We sat down with Sydney comedian Alex Reynolds (virtually of course) to talk comedy and how she is getting her laughs during this wild ride we call COVID-19. In normal times, Alex has sold out shows across Australia including Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe and Sydney Fringe Comedy, and she says no subjects are off-limits.
Alex’s confessional standup has left audiences cringing, crying with laughter and sometimes stunned in disbelief as she invites us into her up-and-down dating life, her comedy journey and her love of cats.
As a born and raised Sydneysider, where do you go to get your comedy fix?
At the moment, I hate to say it, but I’m obsessed with Tik Tok. I’ll innocently open the app to watch a couple of videos and the next thing I know it’s 2am and my eyes hurt, and I feel such deep shame…
When there’s not a pandemic, I’m usually spoilt for choice because there is something on every night of the week in Sydney. If I’m looking for a laugh I might head on down to The Chippo Hotel on a Sunday night for High Maintenance Comedy or see what show Improv Theatre Sydney has on.
There are great monthly shows like Kweens of Comedy, Crips & Creeps, and Two Queers Walk into a Bar. I also like to take full advantage of Sydney Comedy Festival and Sydney Fringe and try to see as many shows as possible when they are on.
How did you first get into comedy and how did you first realise you were ‘funny’?
I first got into doing stand-up when I was just finishing Uni. My friend and fellow comedian Lily Starr had put on a couple of shows that I helped out with behind the scenes. She then asked me if I wanted to give it a go and we put on a show together. It was terrifying but fun and so here I am years later still putting on shows.
I started doing drama classes at a young age so I was the drama kid growing up. You know the type. Yes, I hate myself too.
What should we expect to see at an Alex Reynolds show?
You can except a woman on the verge… of insanity.
What’s your favourite on-stage moment you’ve had so far?
A recent highlight would be performing for the first time as a Drag King. It was such a fun show. My character Bruce Scrumson (“The boys just call me Scrum”), is a die-hard Cronulla Sharks supporter and is based loosely on my own father. Looking forward to letting Bruce run free again soon.
With social distancing in place for the foreseeable future, how do you currently get your laughs?
I’ve been doing a lot of Netflix parties with friends which keeps me on my toes. It’s harder than I thought to watch something and type witty remarks at the same time. It usually digresses to us just writing “LOL” or “haha” back and forth until whatever we are watching is over.
What are your post COVID-19 plans?
I’ll be at da club getting tipsy.