SHARING LAUGHTER WITH COMEDIAN JULIA WILSON

In the lead up to the Darwin Fringe Festival, our very own Viv was lucky to meet up with Julia Wilson to talk about her journey into comedy and travelling the world doing what she loves. In 2010, Julia travelled to the Solomon Islands with the ADF to perform for our troops - we’re excited to share Julia’s story!

How did you get into comedy?

I was a bouncer and bodyguard for ten years - we’d all tell stories at staffies in the pub after the punters had left, about what had happened that night and what was happening in our lives. The boys were putting proper pressure on me to give standup a go, but honestly, I loved watching comedy so much, I was bricking it that I would suck and then the one thing I loved would be tainted. I ended up giving it a go and fell in love with performing. My first gig was so much fun that I will never not be a comedian.

What’s the best part about being a comedian?

I’m my own boss, I travel, I get to talk to people from all different cultures and worlds. Making people laugh and giving them a break from the real world for a bit is the highlight of most days.

What are some of the challenges you faced in becoming a comedian?

Job security is zero, so banks don’t exactly love you in terms of a mortgage. I work almost every weekend and I’m usually on the road, so my mates know that if I can’t make it to a birthday catch-up or get together, it’s not personal; gigs come first.

Who is your favourite comedian?

In chronological order, first introduction was Dave Allan (probably why I love whiskey and cigars to this day), Graham Kennedy, Billy Connolly, Eddie Murphy, Doug Anthony Allstars, Henry Rollins (not specifically comedy but a funny storyteller), Glynn Nicholas, Rachel Burger, Peter Berner, Tommy Dean.

I love storytellers who have a brutal honesty to them. All the rough edges and pointy bits that are real life. Chuck in some smarts and good timing and I’m hooked.

Do you have a favourite venue or gig?

I bloody love The Stand in Glasgow and The Comedy Store in Sydney. The crowds are always up for it and will go with you on every premise.

Funniest moment in comedy?

Having a miscommunication with a promoter about the date of a gig and having to bolt straight from footy training to a corporate 150km from my house. I somehow bent the time/space continuum and was only 20mins late, but I had to go on stage in my gridiron training gear, no makeup, and do a thirty-minute set to 400 people. It’s one of the best gigs I’ve had! That ties with being booked for a gig in Croatia and only once I got there, did they tell me I had to do two different 40 min sets AND hardly anyone spoke English.

What has been the biggest challenge for you?

I always miss my dog, bed, Valiant and home life when I’m on the road, but then I miss the road when I’m back home.

What is the main skill/lesson that you have learned from this experience?

To get out of my own way and enjoy the moment I’m in. Being in one space and focusing on another means you miss all the good bits of both.

What’s your best advice for someone looking to get into comedy?

Give it a go, immediately, but have your self-esteem and ego in check because audiences worldwide will wreck you if you’re pretending to be something you’re not. I’m unapologetically me.

Proudest moment in life?

Captaining NSW in footy was pretty cool, buying my favourite second hand bookshop with my mates was also a highlight, but being my Dad’s fulltime carer for years and standing beside him while he faced his own death will go down as the proudest and most meaningful thing I have ever done.

What are some other hobbies that you do in your spare time?

I lift heavy things and play every sport I can get my hands on. I trained for and ran a half marathon last year, and let me tell you, at 115kgs and 50 years of age, taking up running was the dumbest thing I’ve done. Got the medal though! After one too many concussions in gridiron, I had to give it up, but I’ve played every full contact sport imaginable and had to find something else. I’m currently chasing a new deadlift PB and I just took up croquet. It’s like pool with a sledgehammer and I bloody love it. 

What’s next for Julia Wilson?

I’ve written a TV show that is sitting on the desk of a few different fancy pants people, and I’m training for a five-night hike out in the bush for later in the year. I’ve got gigs booked all round Australia well into 2027 and I set myself a challenge of learning a new language, so I’m one term into learning Wiradjuri. Mandang guwu wudha-garbinya (thanks for listening) and guwayu (see you later).

The Top Ender Tri-Services Magazine would like to sincerely thank Julia for sharing her story with our readers!

Interviewed by Viv Kleeman