How would you describe your show to someone who knows very little about it?
Maitriarchy is all about Fifty, Frisky & Family Roadtrippin’—Laughs, Luggage, and a Little Lack of Lingerie is an hour of stand-up comedy. I will take you on a round-the-world tour of countries, my midlife and menopausal tour, and give a glimpse of my marital life. It has a little bit of everything!
What makes it stand out and why should people see it?
When I started comedy, I was sure about one thing: I did not want to be known as just one kind of comedian. I grew up in a small town with nothing but a solid education and a PhD‑level ability to spin life as it came — because there was no other choice. I’ve reinvented myself so many times it’s basically my hobby. I built a successful maths tutoring business, travelled the world as an expat, made Hong Kong my home, and then — like a classic mid‑life crisis instead of the affair (too much work)— I jumped into stand‑up comedy. And the experiences from this wildly diverse life? Comedy. Gold. If you want a glimpse of all of it — the chaos, the culture shocks, the countries, without spending all that money and needing a visa— then this is the show for you. I will sprinkle some husband-bashing in there for you, too, and don’t worry, my husband loves it!
How long was the process from idea to writing to stage? Any challenges along the way?
This show took 6 months to make. Lots of mini shows for practice, some classic old jokes but mostly new material.
What attracts you to comedy?
When I restarted my age at 40 — yes, restarted, because women don’t age, we reboot — I wanted to finally make my childhood dream of being an actor come true. Stand‑up comedy wasn’t even in my radar. So I shut down my tutoring business, dramatically, like a Bollywood heroine quitting her job for love, and I jumped headfirst into acting. And VERY quickly I realised that I was too old, too fat, and too outdated for acting. But I discovered live stand‑up comedy where being too old, too fat, and too outdated…is a SUPERPOWER. That’s what I love about comedy. You can be absolutely anything — loud, quiet, chaotic, wise, confused — and still entertain the hell out of people. I’m also very careful not to share inaccurate information for comedic effect, because trust me, some people will believe it. But that’s the beauty of stand‑up, any weight, any age, any background, any level of life chaos — it’s all valid! And what I love most, with humour, I get to bridge cultures. One stage, one mic, many accents, many worlds… and somehow, we all end up laughing at the same madness.
How would you describe your relationship with the audience and what do you love the most about live performance?
I have been told I have a calm and likeable presence up on stage. I love looking at people when I am up there. If I don’t see anyone, or watch them laugh, it takes away the pleasure of the performance. I don’t necessarily talk to them all the time. I feel it’s a fine line, when you push the audience participation. Sometimes if I speak to someone and realise they are not enjoying it I switch it to someone else immediately. Of course, sometimes their reluctance itself becomes comedy for the others in the audience, but I feel everyone should be having fun. The immediate feedback is what makes it all worthwhile!
Who would you say have been your biggest inspirations?
My biggest inspiration in life is my mother. She’s been blind from a very young age due to a genetic disorder called retinitis pigmentosa. She lost my dad when she was just 32, and somehow — with zero vision but full determination — she got herself a job at a bank purely on compassionate grounds (yes, that was actually a thing back then). And she raised us on her own. If she hadn’t gotten that job when she did, I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am today. As for comedy inspiration — that is my best buddy, Allan. This tiny Scottish man is basically a human firecracker. One pint of beer and BOOM. I absolutely adore how fast he is on his feet. His mind works at lightning speed… I can’t use ANY of his jokes, unfortunately. There are these quick one-liners that hit you, destroy you, and vanish before you can even write them down. But being around him? Pure joy.
What are three things that would surprise people to learn about you?
I’m a total maths nerd. Like, full-blown, no‑shame, equations-for-fun kind of nerd. When I’m bored, I solve quadratic equations in my head. I love writing maths with those sharp, pointy pencils, and if I get something wrong? Ohh the joy of using an eraser. Honestly, give me a fresh notebook and new stationery, and I’m happier than a child in a candy shop. A nerdy, algebra-obsessed child. I’m also extremely sensitive. I know, I know — I come across bold, fierce, “I’ll-handle-it” energy… but inside, I’m basically a timid little cupcake. Only my closest friends and family know this. Everyone else thinks I’m made of steel. Well, I guess, now you know! And when it comes to people… I notice nothing except attitude. My mom used to send me to weddings and then grill me:
“Who wore what?” I couldn’t tell you colour, style, hairstyle — nothing. But I can tell you instantly if someone was kind, if they were warm, if they were boring. Looks go right over my head — but vibes? Vibes, I notice.
What do you love to most about performing at MICF?
This will be my first time at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. I am excited, but I don’t know yet what I will love most!
What comes after the MICF for you?
After MICF I have a show in Manila and then will take Singapore by storm! Those are the immediate plans.. after that, I go with the flow
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/maitriarchy/
