With their show Women Like Us opening at the Star Court Theatre in Lismore this Saturday, Ellen Briggs put comedy colleague Mandy Nolan on the hot seat. Well, she can’t possibly interview herself, after all.
How did the show Women Like Us come to life?
Ellen and I were driving to a gig and I thought: how can I come up with a way to spend more time with this funny sensational woman? We appeal to the same audiences so I thought if we teamed up we’d just be doubling our chick pulling power.
Describe Ellen in five words.
Capable. Unimpressed. Kind. Reliable. Hot.
Why do you think this show will work, particularly in regional areas?
I think it will work because our stories and daily experiences tend to reflect those of our audience and in regional areas when comedy does tour it tends to be men. The powerhouse of any regional community is generally the girls. We’re taking comedy to the canteen.
What do you think of the often-stated phrase ‘Women Aren’t Funny’?
They clearly haven’t seen Ellen and me. People who say that don’t tend to like women very much. I love proving them wrong.
What one thing would you change about yourself if you could?
I would be a bit taller and have a bigger arse. I’m all about high impact.
So what kind of woman are you? Sausage roll, meat pie or spinach roll?
Meat pies gross me out. I’m definitely a spinach roll. I’m no vego – I like my meat uncomplicated. I’m actually more of a sausage sanga girl.
Do you and Ellen have similar material and, if so, how do deal with that at this show?
I guess we both talk about our husbands and our kids and how hard it is being super hot, but we have pretty different approaches so it always comes off differently. Basically Ellen has no vagina jokes at all and I have at least 100 vagina jokes. I think that pretty well separates us.
What’s the best excuse you’ve ever come up with to get out of doing something?
I’m pregnant. I’ve used that a few times. Very good when it comes to lifting. As a 6-foot woman it’s the only time people come to my aid, so I’ve found staying a bit fat and possibly pregnant looking helps if I don’t want to change my own tyre or lift heavy objects.
Describe your best and worst shows to date.
Best show to date was probably at Jupiters Casino to 2,000 people – I only did 10 minutes but blitzed it and had people coming up and saying ‘I thought you were the best’. Unfortunately it was in front of the headline comics who have huge super dooper profiles. The other day someone told me they saw two shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival –mine and Ross Noble’s – and they thought my show was funnier. That’s pretty good for the ego considering the guy is fricking awesome. Worst show was a corporate I did for the Prawn and Barramundi Fishermen’s annual conference where people left running from the room and the CEO came up and stopped me mid show and said ‘You just have to stop’. I haven’t eaten a prawn since.
What can the Lismore audience expect at Women Like Us?
Wild hysteria, adult themes, possibly some violence and definitely a bit of coarse language. Strap yourselves in.
Ellen Briggs and Mandy Nolan present their sensational standup in Women Like Us, Star Court Theatre, Lismore. Saturday 8pm.
Adults $27.20, Concession $22.20. Group bookings available.
Bookings and enquiries to 6622 5005 or www.starcourttheatre.com.au.
