Jeez Louise

A celebration of women in comedy 

The great Linda Haggar set up the Jeez Louise Funny Women’s Forum in 2002, with the hopes of encouraging more women to get into comedy and to support those already there. At that time, comedy was an incredibly male dominated industry and she wanted to change that. Jeez Louise is still going strong.

Keep an eye out for Jeez Louise 2022 events to be announced!

JEEZ LOUISE 2021

Trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse comedians and performers are standing up and stepping out. As the world evolves its understanding of gender identity, preferred pronouns and social norms, gender-transcendent stars are reaching wider and more diverse audiences and garnering critical acclaim. 

To further interrogate, understand and celebrate their careers, Jeez Louise: Transplaining brought together an incredible panel of writers and performers – including Chloe Black, Scout Boxall and Oliver Reeson, moderated by Mama Alto – to discuss their lived experiences and share their stories, from the page to the stage.

JEEZ LOUISE 2019

‘Everything is copy’ Nora Ephron

But is it fair, and is it funny, to mine your personal life (and other people’s) for the sake of comedy?

Jeez Louise was born in 2002 to encourage more women to get into comedy, and to support those already there. 17 years on, we chat with women who have taken the time to look back – tackling their own memoir. From process, to dealing with the memories and emotions of the past, our expert panel delve into writing your own history.

JEEZ LOUISE 2018

In 2018, the Jeez Louise conversation addressed the #metoo movement from the perspective of women working in comedy today. 

In an industry that encourages rawness and vulnerability via humour and personal storytelling, what are the lines that shouldn’t be crossed, on and off stage? Have the last six months induced any change? 

The Festival’s best comedy minds came together a civilised discussion about being uncivil.

JEEZ LOUISE 2017

Jeez Louise Address: Cal Wilson
Presented in collaboration with Nelly Thomas

Women in comedy. The questions are always asked. Based on anonymous answers from industry and audiences, Cal discussed whether gender makes a difference... from the perspective of those watching, programming and performing comedy.

This address explored honest responses around diversity in the world of comedy. What does the industry actually think? Is it what we think they're thinking?