearing Anthony’s reverence for his Pappou was both nostalgic and heartwarming.
There is a unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren, something Anthony captured beautifully in his show.
Sydney was treated to something special at the Enmore Theatre—an evening of laughter, reflection, and gratitude for the legacies that connect generations.
Anthony Locascio’s Παππού will next be performed in Canada and New York this February.
*Billy Cotsis is the author of The Aegean Seven Take Back the Stolen Marbles.
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
