Danielle Walker has enjoyed great success at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, winning The Pinder Prize (2022) Best Newcomer (2018), and Raw Comedy (2016).
This year, she brings us The Lady Upstairs, a collection of quirky stories reflecting on why Danielle is the person she is. Danielle gives the audience two options: is her eccentric family and upbringing in North Queensland to ‘blame’, or is it her recent diagnosis of Autism and ADHD?
That the question is never answered is perhaps Walker’s genius, or perhaps it is symptomatic of a show that falls short of having a cohesive narrative. Walker herself jokes “I don’t do segues”.
Danielle Walker – The Lady Upstairs
- Ends April 21
- The Victoria Hotel – Banquet Room
- Tickets are on sale now
Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
View this post on Instagram
The familial tales included in the 55-minute set are emblematic of Aussie humour, teasing those you love the most. However, Walker explains that family is also her neurodivergent special interest topic. Highlights include childhood photos, her father’s love of sunglasses and videorecorders, her straight-talking grandma, and Uncle Pete the prankster.
Walker imagines there is a lady upstairs controlling her brain, processing information differently to neurotypical people. This has led to obsessing over the Zoom camera and eating rosemary straight off a bush to avoid seeing children.
A slideshow with Walker’s own drawings adds an innocence to her off-beat stories. The most moving stories were written like essays and will improve with reduced reliance on notes.
At the show’s conclusion, the audience is overcome by an urge to be her friend and will be forever invested in the happenings of the Walker clan.
Grab remaining tickets to see Danielle Walker’s The Lady Upstairs here.
