More than just laughs!

Standing Up

In the world of stand-up comedy, the tag of ‘woman’ precedes the title of stand-up comedian for Kate McLennan.

Kate, who is from Australia, leaves her audience in splits after every show of hers through her acts and characters that mainly portray women in society, the pressures they face and the expectations that ride on them.

Kate’s family encouraged her to get into stand-up, a largely male-dominated industry, because of her bold and appealing characteristics.

“A gender bias exists here, as it does, anywhere else. When I write a script too, I automatically think of the narrator as a male. This is a common mindset which I hope changes,” she says. 

Kate’s foray into stand-up started when she took an interest in sketch comedy during college, and found it difficult initially because of the confusion in her mind on whether she was getting her scripts right and if the audience was able to understand her message.

“However, being funny is not something you can choose. The audience choose you because everything depends on their response to an artiste’s performance.”

She is currently writing for TV and a web series, but Kate loves live performances more than any TV show because of the personal rapport and organic feel a live show can provide and its edgy, dicey and challenging feel that puts  a lot of pressure on an artiste.

The successful woman stand-up comedian has never blanked out on stage, but if she does, she hopes to cover up by asking the audience to involve themselves in her act.

Touring India, Kate seems to be enjoying herself as she finds the place less stressful and very enjoyable.

She has watched Indian stand-up shows too and thinks that they have a style of their own and are good in their own right. For her, laughter is the best medicine.

When asked what makes her laugh, “Kids and old people. Silliness, basically. I recommend everyone who comes to my show to just release their stress by laughing.”

In the future of stand-up, Kate wishes to see a lot more women coming in.

“I hope there is never a time when girls say that they can’t pursue a profession because of their gender. I know five women who can be stand-up comedians because they are incredibly funny and I wish this industry has more opportunities for women.”