One of Australia's best-known and most-loved comedians, Kitty Flanagan, is back on the road with a show full of laughs to deliver around the country.
Kitty's a writer and performer, as well as a co-writer, co-director and star of the hit comedy series 'Fisk' on the ABC and Netflix. Plus, she played Rhonda on 'Utopia', and can regularly be seen as a contestant on Channel Ten's 'Have You Been Paying Attention?’.
Her new show is called 'Glad Game', and in it, Kitty will be asking – but not necessarily answering – all the big questions. Were we smarter before we discovered Facebook. . . Instagram. . . TikTok? Has your call EVER been used for training purposes? And what's an 'empath'?!
Kitty's most likely coming to a theatre near you. She's doing all the travelling so you don't have to – and while she's on the road, we caught up with her to talk all things 'Glad Game', accolades, and the unbeatable thrill of live stand-up.
First of all. . . What’s the ‘Glad Game’?
It’s a reference from 'Pollyanna' – the children’s storybook. Pollyanna was a very positive person. I’m not. But I’m trying to be.
You ask whether we were smarter before social media. . . When did you personally lose hope?
When my algorithm suggested a post about how to cut my toenails. I would like to know what I had been watching that made my algorithm think I was so stupid that I didn’t know how to do something so basic and fundamental.
You’ve played some famously deadpan characters – how different is Kitty-on-stage to Kitty-in-life?
I think I’m a lot more animated. And certainly not as much of a bitch as Rhonda from 'Utopia'. . . (maybe?) I’m also a lot less informed. On television I play characters that know stuff. In real life I’m just a big ol' windbag of poorly-researched opinions.
Touring everywhere so audiences don’t have to travel feels generous. . . Thank you! What’s the least glamorous part of the touring life for you?
Trying to get dinner after the show. So many restaurants close their kitchens too early so my dinner is often crackers, hummus and left over sandwiches. Ahhh, the glamour!
Is there a question you pose in ‘Glad Game’ that audiences react way more strongly to than you expected?
When I suggest that the greatest time in history to be a woman was the 1700s. There's (rightly) a fair bit of resistance to that notion.
You’ve begun to be recognised for your work as an actress in shows like ‘Fisk’ and ’Utopia’. What does recognition for this feel like and is acting something you’re really hoping to continue doing long-term?
I love acting, I love being on a set, I love the whole machine of a production. But I think I should stick to doing comedy roles, that’s where I’m best utilised. There are plenty of talented, properly trained actors who can do the drama and 'serious acting'. I’m not required in that genre.
After years of panel shows and sitcoms, what does live stand-up still give you that TV doesn’t?
Instant feedback. It’s literally, “hey audience, is this funny?” And you find out immediately if it is or it isn’t. It’s still so exciting trying out a new bit. The first time a new joke works is the best – it’s also a relief, you feel yourself go, oh thank god, I can still do this.
What inspired you to give standing up on stage and telling jokes a go in the first place?
I think I was looking for a quick way to get on stage and perform. I had no musical talent, I wasn’t a trained actor, so really all that left was stand-up. The only type of performance where you can rock up and say “I’ve never done this before, can I have a crack at it for five minutes?” And they welcome you with open arms. Cos if you’re good that’s great, but if you’re dreadful, that’s kind of funny too. Win win.
And what advice do you have for any up-and-comers in the field who are just finding their feet with it now?
Don’t waste money on “comedy courses”, they’re for chickens. Just go anywhere and everywhere to do gigs. Do as many gigs as you can, paid and unpaid, you just need to get up in front of an audience as often as possible.
Kitty Flanagan Australia 2026 Tour Dates
20 February – The Forge Theatre & Arts Hub (Bairnsdale)
24-27 February – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
6 March – West Gippsland Arts Centre (Warragul)
14-15 March – Lighthouse Theatre (Warrnambool)
27-28 March – Kyneton Town Hall
2-19 April – Regent Theatre (Melbourne)
12-20 June – His Majesty's Theatre (Perth)
14-19 July – Adelaide Festival Centre
5-9 August – Queensland Performing Arts Centre
18-30 August – Roslyn Packer Theatre (Sydney)
