About this Event
This raucous accessible comedy event boasts a line-up of award-winning performers with entertaining and uncensored insights into disability and oh-so-much more!
Sharp, hilarious, uncensored and completely accessible for Deaf and hearing audiences alike.
With razor-sharp wit and undeniable charm, The Are You Pulling My Leg? line-up brings to the stage hilarious and uncensored insights into disability. From awkward encounters to side-splitting observations that cut to the quick, no subject is off-limits. Venturing much further than disability, their quick quips highlight the many facets of their lives, relationships, experiences and personalities.
This thoroughly entertaining comedy show breaks through the barrier to enhance access for the performers as well as audiences. It’s Auslan-interpreted and live captioned so that everyone can get the punchlines and, hilarious jokes aside, at its heart this show is about access and inclusion. Discover for yourself that disabled comedians are just as funny as non-disabled comedians! The biggest joke is that they don’t always get equal access to gigs, so support this show, have a laugh and help make a difference. It’s that easy!
MC - MADELEINE STEWART
Disability advocate and award-winning comedian Madeleine Stewart charms audiences everywhere with a sweet demeanour, veiling razor-sharp wit. You may have seen Madeleine perform with Adam Hills, Rove McManus, or Reuben Kaye or caught her episode on Dylan Alcott’s Listen-Able podcast. Her viral sketch on Marriage Equality for ABC iview reached 2.7mil views on insta, showcased her ground-breaking exploration of disability and Centrelink. Practicing what she preaches, Madeleine won the AMP Tomorrowmaker award for her production of inclusive, accessible comedy shows- specifically Crips & Creeps and her short film Inspire Me has just won Best Documentary at the Australian Independent Film Festival (AIFF). Fresh off the Comedy Festival circuit, Madeleine is currently touring her accessible lineup show “Are you pulling my leg?” across Australia. Madeleine is a refreshing and exciting voice to the comedy scene…. and ohhh sooo inspiring.
“Personal, inviting and hot… Could easily lose your breath from laughing” - Theatre Travels
“A refreshing and exciting voice to the comedy circuit” - My Melbourne Arts
“Thought provoking and eye opening” - The Age
Disability access in the comedy world is rare, that’s why I created Crips and Creeps. It provides an accessible space for comedians and audiences alike where inclusion is at the heart of the show and all people can feel safe and welcome. -Madeleine Stewart
HEADLINER: IMAAN HADCHITI
Original, bold, and unapologetically authentic, Imaan Hadchiti is a daring, comedian with a razor-sharp wit and a knack for tackling the topics others avoid., a powerhouse performer who’s as sharp as he is fearless. As a Lebanese-midg*t Imaan has been described as Un-cancellable so it is his duty to use his powers try find some logic in this preposterous world.
Standing at just 3.5 ft, Imaan holds a Guinness World Record, for 'The Worlds Second Shortest) Comedian'; finally, all of his hard work of breathing and continuing to exist has paid off. As a shameless, self promoting, independent artist, there is an obligation to mention that in his career is going really well performing and acting in some cult hits just check his IMDB page…it’s pretty impressive
'Hadchiti is a total gem. Not only is his schtick and his outlook infectious and hilarious, but an hour with him is made poignant and exciting by his striking freshness, and his total honesty. '
★★★★
Broadway Baby
TOM ELPHICK
Meet Tom Elphick: the man who turns adversity into punchlines!
Despite a life-changing spinal cord injury 10 years ago, Tom's spirit remains unbreakable, and his wit sharper than ever. Currently in the final stretch of his medical degree, he's not just studying the human body; he's proving that laughter is the best medicine!
Although a newcomer to the comedy scene, Tom was a formidable NSW state finalist in the 2023 Raw Comedy competition. His unique blend of clever wordplay and analogies leaves critics raving and audiences wanting more.
Embracing his identity with pride, Tom weaves his experiences as a gay man into his comedy, delivering punchlines that resonate and uplift. His ability to blend authenticity, personal stories with universal humour takes the audience through a process of hilarious derailment to queer empowerment. He proves that comedy can be both deeply personal and universally enjoyable.
