Comedian Ellen Briggs will be joined by good friend and stand-up comic Mandy Nolan in Katoomba this month. The Gazette caught up with Briggs ahead of the show.
How did you get your start out in comedy?
I was at home after having twins, pretty bored if I'm honest and I started writing a book. The content was getting funnier and funnier and I realised that no one was going to buy my book and so I went and did Mandy's comedy course. The very first time I got up I loved it. I clearly needed the attention.
What is it like being a middle-aged woman on the circuit?
Most comedians in clubs are blokes under the age of 30 so really all we have in common is comedy. I listen to some of them talk about how busy their life is, having to work an hour a night, then go back to their life where they have no responsibility and it's hilarious. I've often been up since 6.30am, exercised, got kids to school, cleaned the house, done grocery shopping, admin for our business and some farm work before I've even got to the gig! Busy my arse.
What do you love most about regional gigs?
I'm a country girl so I feel at home there. People feel more real to me than inner city people. They seem more relaxed and ready to have fun because, let's face it, often the only entertainment they get is tribute bands and magicians!
Do you think audiences are too hooked on seeing comics they've seen on TV? I mean a ticket to Amy Schumer is $165…are you just as good?
I think they feel like it's a safe bet - like they must be really funny if they're on the tele. Of course you have to have something special to get to the level of the likes of Amy Schumer but it doesn't mean that those of us who aren't on TV aren't as funny. We are bloody funny, seriously funny.
How did you come up with the idea?
Both Mandy and I were always getting the same comments from audience members when we worked in clubs - "you should have your own show" – and we agreed. Life on the road by yourself is pretty lonely, so what better idea than to create a show where you're travelling with a good friend who has the same goals about the show as you?
Why do you think the show is working?
We can connect with people because we are tapping into their everyday struggles about parenting, marriage, how women are perceived in society, what we eat, what we watch on TV. Women love us because we speak directly to them about their lives and men love us because they can see their partners in us....Oh and they're glad they're not married to us!
Women Like Us is at Katoomba RSL at 8pm on Saturday, September 17. Tickets are $30 at the club or www.katoombarsl.com.au.
