Jayne Steer lost her mum, her fiancé and her mind – in that order, all two weeks before her nine-night Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut. After a psychotic episode on her 35th birthday led to a cPTSD diagnosis, Jayne decided to escape to a luxury treatment facility in Thailand for three months. Surrounded by millionaires healing trauma through smoothies and breathwork, Jayne finally faced her biggest addiction – not to men, not to drugs or chaos, but to love itself.
How would you describe your show to someone who knows very little about it?
It’s an introspective comedy about one woman’s journey dealing with grief, loss and trauma, while being surrounded by some of the wealthiest people in a tropical paradise rehab. It’s like The White Lotus with white straight jackets.
What makes it stand out and why should people see it?
I think it’s a really unique story, that will still feel relatable as most of us have dealt with grief, trauma or addiction – just perhaps not being surrounded by Saudi Princes and British Knights in Thailand.
How long was the process from idea to writing to stage? Any challenges along the way?
Honestly, it’s hard to say because some of the jokes in the show are from 2 years ago before I really knew what I wanted to do with them. Initially I was going to write a show about the relationship with my mother, reconnecting with her and then losing her to MND not too long after. However, while I was in rehab, I realised that I wasn’t ready to tell that story yet but that a new story was happening before my eyes. I ended up writing a lot of the show in rehab in Thailand from Aug – Oct in 2025, but it is always being refined and looks nothing like it started. The biggest challenge with writing about rehab is making sure I’m telling my story authentically and that I’m not disrespecting anyone else who was in the facility or telling their story for them, without their permission. (They also have scary expensive lawyers)
What attracts you to comedy?
They say comedy is just trauma plus time and I definitely think that’s what has attracted me to it. Comedy allows you to not only tell your story, but to make connections with others who have experienced something similar. It allows you to turn things that would otherwise break you, into words that bring laughter and joy to others. That’s magic.
How would you describe your relationship with the audience and what do you love the most about live performance?
With dark material, I find it really important that I work with the audience to build a high level of trust; they know I’m mentally ok to discuss this, and I’m giving them permission to laugh at it. I want the audience to feel ok to laugh at things that we don’t really talk about that much in society, like losing an absent parent and battling with the fallout of a separation – it’s about seeing the lighter side while acknowledging the dark parts exist. The best part of performing is the connection you make with the audience; it’s that rush you feel when people see you and hear you and want to know more of your story.
Who would you say have been your biggest inspirations?
Obviously, Hannah Gadsby, they changed the way the world saw comedy and allowed people in minorities to feel as though their voice was important and their stories worth sharing.
Michaela Coel – she blends comedy and authenticity so well. Her show, I May Destroy You, is one of the best pieces of television ever made.
What are three things that would surprise people to learn about you?
– I was a twin, but I got a bit hungry and had a bit of a snack in the womb.
– I have three kidneys – maybe from my twin, maybe not…..
– I come from a family of 7, so my twin is not missed that much.
What do you love to most about performing at MICF?
Getting to see everyone else’s shows!
What comes after the MICF for you?
Planning to launch Season 2 of the podcast, A Witch Is while also planning a live comedy fundraiser for Sherele Moody’s Femicide Watch for later in the year with Humdinger Studios.
Darkly funny and painfully human, Addickted is the brutally honest comedy about loss, lust and trying to heal yourself while constantly lighting yourself on fire.
Running till April 19
Jayne Steer | Addickted | Melbourne International Comedy Festival
