Premium Content:

Urzila Carlson Flies High

urzila carlson

Urzila Carlson will be chronicling her journey from her homeland of South Africa to her adopted abode of New Zealand in her show ‘The Long Flight to Freedom’.

- Advertisement -

After performing across the hemisphere, Carlson says she’s feeling confident. “It’s always like you’re starting to get to know a new friend, you know. And I’m at the point now where we’re really good mates. I’m really good mates with the show and we get drunk every night,” laughs the comedian, “So I’m really liking this show I think it’s great. Like I always say I’m not on a soapbox for everyone but there is a message in there. Gay straight, people that wonder, racists, people that fight against racism, I cover everything.”

“I talk about what happened inside South Africa during the apartheid years and it’s not a heavy show, when you talk about it it sounds like a heavy topic but it’s not. I explain it pretty quickly. I think people are interested in that and the general feedback has been that it’s amazing to know or to get a glimpse on the side if you will. It’s an interesting topic. “

Carlson says her first priority is to make sure her audience has a good time. “I don’t pick on my audience at all, because people are so petrified to go to a comedy show! It’s funny! And nobody wants to sit in the front and I understand 100% because they get picked on. But I always say I never pick on my audience because I understand that they come to see a show, not be the show.”

‘Long Flight to Freedom’ is on at the Astor Theatre from the
13th-15th of May, with an extra performance in Afrikaans on the 15th. Book tickets at www.perthcomedyfest.com.au

Sophie Joske

Latest

On This Gay Day | ‘Holding the Man’ author Tim Conigrave died

His memoir became widely acclaimed as queer literature since its publication in 1995.

Short films bring to life this year’s Booker Prize short list

Acclaimed actors perform excerpts from the 2026 Booker Prize shortlist, including queer novels by Marlon James and Douglas Stuart.

Maisi and the Disco just want to be Madonna

Maisi and the Disco's new single celebrates Madonna with playful references to her biggest hits and iconic legacy.

Beau Lamarre-Condon Trial: Jury visits Jesse Baird’s Paddington house

Jurors visited the Paddington home where Jesse Baird and Luke Davies were allegedly killed as evidence continued.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | ‘Holding the Man’ author Tim Conigrave died

His memoir became widely acclaimed as queer literature since its publication in 1995.

Short films bring to life this year’s Booker Prize short list

Acclaimed actors perform excerpts from the 2026 Booker Prize shortlist, including queer novels by Marlon James and Douglas Stuart.

Maisi and the Disco just want to be Madonna

Maisi and the Disco's new single celebrates Madonna with playful references to her biggest hits and iconic legacy.

Beau Lamarre-Condon Trial: Jury visits Jesse Baird’s Paddington house

Jurors visited the Paddington home where Jesse Baird and Luke Davies were allegedly killed as evidence continued.

Will ‘Forty Love’ do for tennis what ‘Heated Rivalry’ did for ice hockey?

First Look at Forty Love Starring Paul Kircher and Romeo Beckham

On This Gay Day | ‘Holding the Man’ author Tim Conigrave died

His memoir became widely acclaimed as queer literature since its publication in 1995.

Short films bring to life this year’s Booker Prize short list

Acclaimed actors perform excerpts from the 2026 Booker Prize shortlist, including queer novels by Marlon James and Douglas Stuart.

Maisi and the Disco just want to be Madonna

Maisi and the Disco's new single celebrates Madonna with playful references to her biggest hits and iconic legacy.