"My mother, Donna A'Court, was on the committee of the Levin Little Theatre from before I was born. My most delightful memories are of watching her on stage, hanging out in the dressing rooms backstage, and being allowed (if I was very well behaved) to explore the wardrobe and prop departments under the eagle eye of Trudy Black who was in charge of everything. Trudy was a stickler for good behaviour, but cut me some slack because I was Donna's daughter. The theatre was always a magical place for me. I learned then that the best view in any theatre was from the stage. My first work experience as a Wellington journalism student was a holiday placement at the Levin Chronicle. I was paid $54 for the week's work, and spent it all on a frock. It was a really nice frock."
How has your upbringing influenced your career and comedy style?
"My grandmother, Edith Duthie, was a very witty woman - I think I picked up my storytelling style from her. My daughter - now a mother herself and reading Winnie the Pooh to her children, now says my sense of humour owes a lot to AA Milne. It is, however, less suitable for children's parties than this might suggest."
Which is your favourite type of gig? Large or small?
"Big gigs are easier - if comedy was surfing, a big room gives you a big wave to ride. But small gigs are like a conversation - you have to work harder to make the stories sound real and feel authentic. That's a bigger challenge, but it's really satisfying when it flies."
Does the idea of performing on the stage you first performed on in primary school feel strange, or like a full-circle?
"To be honest, I feel a bit emotional about it. This is the place I started, and where I first started dreaming about making a life on the stage. So there is a sense of something - completion? Coming home? - about standing on that particular stage again after so many years. My mother and I visited Levin earlier this year and spent an afternoon with Jocelyn Whitehouse who directed me in plays there when I was a teenager and Joyce Corrin - who was and is on the committee - and we had very special time. I owe those three women the whole shebang, really. I don't think any of us knew what I would end up doing as a performer. But I know that I'm really happy with the way things turned out. Wouldn't change a thing."
What can we expect from your set at Levin Comedy Club?
"I never decide what I am doing until the night I do it. Before a show, I make a list of things I might talk about, and then I see what feels right once I'm out on stage and talking to the people in the room. The only thing I can say for sure is that, one way or another, I'm going to try to make it count."
LEVIN LINE UP:
The Levin Comedy Club show will also feature 2018 National Raw Comedy Quest runner up Sean Collier and finalist Dan Alexander, as well as up-and-coming Palmerston North comedian Molly Malone. It will be MCd by 2017 Billy T nominee Patch Lambert, a regular fixture throughout the Wellington and Auckland comedy scenes, winner of the 2016 NZ Comedy Guild Breakthrough Comedian Award and a writer on TV3's 7 Days.
The event has been organised with support from the Horowhenua District Council's Creative Communities Scheme. Tickets are $25 from eventfinda.co.nz or $30 at the door.
Early bookings are recommended.
