Got no plans for International Women's Day? She'll Be Right

Celebrate women, be awed by talented performers and have a laugh this International Women’s Day at the She’ll Be Right Comedy event.

The variety night, a regular feature on Wollongong’s comedy scene, was begun by Diana McLaren and Malika Rees in 2018 after the then-newbies noticed most stand-up comedy shows had line-ups that were overwhelmingly made up of men.

This year the fixture of the Wollongong entertainment scene will celebrate its seventh birthday on Friday 7 March, the eve of International Women’s Day.

Entertainers from comedians to musicians and writers to circus performers are on the bill.

Wollongong Citizen of the Year, She’ll Be Right co-founder, advocate and comedian Malika Rees will emcee the evening, and share the story of how she became a ‘titani-mum’.

Malika said the evening was more than just a good night out.

“It’s an opportunity for men to come and support women, connect and advocate,” she said.

“We need community more than ever right now, and supporting each other locally, face-to-face is how we build that community.

“It’s about that solidarity and sisterhood in a world that feels like it’s going backwards.

“We can’t be complacent but we can’t lose our sense of joy and love. Laughter is really important in times when we need hope.”

Two-time RAW Comedy finalist Laura Coleman will headline the event.

Laura is en route to the Melbourne Fringe but is stopping in Wollongong to drop some pearls of wisdom – like why her ideal man drives a Honda Jazz.

Jamberoo comedian and She’ll Be Right co-founder Diana McLaren will bring her brand of open, raw and warm comdey to the stage.

This edition of She’ll Be Right features two sets of mothers and daughters with a flair for performance.

Malika’s daughters, duo Ana Olivia will sing sweet soulful harmonies, and alongside performer Maya Battestini will take care of the musical portion of the show.

Maya’s mum, Al Battestini, will bring her finely-honed circus skills to the stage. Al has worked in circus and theatre for 15 years.

Handstand maestro Corie Hurry will also showcase his physical skills as the “token male” on the bill.

Performance poet, Enough Said poetry slam and Wollongong Singles host Adara Enthaler will give a spoken word performance.

Author Lucy Nelson will give a talk ahead of the release of her book of short stories about women who experience childlessness.

She’ll Be Right is on Friday 7 March at The Servo in Port Kembla. Doors open at 5:30 pm, show starts at 7 pm.

Tickets here.