Iliza Shlesinger’s intelligent, considered and yet hysterically biting views on motherhood, married life, dating, women, men, and the social media age are a complete and utter joy to behold.
I stumbled upon Iliza’s work not long before the world was hit by the pandemic (I know – I’m late to the game and regrettably so!).
A YouTube rabbit hole of her content later, I found her perspectives on a range of topics to be fresh, hilarious, stimulating and engaging. When the opportunity arose to see her ‘Forever’ Tour in Brisbane in early 2020 (that’s right, THAT year), I jumped at the chance, and loved every second of it.
‘Back In Action’, Iliza’s first step back down under since COVID-19, is, unsurprisingly, another impressive hour by the talented stand-up. Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall vibrated with laughter for a majority of the time Iliza stood before it, pause only for an audience eager to hear the next punchline. Her ability to sprinkle local references and Australian accents among her rehearsed material felt totally seamless and gave the show its own personal touch. This was a friend sharing stories and connecting with everyone in the room expertly.
There’s something incredibly profound about Iliza’s work – it’s something that sets her apart from much of the comedians I’ve witnessed. The ability to walk the line between making something the butt of a joke while simultaneously teaching the audience an actually valuable and thought-provoking lesson about it, is unparalleled.
Stand-up doesn’t need to have depth, or layers of meaning, to reach its endgame – but that doesn’t mean it can’t, and Iliza Shlesinger is leading the charge in a style of stand-up which sees audiences looking inward to consider parts of themselves, and then laughing at what they find.
Iliza – Australia absolutely adores you. Please, never stop coming back to us!
