IN CONVERSATION WITH URZILA CARLSON

interview by JANA LETONJA

Award-winning comedian and actor Urzila Carlson is the reigning queen of comedy, and one of the biggest stars in Australia and New Zealand. With her signature deadpan delivery and cheeky wit, Urzila has sold out arenas across the Southern Hemisphere and is now setting her sights on conquering America. We’ve most recenlty been able to watch her in Netflix’s rom-com ‘Kinda Pregnant’, which premiered this February, and her comedy special ‘Just No’ just went live on YouTube. Next up, Urzila will be going on her debut tour with a brand-new show ‘Just Jokes’ in May in North America, followed by UK & Ireland later in 2025.

You’ve built an impressive career as one of the biggest stars in Australia and New Zealand. What was the moment when you realized comedy could be your career?

After I walked off stage from my second gig ever, which was only an open mic and I had yet to make one dollar from it as a job, I knew I was hooked. Maybe it was more a hope than a certainty, but I was going to do whatever I could to do it full time.

Your humor is often described as cheeky with a deadpan delivery. How did you develop your unique comedic style?

Honestly, the first couple of years I thought I needed a persona on stage and it didn’t go very well. Then, I decided to just go up as myself and tell stories that I find funny, so I guess I’m just deadpan and cheeky.

You’ve sold out arenas across the Southern Hemisphere. How does it feel to go from being a local favorite to an international star?

I don’t think of it like that as I have a bit of imposter syndrome. Whenever I walk out on stage, I’m always amazed that there are people in the room, amazed and happy. I love every minute of my stand-up career. It’s the one part of my career that I am sure of and know that I am in control, once all the stage fright goes, I mean.

How do you handle the pressure of being a “queen of comedy” in such a competitive industry?

By never thinking or referring to myself as the “queen of comedy” and by writing as much as I can and never taking my audiences for granted.

Tell us more about your upcoming US and Canada tour with your new show ‘Just Jokes’. What are you most excited about this American tour?

The jokes in this show come from my time in New York and what happened to me on the set of ‘Kinda Pregnant’, and my experiences leading up to the movie. I’ve toured it in New Zealand, Australia and in England. Those audiences loved it, so in a way I’m bringing this show home.

This February, we’ve been able to see you in Netflix’s romantic comedy ‘Kinda Pregnant’ alongside Amy Schumer, which is getting a lot of buzz. Can you share more about your character and the story of the film for those who haven’t watched it yet?

My character, Fallon, is the guidance counsellor at a school where we all work. Honestly, it was not acting at all. This character wasn’t written for me, she is me. The movie is about friends. One gets pregnant and the other one gets trapped in a lie that kind of spirals out of control, as they always do, and it’s hilarious and warm and beautiful.

You’ve been known for your stand-up comedy, but this is a significant acting role. How was it making the transition from stand-up to a feature film?

First off, let me just say the snacks are way better on set than when you’re travelling with a tour manager and in a different hotel every night. The process, of course, takes much longer, but it was rewarding and I made so many new friends it almost feels like a soppy Disney movie.

You’ve spoken openly about your personal experiences in your stand-up. How important is it for you to maintain authenticity and vulnerability in your work?

Very important and I was very lucky in this movie that I had Amy and director Tyler Spindel who let me do a lot of off the cuff stuff, and we riffed back and forth quite a bit so it was really amazing.

You’ve also launched a successful podcast, ‘That’s Enough Already!’, and voiced characters in animated films. How do you juggle these multiple creative outlets?

By not sleeping much.

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you while on stage or on set?

There have been very funny things that happened, but I have to say early on in my career, I was doing a show at the Adelaide Fringe in the Garden of Unearthly Delights. It was a scorcher of a day, and I was in a big tent about 10 minutes into my set when two possums walked up onto the stage and sat in front of the fan that I had on stage to try and stop me from melting my makeup off. The possums seemed undeterred by me, but gave me nothing in terms of uninvited audience members.

Aside from comedy, you’ve expressed an interest in various creative endeavors. Are there any new projects or hobbies you’re looking to explore in the near future?

Well, I am divorced so you know pottery will be on the horizon for me, because would pottery classes even exist without newly divorced middle-aged women? I think not.

CREDITS:

photography by NICK ROBERTSON and JUSTIN MA