Cal Wilson’s Supposably turns ‘irrational aggravations’ into a source of joy
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14.04.2023

Cal Wilson’s Supposably turns ‘irrational aggravations’ into a source of joy

Cal Wilson
words by Bryget Chrisfield

You’ll definitely recognise Cal Wilson from the telly (The Great Australian Bake Off, Spicks And Specks, Have You Been Paying Attention?).

Her three cats – Barnacle, Pirate and Kipper – might also be on your radar, ‘cause they’re famous on TikTok (which Cal hilariously describes as “millions of tiny documentaries made without research”).  

Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Named after her husband’s infuriating incorrect take on supposedly, Supposably basically turns “irrational aggravations” into a source of joy. She definitely has a unique perspective on life and Cal makes some value judgements on people she’s just met based on this criterion: “What’s the oldest thing in your fridge?” 

Thanks to Cal’s vivid, detailed storytelling, we can picture her reaching for that top-shelf pot in Bunnings and feel like we’re right there beside her while she sorts through endless boxes (108, to be precise!) with her hoarder dad – of socks that need darning, in particular – while they clear space in the garage to accommodate a clothes dryer. And it’s Cal’s gleeful (over)sharing of the misfortunes of her nearest and dearest that routinely bring the biggest LOLs.

Her son Digby – now a teenager (“He’s just turned Lynx Africa”) – has cleared her recounting of his show-stopping wardrobe malfunction – while dressed as an Oompa Loompa and performing The Lollipop Guild at a school concert – when he was six, we’re told.

Even just looking at Cal – her funky purple pixie cut with hot-pink fringe, quirky farshun choices and dimpled smile – instantly boosts our mood. She clearly delights in the ridiculous – eg. initiating “secret walking races with strangers” while out and about – and her comedic timing is flawless. Supposably is unmissable. 

Best bit: Cal’s response to a charity worker who approached her in town, brandishing a clipboard: she accidentally snapped, “Not interesting!” – complete with firm accompanying arm gesture – when she’d actually intended to say, “Sorry, not interested”.  

Audience participation: Cal shares a previous audience member’s “irrational aggravation”: “I hate mushrooms, because they’re smug.”

Number of legit LOLs: A non-stop barrage plus one instance of cry-laughing to the point where tears streamed down my face.   

Catch Supposably at the Swiss Club until April 23. Grab tickets here.