ACCIDENTALLY falling into stand-up comedy has taken Australian celebrity Fiona O’Loughlin on a bumpy ride, leaving her with a long list of stories to share with crowds around the globe.
Considered the nation’s best comedic storyteller, Ms O’Loughlin will draw on her weird and wild experiences when she visits Mount Gambier next month for her latest show – Gap Year.
It has been a long road back to the spotlight for Ms O’Loughlin, after she was given just a 7pc chance to live in 2015 after falling into a coma caused by a spiral of “unresolved alcoholism” issues.
“It was one of the worst stages of life but it was just what happened,” she said.
“I say unrecoverable alcoholics only have three endings if they are unable to become sober which are death, jail or institution.
“I mean I nearly died.”
Ms O’Loughlin entered long-term rehabilitation after walking the streets with no place to live.
“I found the courage to go and help myself,” she said.
The iconic comedic storyteller said it was like “all of a sudden” she had her life back.
“I have experienced the rise and the fall and am now on a rise again,” she said.
“I certainly have the opportunity to tell the audience a pretty wild story about myself now.”
Ms O’Loughlin was quite young when she started in the industry, starting as a master of ceremonies in “amateur cabarets.”
“While living in Alice Springs during the 80’s, I was drawn to the art scene as it was quite big back then,” the comedian said.
“I did not realise I was unintentionally performing stand-up until the arts minister at the time told me.
“I had never seen a performance live so he asked me to apply for a grant and I received $600 to go to watch stand-up comedy in Melbourne.”
Aged 28, Ms O’Loughlin said she was “bloody awful” when launching in the industry.
“I think I just picked up the wrong instrument as I was just doing what other comedians were doing,” she said.
“I started again and threw my hat in the ring into the professional side of things performing at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2000.
“I just began telling stories which were based in truth and it really took off.”
Ms O’Loughlin said her comedy was different and relatable for people.
“I am always talking about everyday things and I mean, everybody knows somebody with a drinking problem,” she said.
“I especially love Mount Gambier and regional areas in particular because I think the crowd speaks the same language.”
Ms O’Loughlin believes her Gap Year show is the best she has written.
“You will not regret coming to watch at all,” she said.
“I had a 7pc chance at life so people can come and find out whether I lived or not.”
Ms O’Loughlin will perform live at the Sir Robert Helpman Theatre on August 14 from 7.30pm.
Tickets are available at the Country Arts SA website.
