Annie Are You OK?, the new show from NSW comic Annie Boyle, promises pregnant silences, theatrical elements and the definitive answer to the question the show title asks.
Annie Boyle, a comedian who grew up in a little regional town called Henty, has quickly found her way onto stages alongside comedians such as Becky Lucas, Aaron Chen and Dave Hughes — largely on the back of quaint one-line zingers that take on a whole other character through her signature deadpan delivery.
Boyle’s new show, Annie Are You OK? introduces new characters and theatrical elements. It’s about the 2022 RAW state finalist’s adventures on a night out — along with love, loss, a cow called Madonna and Delta Goodrem — and the meaning she makes from this.
Annie Boyle – Annie Are You OK?
- March 28 to April 7 (except Monday)
- Melbourne Town Hall – The Flag Room
- Tickets are on sale now
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Do you have any pre-gig rituals?
Not necessarily pre-gig but I do have specific outfits I like to perform in. I have one for every season.
What about rituals in general?
I like to do things at the same time each day. My friends call me a robot which has never really impacted my life until recently when I had to fill out an online form.
You’re performing ‘Annie Are You Ok?’ at MICF. I know we shouldn’t ask but… are you Ok?
If I answer this then what was the point of even writing the show?
The show is about love, loss, a cow called Madonna and Delta Goodrem. Which one of these do you understand best?
My experience of loss has helped me understand love more. Loss isn’t just about what’s gone, it’s what remains – a reminder of the love that once filled our lives. It’s a tough lesson, but there’s a strange comfort in knowing that the grief I feel is meaningful because of the love I had.
What else is your show about?
It’s also about the adventures of a night out and the unexpected connections you make. It’s the things we think but don’t say, and the things we say but don’t think about. It’s also figuring out who you are without the person who made you who you were in the first place.
Did you have any realisations in the course of writing the show that will impact how you write your next show?
I realised I very much write on my feet. Maybe I should get a standing desk? I think for my next show, I would love to work with a director. I’ve got some big ideas in the oven.
The Adelaide Advertiser stated its worth audiences spending their money just to see your deadpan delivery. How deadpan does your delivery tend to be in civilian life?
People always hang up on me on FaceTime because they think the screen’s frozen.
How much is involved in showing very little?
Very little is involved.
You spent a year at NIDA’s Screen Actors Studio and studied acting at Sydney Theatre School. How significantly does your acting background impact your performance?
Because of the debt size I’m going to say very significantly. I play with silence a lot on stage and I think my comfort with that came from my training. Sometimes I’m thinking about what to say next other times it’s intentional – you’ll never know.
What are a few of the main differences between your first solo show ‘You’re Joking’ and ‘Annie, Are You Ok?’
One of the main differences is it’s not straight stand-up. You’re Joking was a collection of my greatest hits (only hits) and Annie Are You Ok is a story based around a specific event. The show reverse engineers a photo and includes multiple characters and theatrical elements.
What are you most expectant about, with regards to MICF 2024?
I’m eager to see my fellow comedy zone pals: Alexandra Hudson, Ben Hunter and Sam Gebreselassie debut their solo shows. It’s so cool to watch people you know making and sharing work.
What else do you have planned for 2024?
I co-wrote a comedy-murder-mystery set in an escape room, which I’ll be performing in at The Flight Path Theatre 21st to 25th of May. Making an appearance in season two of Colin From Accounts – can’t wait for that. I’m also organizing a charity show at the Comedy Store on June 19th to raise funds for Huntington’s Australia. After that, I will tackle the beast that is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Annie Are You OK? Starts at MICF on March 28. Grab tickets here.
