“All new material, same attitude”: The Women’s Room is back next month

Posted on 21 February, 2023

After their wildly successful sold-out show in 2022, it’s no surprise these five hilariously self-aware and proudly ‘middle-aged’ female comedians are gracing the Canberra Theatre Centre again for the Women’s Room 2: Just Add Estrogen.

Comprised of a widow, an ex-nurse, a midwife, a carer and a self-proclaimed “Belconnen bogan,” the comedians of the Women’s Room‘s varied backgrounds and distinctive voices make for a beautiful unison of laughter and life.

Finding a common thread in what they describe as a shared love for the “cynical and silly”, their new show teams with relatable examinations of growing older, paired with razor-sharp wit and, at times, jaw-dropping observations.

“Did they really just say that?” Yes, they really did.

As these five comedians unpack hidden facets of their lives on stage, the audience will quickly become lost in the delightful duality that ripples throughout each comedian’s body of work.

There’s Trish Hurley (a former nurse), who battles the ups and downs of being a self-diagnosed hypochondriac, the insightful Jacqui Richards, who transforms her grief as a widow into an uplifting commentary on her newfound ‘lack of attention’ and Midwife Sarah Stewart, who talks us through life outside the birthing room. When Tanya Losanno isn’t busy caring for her parents and her children, she’s keeping life interesting with the occasional marriage (or two).

At first glance, you would be convinced that these women have been selling out shows their entire lives, but at the shows MC Sue Stanic (a revered comedian in her own right) explains, for a majority of these talented women, comedy is something they have discovered later in life.

“Out of the five of us, Tanya is the only one to start doing stand-up in her ‘youth’,” reveals Sue. “Trish, Sarah, Sue and Jacqui all got into comedy in the last few years, in their forties and fifties.”

“To be honest, we have Chris Ryan to thank for the opportunity. Chris is an absolute force of nature and a fantastic comedian. When she was [Canberra-based], she ran great comedy rooms and courses and actively encouraged more diversity in the Canberra comedy scene.”

“I think it’s fair to say we all grew up loving comedy, however, you know that little niggle in your brain—‘I wonder what it’s like to be up there on stage trying to make strangers laugh’—had to be addressed.”

And while all five women have seemingly transformed this “niggle,” into the success that is The Women’s Room, Sue says the journey into comedy was not without its fears, comparing those humbling first steps out on stage to one’s first time skydiving.

“A great idea in theory and lots of fun to talk about, but when it’s time to actually do it (and you remember you have a fear of trying new things), well, it’s terrifying. Canberra audiences are so lovely, though.”

Finding solid ground to land on, they eventually found each other, bonding over the 90’s, their love for comedy and the power that can be found in challenging comedic stereotypes. Each proving that they can not only hold their own on stage but fill the ‘middle-aged’ gaps that once lived at the comedy table—modestly inviting others to do the same.

“Maybe someone in the audience might try stand-up comedy after seeing us have a go. Comedy isn’t just for 20-year-olds,” says Sue. “If you want to have a go, maybe write some stuff or contact us for advice. Gosh does that sound arrogant? I mean we really are such inspiring and amazing people but don’t want to sound arrogant.”

As they prepare to take the stage on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March as part of the Canberra Comedy Festival, Sue says audiences can expect just as many ‘I’m shocked in the best way possible’ moments as happened last year.

“We are all middle-aged mothers who just say what we want to say. The response we got from our sold-out 2022 show was so amazing that we can’t wait to perform in March at the festival. All new material, same attitude.”

Sue also notes that there are plenty of ways to continue supporting local talent after the show.

“We all regularly gig in Canberra with people from all backgrounds and genders. Comedy ACT and the local [stand-up comedy] rooms are run very well in our view. There’s so much talent in this town, please get out more and support local acts—but buy tickets to our show before you do anything else,” she jokes.