She’s been a part of the Royal Shakespeare Company, a key part of the Absolutely Fabulous team, interviewed some of the most famous people on the planet for audiences of tens of millions and even voiced the Pope in the controversial BBC cartoon series Popetown. Now she’s appearing for the first time at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Out of Her Mind is a continuation of Wax’s work on the topic of mental health. Having struggled with bipolar disorder for decades, Wax has proudly obtained a Master’s Degree in cognitive therapy from Oxford University, which one senses has been an important part of her own journey to mental wellbeing. Out of Her Mind features Wax delivering the story of her illness in a slick and stylish fashion.
While I found Out of Her Mind rewarding, I didn’t find it laugh-out-loud funny. Wax’s story is really touching, and you get the sense that this huge internal store of strength is stashed away somewhere in this larger-than-life comedienne. That’s not to say it isn’t funny – it is. In parts it’s even hilarious, but I couldn’t help but reflect on the sad truths about life and our attitude towards mental illness which Wax reflects on throughout the show.
BY JOSH FERGEUS