Get ready to be treated to a dose of doctor’s orders! Because when it comes to laughter, he's not just playing; he's prescribing!
SAM KISSAJUKIAN
Sam Kissajukian is a comedian and visual artist based in Sydney who's been working professionally as a stand-up comedian for over a decade. He's toured globally in the USA, UK, Europe and around Australia.
In 2021, Sam stopped performing due to a 6 month Bipolar manic episode. In this prolonged episode he made 300 large paintings, documenting his mental states daily. In mid 2022, after recovery, diagnosis and treatment, Sam began performing again as well as holding his first solo exhibition.
Since 2022, Sam’s practice uses a ‘two tier approach’ incorporating storytelling techniques mixed with spoken word and comedic examination of his visual art and practice paired with a curated exhibition. Together these represent broad exploration of the artistic process, mental health and its ties to creativity.
ALEX HUDSON
Alexandra shares entertaining little musings about her experiences as a disabled woman. With a knack for transforming discomfort into humour, Alexandra has impressed audiences across Australia and worldwide. With a list of accomplishments include taking out joint first place in the National final of Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s RAW Comedy Competition in 2022.
Alexandra was a 2023-2024 recipient of the Creative Australia’s Arts and Disability Initiative with her accessible and Auslan interpreted debut solo hour 'Making Lemonade’ which toured across Australia, and took it to The Edinburgh Festival Fringe for a full 2024 season and two shows in U.S.A.
Earlier this year, Alexandra toured nationally with her hour show ‘King of the Carpark’ with shows in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
TICKETS
General Admission $44.00 (plus Eventbrite b/fee)
Lake Mac Arts Member $40.00 (plus Eventbrite b/fee)
Membership cards need to be presented at event entry. Not a member? Find out more about Lake Mac Arts Memberships Lake Mac Arts membership - Lake Macquarie Arts
Tickets available at the door subject to availability.
Please note there is no need to print your tickets for this event, staff can provide an electronic check in at the door
EVENT INFORMATION
Showtime: 7:30pm
Running time: 80 minutes approximately plus 15 minute interval
This performance is Auslan-interpreted and Open Captioned.
Strictly 18 years + contains coarse language, sexual & drug references, adult content & dangerously good-looking people.
“Personal, inviting and hot… Could easily lose your breath from laughing
-Theatre Travels
“A refreshing and exciting voice to the comedy circuit”
-My Melbourne Arts
"A non-conventional, yet entirely relatable culture with Crips & Creeps, one with a satisfying undercurrent of support and positivity"
"Crips & Creeps holds a fresh and unique position in the modern Comedy scene. By many accounts Crips & Creeps has evolved past its core concept as an accessible stand-up gig, by developing a new niche of live comedy."
-Theatre Travels
VENUE INFORMATION
SEATING
All seating is general admission.
COMPANION CARDS
Warners Bay Theatre accepts Companion Card bookings, please call 02 4921 0400 to book.
At the time of purchase, Companion Card holders provide their valid Companion Card number and expiry date. Cardholders purchase one ticket and will then be issued with one complimentary ticket for their essential support companion.
PARKING
The carpark at the rear of the theatre can be accessed via the John Street entrance, with limited on street parking available.
There are two permanent accessible parking spots are in the car park behind the theatre via the John Street entry. Three additional temporary spots will be allocated for this performance.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Warners Bay Theatre can be accessed via a ramp on Lake St and flat entry once inside the building. The venue has LH and RH accessible toilets.
HEARING LOOP
Set hearing loop to T (Telecoil) - coverage between stage and tiered seating.
DRINKS AND SNACKS
There will be a bar open with wine, beer and snacks available to purchase using EFTPOS only.
Learn more about Lake Mac: Visit Lake Macquarie | Love the Lake
This event may be photographed and filmed and your image could be used in advertising and promotion by Lake Macquarie City Council. Should you wish to not be photographed or filmed please advise event organisers on entry at the event.
Are You Pulling My Leg? is developed by Crips and Creeps, providing an inclusive space for comedians and audiences.
This performance is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, 39 Lake Street, Warners Bay, Australia
AUD 43.33 to AUD 47.54
