For mother of twins Ellen Briggs, becoming a comedian happened by accident.
‘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. I didn’t tell anyone and honestly never thought about a career in standup, but the very first time I got up I loved it. I clearly needed the attention. It hasn’t changed now!’
More than a decade on Ellen is one of the most exciting comedians on the circuit. While she headlines across the country in major metropolitan venues, it’s the country gigs that she loves best.
‘I’m a country girl so I feel at home there,’ says Ellen. ‘People feel more real and open minded 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! Not that there’s anything wrong with magicians – they just freak me out. Ooh, and I also love the big breakfasts you get in regional cities and towns – loads of gluten, butter and dairy. You can’t get any of that in the cities these days! And the men with beards and flanellettes aren’t those creepy hipsters – they are proper farmers. I think farmers are sexy.’
Being a woman on the circuit is certainly an eye opener. ‘I listen to some of these blokes talk about how busy their lives are, having to work an hour a night, then go back to their lives 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!’
The two-hour feast of standup comedy gluttony that is Women Like Us has been packing houses and ruining mascara up and down the coast. Ellen believes it’s testament to the fact that she and Mandy really are ‘Women Like Us’.
‘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 and what we thought our lives would be like! Men are always surprised at how much they enjoy the show – I mean funny is funny as far as I’m concerned; whether you’re male or female is irrelevant. 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 takes the stage at the Byron Theatre at the Community Centre Friday 23 September. 18+ Tix are $30 either at the club or online at byroncentre.com.au. Tix are $28/25. Enquiries to 6685 6807. Doors 7pm, Show 8pm.
