The Felicity Ward Three Minute Interview

Felicity Ward is a multi-award winning, Melbourne-based, stand-up comedian, comic performer, writer and actor. She is most well-known in Australia for her work across the television including The Ronnie Johns Half Hour. This year she brings a new show, The Iceberg to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

It was horrible. I nearly gave up stand-up comedy. Kidding! I just thought that was more interesting to read that than: it was great.

“It’s a show about perspective, told through the medium of jokes, with references about but not limited to: cricket, racism, watermelon hats, bosoms, crying, foreign words, and the perils of smugness, body-rolls and Twitter exchanges with vitriolic reverends.”

How do you describe your act to those who haven’t seen you before?

“Energetic. Self-deprecating. Occasional gurning.”

What advice would you give to your 17 year old self?

“You will be rejected by every drama school you audition for next year… and the year after that. But don’t worry, you get to work with your comedy heroes in about twelve years’ time. Also, you’re going to regret that haircut. It suited Paula Yates, not you."

You’ve performed the show across the Australian comedy festivals. Has it gone down well?

“It was horrible. I nearly gave up stand-up comedy. Kidding! I just thought that was more interesting to read that than: it was great. Lots of people came and laughed and said nice things. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz”

If you were curating a stand up show for television, who would be your guests?

“I would have a rotating cast so I could have all the people I laugh at most on there. Celia Pacquola, Sarah Millican, Eddie Peppitone, Tom Allen, Maria Bamford, Amy Schumer, Matt Okine, Ronnie Chieng, David Quirk, Roisin Conaty, Joel Creasey. There are fifty more I could name, but I reckon you’ll run out of space. And I would have the Pixies as the house band. And when they couldn’t play I would have The Horne Section close the show… every week."

Broadway Baby Listing and Edinburgh Fringe Box Office: http://www.broadwaybaby.com/shows/felicity-ward-the-iceberg/700216

Website: www.felicityward.com

Twitter: @felicityward

YouTube Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRvPBqXVwaQ

Instagram: @felicityward

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this article has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now