Showcasing some of Australia’s funniest comedians with disability or chronic illness, this raucous accessible comedy event boasts a line-up of award-winning performers with entertaining and uncensored insights into disability and oh-so-much more!
With razor-sharp wit and undeniable charm, The Are You Pulling My Leg? line-up brings to the stage hilarious and uncensored insights into disability. From awkward encounters to side-splitting observations that cut to the quick, no subject is off-limits. Venturing much further than disability, their quick quips highlight the many facets of their lives, relationships, experiences and personalities.
This thoroughly entertaining comedy show breaks through the barrier to enhance access for the performers as well as audiences. It’s Auslan-interpreted and live captioned so that everyone can get the punchlines and, hilarious jokes aside, at its heart this show is about access and inclusion.
Discover for yourself that disabled comedians are just as funny as non-disabled comedians! The biggest joke is that they don’t always get equal access to gigs, so support this show, have a laugh and help make a difference. It’s that easy!
LINEUP
MC: Madeleine Stewart
Support acts: Tom Elphick, Loz Booth, Alexandra Hudson
Headliner: Sam Kissajukian
MC - MADELEINE STEWART:
Disability advocate and award-winning comedian Madeleine Stewart charms audiences everywhere with a sweet demeanour, veiling razor-sharp wit. You may have seen Madeleine perform with Adam Hills, Rove McManus, or Reuben Kaye or caught her episode on Dylan Alcott’s Listen-Able podcast. Her viral sketch on Marriage Equality for ABC iview reached 2.7mil views on insta, showcased her ground-breaking exploration of disability and Centrelink. Practicing what she preaches, Madeleine won the AMP Tomorrowmaker award for her production of inclusive, accessible comedy shows- specifically Crips & Creeps and her short film Inspire Me has just won Best Documentary at the Australian Independent Film Festival (AIFF). Fresh off the Comedy Festival circuit, Madeleine is currently touring her accessible lineup show “Are you pulling my leg?” across Australia. Madeleine is a refreshing and exciting voice to the comedy scene…. and ohhh sooo inspiring.
“Personal, inviting and hot… Could easily lose your breath from laughing” - Theatre Travels
“A refreshing and exciting voice to the comedy circuit” - My Melbourne Arts
“Thought provoking and eye opening” - The Age
HEADLINER - SAM KISSAJUKIAN
Imagine entering an altered mental state for 5 months and documenting your mind solely through painting. This was the reality for award winning comedian Sam Kissajukian who made 300 paintings during his Bipolar manic episode.
Sam (37) who lives in Sydney had been working professionally as a stand-up comedian for 10 years. In June 2021, Sam experienced a 5 month manic episode followed by a 5 month depressive episode. The effects were so debilitating that he was unable to work as a comedian
so took up painting. In May 2022, he was diagnosed with Bipolar. Since seeking treatment, Sam’s life was transformed by his new found stability.
Sam began performing again in September 2022. He created a show called “300 Paintings” where he tells the story of his experience, fusing comedy and visual art to explore the Bipolar mind. The show was the winner of "Best Comedy" and "Directors Choice Award" at the Sydney Fringe Festival 2022. Sam then won “Best Comedy” again at Sydney Fringe in 2023 as well as winning the “New Zealand touring Award” and being nominated “Best Comedy” at Melbourne Fringe.
At the end of 2022 Sam began exhibiting his art which led to solo exhibitions in 2023 at Sydney Fringe, Brisbane Powerhouse, Maitland Regional Art Gallery and upcoming 2024 solo exhibitions at Summerhall in the UK, Light Adelaide Gallery and a second exhibition at Brisbane Powerhouse.
Sam has recently become an ambassador for the mental health peak body, SANE Australia and works with them on various projects to raise awareness and facilitate platforms that provide aid for those living with complex mental health issues.
In between tours, Sam spends his time painting at his city studio and on a farm in Howes Valley.
