Women Like Us get the handmaid’s sanitiser out to give the low-down on just what happened to them in lockdown!

Women Like Us: Mums of Mullum

After months of cleaning cupboards, knitting beanies and making sourdough, Women Like Us, Ellen Briggs and Mandy Nolan have had enough. With their families unable to provide the thrill of a real live audience, even in what had been described as a ‘hostage’ situation, the two comedians are chomping at the bit to get back in front of their home crowd. Yes! They are back on stage, bold as brass and giving sass at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services 24 and 25 July.

With lockdown regulations easing in NSW, people are returning to clubs and pubs, but entertainment is a little slower. In the ‘no dancing, no standing’ world, comedy is one of the first industries that can go back – as their audiences are seated anyway. Although Mandy admits that her life will be complete when someone dances to one of her jokes.

The two performed their first two out-of-iso shows at the Byron RSL a few weeks ago to enraptured audiences. After months on Zoom, being in a real comedy room was exhilarating!

Women Like Us has presented 152 shows. That’s pretty extraordinary for the two comedians who had an idea four years ago that they should team up to create a show about their experiences as mothers and wives. Women Like Us has become one of the most in-demand touring comedy shows on the regional circuit – with the girls heading out west again later this year for more shows.

There is nothing Mandy and Ellen love more than a home show. And Ellen is especially happy, as being a germ freak, it’s like a dream to be back with audiences who have hand-sanitised!

‘We can bust out our local gear here’ says Mandy. ‘Stuff you can’t do anywhere else because people just don’t get it. But here in Mullum, we can make jokes about Mullum. About our 5G protests, our infamous hugs, our love of turmeric. It all goes in the melting pot!’

So, find out how the COVID lockdown was for Women Like Us. Laughter, as they say, is the best way to survive anything – and heck – after what we’ve all been through, we sure need a laugh!

Women Like Us– at the Mullum Ex-Services on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July, 8pm. Social distancing is observed, so numbers are limited. Get your tickets now to avoid disappointment! $35 online purchase only at womenlikeus.com.au

Austentayshus and Mandy Nolan – appearing at the Byron Services Club on Friday and Saturday, and the Ballina RSL on Wednesday 22 July.

Austentayshus Virus

Catch the Austentayshus virus. It’s highly contagious. He doesn’t just affect the old and immune compromised. No one gets out unaffected from a Tayshus show! Catch the big man of comedy’s take on COVID-19, the Chinese connection, the conspiracies, and more. A Tayshus political download is always enlightening – he has a unique ability to weave topical events and personalities into an elaborate comedic narrative. It’s not just about comedy for him, it’s about what it means to be Australian. One of his perennial themes is our flimsy national identity – and of course, the pope. He loves a few pope jokes, or as Austen calls him ‘The CEO of the Catholic church.’

Austentayshus performs with Mandy Nolan and John Peacock at the Byron Services Club on Friday and Saturday at 8pm – tix are $35 from mandynolan.com.au. He is also performing with Mandy at the Ballina RSL on Wednesday 22 July at 7.30pm, $30.
ballinarsl.com.au

The Dirty Channel– Part of the daily music offerings from the Beach Hotel.

The Dirty Channel

Adam Brown, in The Dirty Channel, captivates audiences with his unique vocal style and expressive guitar sounds. Widely hailed as one of Australia’s best Dobro slide guitarists, Brown’s gigs and recordings leave listeners feeling energised and musically sated. Brown has honed his craft at venues across Australia – from festivals to pubs and clubs, to private functions. With a depth to his repertoire that demonstrates versatility and an impressive stylistic range, Brown has attracted a strong and loyal following sure to grow in coming years.

You can catch The Dirty Channel at the Beach Hotel on Saturday.

Ash Grunwald is one of the artists doing online gigs, listed in the gig guide. Photo Tree Faerie.

Online Gigs

Whilst some of the venues are opening for music, musicians and artists are also getting creative online, so check out the mini gig guide for their offerings and if you are an artist/entertainer who wants the shire to know about your show, let us know at [email protected]