Where was your first gig, and how did it go?
My first stand up comedy gig was early 2018 when I was 17, at the famous Rhino Room. A family friend suggested that I compete in an upcoming competition, she pretty much said, “You’re a funny kid, you should give it ago”. The competition she heard of was RAW Comedy, a -life-changing comp for emerging stand ups to compete and hopefully get the opportunity to perform at Melbourne Comedy Festival. I had no idea what a big deal it was, which I think was a good thing. I went up and did a five-minute spot, and no I didn’t win BUT there was a random lady in the crowd who really liked the set, which was nice! I didn’t invite anyone to come and see me except for my mum. I only did two other gigs that year (I was pretty busy finishing Year 12).
What is your artist origin story?
I am one of five kids, a.k.a. I am an attention seeker. I was always the kid that wanted to talk at assembly and have the biggest role in the play at school. I loved performing, whatever it was. I danced from nine years old to eighteen, and I was definitely a theatre kid in high school. I have explored not just stand up but also improv, spoken word poetry and hosting events. Public speaking has never been a fear, I have always been drawn to it. Stand up and I have an interesting relationship, very on and off, but my love for the stage has never changed.
What was your impression of the local scene when you first started, and how has that changed?
I love the talent that the local scene contains. Throughout the years I have always been impressed by the people who have the courage to get up on stage and perform their artform. I was fortunate to have received lots of encouragement in my early days from more experienced comics, and I still see this happen with new talent. New talent is always encouraged which is so great to see!
I definitely still see that we need to make more room for the shes, theys and gays and the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole. As a member myself I do love seeing my fellow members perform, so I hope our place in the community keeps on growing and the local scene creates the atmosphere where we always feel welcome! Shout out to anyone who is worried about going to an open mic for the first time, if you need someone to laugh at your jokes (and you’re not a bigot) invite me, I have a loud laugh and love to do it!
How has your own project evolved since you first started?
Breaking Hearts with Cecilia Ronson debuted in the Adelaide Fringe in 2025. I am so proud of this campy, silly and wonderfully joyful self-produced work. It is a combination of stand up comedy and improv theatre, a delicious pairing of different skills that I have worked on for the last 5 years. The more I think about it, this project itself was a little love letter to 17 year old theatre kid Cecilia who loved to mess around and make people laugh. I remember loving improv in high school and I am so happy that I never truly grew up. BHWCR’s final show will be on November 7th at Bavarde, following “Rapid Fire” a spoken word event I will be hosting, another delicious combo, poetry/hosting.
What is it about your next release/project that you’re most excited/nervous to share with the world?
I will be creating a new show for the 2026 Adelaide Fringe, titled Woke Loud Witch. This show will be theatrical and campy, two of my big loves. I am so excited to share it with the world because I will be stepping more into the theatre space, rather than classic stand up.
Who are the artists around you that inspire or challenge you?
Stella Kappos: a queen in the stand-up scene and I will be riding her coattails when she makes it big! And Libby Trainor Parker, a local legend and an inspiration for who I want to be for local artists.
Favourite venue?
The Piccadilly, especially on the first Friday of the month.
Dream act to open for?
Fortune Feimster!
Favourite act to have open for you?
Miss Thermo Dynamics!
Where is your next gig, and how do you hope it will go?
I will be performing at The Feast Festival Gayla hosted by the legend Lori Bell and showcasing amazing queer talent! Doors open at 6:30pm at the Eliza Hall – Payinthi. I will also be hosting ‘Rapid Fire’ at the wonderful Bavarde in Woodville, on Friday November 7 at 6pm. This is a show highlighting amazing LGBTQIA+ spoken word artists, you won’t want to miss it!
Cecilia Ronson will be perform at Bavarde on Friday November 7 as part of Feast Festival