'Comedy as an artistic statement of unlimited creative potential’ - Artshub, 2023
“So much more than comedy – it’s high art. The show deserves to be lauded far and wide.” - Glam Adelaide, 2023
'300 Paintings gave me everything I want in a Fringe show, I laughed, I was enlightened and caught some great art.' - Mindshare.org, 2023
'Spill your drink onto the chair beside you sort of laughter' - Fourth Wall Media - Bunbury Magazine UK
SUPPORT ACT: ALEXANDRA HUDSON
Alexandra Hudson shares entertaining little musings about her experiences as a disabled woman and her observations about the mostly foreign non-disabled world she lives in.
Alexandra took out joint first place in the National Final of the Raw Comedy Competition at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 2022.
Alexandra performed in So You Think You're Funny at Edinburgh Fringe in 2022 and was a member of Comedy Zone at the MICF in 2023 and performs all over Australia.
Alexandra debuted her first solo "Making Lemonade" in 2024.
SUPPORT ACT: TOM ELPHICK
🎤 Meet Tom Elphick: the man who turns adversity into punchlines!
🌟 Despite a life-changing spinal cord injury 10 years ago, Tom's spirit remains unbreakable, and his wit sharper than ever. Currently in the final stretch of his medical degree, he's not just studying the human body; he's proving that laughter is the best medicine!
🏆 Although a newcomer to the comedy scene, Tom was a formidable NSW state finalist in the 2023 Raw Comedy competition. His unique blend of clever wordplay and analogies leaves critics raving and audiences wanting more.
💡 Embracing his identity with pride, Tom weaves his experiences as a gay man into his comedy, delivering punchlines that resonate and uplift. His ability to blend authenticity, personal stories with universal humour takes the audience through a process of hilarious derailment to queer empowerment. He proves that comedy can be both deeply personal and universally enjoyable.
🎭 Get ready to be treated to a dose of doctor’s orders! Because when it comes to laughter, he's not just playing; he's prescribing!
SUPPORT ACT: LOZ BOOTH
Loz Booth is an international comedian, accomplished content creator, writer, and devoted mother of two boys residing in Sydney. Last year Loz showcased her comedic talents at the Sydney Fringe Festival (2023) and has since become a regular presence in various comedy venues across Sydney. Her influence extends beyond Australia, as she presented her one-woman show in Covent Garden, London. Beyond her success on stage, Loz's engaging #mumlife content has amassed an impressive 30 million views across multiple platforms, leading to her recognition as a finalist in the UK's Funny Women awards.
In addition to her achievements in comedy, Loz has pursued studies in screenwriting. Her long-term vision involves contributing to the evolution of the Australian screen by developing narratives that provide a nuanced portrayal of "disability" characters in three dimensions. Loz Booth stands as a fierce up-and-coming comic, seamlessly blending humor and a commitment to challenging societal norms through her craft.
VENUE INFORMATION
SEATING
All seating is general admission.
COMPANION CARDS
Warners Bay Theatre accepts Companion Card bookings, please call 02 49210400 to book.
At the time of the ticket purchase, cardholders can provide their valid Companion Card number and expiry date for the ticket purchase. Alternatively, the card may be presented in person at the Box Office. Cardholders purchase one ticket and will be issued with one complimentary ticket for their essential support companion.
PARKING
The carpark at the rear of the theatre can be accessed via the John Street entrance, with limited on street parking available.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Warners Bay Theatre can be accessed via a ramp on Lake St and flat entry once inside the building. The venue has LH and RH accessible toilets. There are two accessible parking spots are in the car park behind the theatre via the John Street entry.
HEARING LOOP
Set hearing loop to T (Telecoil) - coverage between stage and tiered seating.
DRINKS AND SNACKS
There will be a bar open with wine, beer and snacks available to purchase using EFTPOS only.
Learn more about Lake Mac: Visit Lake Macquarie | Love the Lake
This event may be photographed and filmed and your image could be used in advertising and promotion by Lake Macquarie City Council. Should you wish to not be photographed or filmed please advise event organisers on entry at the event.