She's tackled love, digital dating, being a virgin bride. . . Living through a global pandemic, enduring cancel culture and political correctness. . . But now, Effie can't even recognise herself.
In 'Frigid To Feral', Effie (Mary Coustas) is wrangling with the idea that she's maybe not as sure of herself as she once was: and it's got her big boofhead spinning right round, like a record baby.
While the world changes around her, Effie can't help but notice she's beginning to change with it. She's determined to figure out just what on earth is happening to her, and she might just be able to make sense of it in a brand-new show.
There's only one way to find out if she does or not – and that's to head along and see it for yourself.
In the midst of touring 'Frigid To Feral', we sat down with Effie/Mary to talk all things change, touring, and what audiences can take from the show.
‘Frigid To Feral’… What’s been happening in Effie’s world that has pushed things from one extreme to the next?!
Change is inevitable. I have, by some miracle, kept it at bay for decades. But I confess things they have changed in me. For a lifetime I have been a high gloss, high haired, high spirited being. But time has taken its toll. Dryness has taken its place. These days I’m dry as a piece of toast and I’m not talking about my humour, if you know what I mean. Yes, I have dandruff in my pants. I am filled with fury and with fear of losing my mind, my marriage, and my moisture. But I will not lose my humour. Thank God laughter is my lube.
For the uninitiated, where did Effie come from as a character… And who is she?
Effie is a working-class westie Wog legend. The personification of the '80s. A chick who refused to apologise for not ticking society’s checklist of what warrants success. Success is confidence, community, and being able to say what you think without self-consciousness and apology. Character is the greatest currency. Where did I find her? I stumbled across the accent and then the visual in the mid-'80s in a Lygon St Melbourne cafe whilst I was in the bathroom. I heard the accent first. Captivated, I stayed long enough to get completely hooked and then when I stepped out and saw the oversized hair, the oversized hairspray, and the blue eyeshadow I knew I had to play a character like that. I would have been Effie if I’d not left the working-class suburb of Collingwood and thrust into the white middle-class suburbs. She became the love letter to my childhood. And thankfully for so many others like me.
You’ve tackled everything from digital dating to cancel culture in past shows. What made you decide that 2026 was the year to turn the spotlight inward?
Effie’s sense of self has been her superpower. It has been consistently her greatest asset over almost four decades of public life. What happens when you suddenly watch yourself change in front of your very eyes? You 'out yourself' and your concerns in a comedy show. You use the confessional that is the stage to try make sense of a challenge you never anticipated. Effie’s audience is her most unconditional relationship. They have always been there for her and she for them. Laughter is never better than when used as a tonic – as a means of relieving tension, confusion and to liberate yourself. 'Frigid To Feral' is Effie’s psychological pap smear.
Effie’s always been the queen of confidence and self-assurance. How does she handle suddenly not recognising herself anymore?
Not with any subtlety or grace, but with humanity and humour. She is freaked out, frazzled and fried with fear. She has gone from hot to boiling, from frigid to feral and she’s hoping not to go from married to divorced.
The show touches on politics, pressure and the cost of living – all the things everyone’s yelling about right now. How much of that chaos feeds into Effie’s own meltdown?
Cost of living is very haunting to Effie – she was born tight in the pocket and cash is her favourite four-letter word. So, she’s in a world of pain right now. Greeks invented politics (it’s part of our DNA) and politics is currently a horror show with way too many franchises – these outside triggers that further highlight Effie’s inner and outer turmoil and boil. The world is a steroid to our collective awareness, and we are swayed every day by it in so many ways. Effie has always had a great radar for separating herself from what does not serve her optimism and self-love, but in her current state of mind and physical vulnerability she must use a double condom of consciousness to keep her safe from negativity and despair. Every day she meditates, manifests, and muses on her blessings and tries to maintain as much upherselfness as possible. It’s the only immunity left in the world.
What’s one thing about touring a show like this which simply never gets old?
Discovering the galaxy of stars in the audience every night. Human beings are my favourite pastime, and they never cease to amaze and amuse me every single night. And that’s been the case for the last 35 years of live shows.
On the flip side, what’s one thing that’s maybe not so glamorous about life on the road?
There’s a lot of late night long drives taking this show to all the people I want to see it. Torrential rain and never-ending freeways. I’m very thankful for the podcasts and phone calls that keep me company.
Audiences know Effie for the big personality and razor-sharp observations. What do you hope people take away after witnessing her journey from frigid to feral?
I hope people see themselves and their everyday struggles in what Effie talks about on stage. I hope that they – like they always have, continue to use her words when they need to bring some joy to the awkwardness and "how embarrassment” humane moments in life, and remember to laugh when they need it most. . . It’s the oxygen we can’t get enough of.
Effie Australia 2026 Tour Dates
14-19 April – Arts Centre Melbourne (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)
6 and 10 May – Factory Theatre (Sydney Comedy Festival)
8 May – Concourse Theatre (Sydney Comedy Festival)
24 May – Brisbane Powerhouse (Brisbane Comedy Festival)
