Ava Vidal was shot onto the comedy stage after entering a competition that she ‘foolishly thought’ would bring her loads of money- well, it may not have brought her loads of money, but it’s brought her audiences a hell of a lot of laughs.
Not claiming to be any kind of Robin Williams, Vidal knew her life wasn’t all that comical, she wasn’t always the centre of attention, so when her friends heard she was trying out for a comedy competition, many of them thought that was the joke.
Managing to wow the judges, Vidal eventually found her way into the Kings of Comedy house, propelling her career sky high and making her a household name in Britain. While some may say she has a sarcastic feel to her humour, Vidal sees it as ‘conversational and matter of fact.’ She says, ‘some people call it deadpan which it isn’t. I always think that deadpan is deliberate and I am not. Bad relationships and my children have sucked the joy out of me.’
Over the years Vidal has used her every day life as inspiration for her sketches. “Everything that happens in my life is turned into comedy – usually the bad things,” she laughs. In The Hardest Word, it was a bit of an argument: “I had an argument with a comedian that I despise. I said some harsh words and was so wracked with guilt that I had many sleepless nights. I was wondering if I should apologise or not and changed my mind many times.”
Throughout the show Vidal examines apologies and why she finds them so difficult, looking at those in the public eye that have to apologise and those who flat out refuse, as she wonders if it’s all worth it. Find out just how hard sorry can be to say.
Ava Vidal performs The Hardest Word at Chapel Off Chapel between March 31 – April 23. The show is at 9pm Monday – Sunday and tickets are $25/$17.50 on Tight Arse Tuesday. Book through chapeloffchapel.com.au, 8290 7000 or on the door.
Catia Toniolo
