Award-winning comedian Nikki Justice has lived a life full of twists, turns and missteps, and she’s not afraid to laugh about it.
Ms Nikki grew up in a crime family, had a stint with the circus, married a bikie and also the pain of loss.
She’s now turning those experiences into laughs in her comedy show ‘1 and a half Weddings’ and ‘a Funeral’, coming to Thornlie Bowling Club on Saturday, November 1
The comedienne said her debut solo show follows the thread of significant relationships in her life; from her father to her husband and her sons, and how those experiences shaped her choices.
“I kind of went into my childhood and then into adulthood and found myself repeating history,” she said. “I ended up dating men very much like my father, and I talk about why I go for the red flags, because they all had one thing in common, which was prison. It’s my journey through trying to figure that out and having a bit of fun with it along the way.”
Comedy, she explained, became her way of coping during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“I’ve always had a predisposition to laugh at my misfortunes — that old saying, if you didn’t laugh, you’d cry,” she said.
“In lockdown I was posting funny stories about my crazy life on social media. People were reacting to it really well, and then a comedian commented on one of my posts calling me a comedian. That planted the seed. Two weeks later, I signed up for an open mic and I’ve never looked back.”
Her style has been described as dark humour, something she embraces.
“There’s loss and grief in my show, but I find the funny side and make it easier. That’s what makes it dark,” she said.
Since that first open mic, Ms Nikki has gone on to win ‘Best Comedy’ at Perth’s Fringeworld Festival this year, reach the finals of RAW Comedy, and become a regular guest on a viral YouTube comedy channel with more than a million subscribers.
Despite her growing profile, she stated that she prefers performing in local clubs and community spaces like Thornlie Bowling Club.
“These are my favourite types of gigs,” she said.
“I love the vibe outside of the city. It’s a very different comedy crowd — a lot more fun and relaxed. I’ve been touring regional WA the last few months and it’s been the best time.”
According to the Ms Nikki, it’s more than comedy, it’s resilience told through laughter.
“I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve come out the other side and turned things into a positive,” she said. “I hope people connect with me, enjoy the story, and maybe feel inspired to take a chance themselves.”
Ms Nikki is already working on her next show, a continuation of her experiences with relationships and dating, while also preparing to tour Queensland.
