Bron Lewis has achieved a rapid rise in the comedy scene, progressing from winning the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's (MICF) RAW comedy competition to hosting the festival's opening night show in a short timeframe.
Lewis shared the 2022 RAW comedy national title with Alexandra Hudson.
From Brisbane Stages to National Recognition
Lewis developed her comedy career in Brisbane as COVID-19 restrictions began to lift. She adopted a rigorous approach by performing frequently, as advised by Brisbane Sit Down Comedy Club director Fedele Crisci. Her efforts quickly led to sold-out live tours, a regular role on Channel Ten's "Have You Been Paying Attention," a significant social media following, and the publication of her book.
Lewis and her family moved from Melbourne to Brisbane in early 2020. Despite being heavily pregnant with her third child, she became active in the Brisbane comedy scene, often performing four to five times a week. Remarkably, three weeks after her youngest son's birth, Lewis continued performing, even in challenging venues.
Her experience as a mother and teacher provided a perspective that helped her process difficult gigs, making it easier to move past setbacks. By the end of 2021, Lewis won the Queensland RAW comedy competition, and in 2022, she secured the national title.
The Balancing Act: Motherhood, Comedy, and Media
Following her RAW comedy success, Lewis quickly developed her first solo hour show, "Probably," which earned her a nomination for Best Newcomer at MICF 2023. She and her family later moved back to Melbourne, where Lewis balanced touring, recording her podcast "Work Hates" with Brett Blake, and multiple television appearances.
Lewis has stated that the demands of her comedy career are less intense than those of motherhood, where she perceives a constant pressure and potential for failure.
She has utilized social media to engage her growing fanbase, sharing skits about her experiences as a high school teacher alongside posts about daily struggles.
Lewis further explored her experiences in her book, "I'm Not Mad (Anymore)," which serves as both a memoir and a guidebook for mothers. The book details her personal struggles with early motherhood, including postnatal anxiety and depression. Lewis has received a positive response from readers who found her depiction of early motherhood relatable and honest.
Looking Ahead
For mid-30s pregnant women considering a career in comedy, Lewis offers clear advice:
"If it's what you want to do, just go for it. And if it doesn't work, who cares? Your kids will still be there."
The Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow is scheduled to broadcast on Wednesday, March 25th on ABC iview. Her book, "I'm Not Mad (Anymore)," is currently available.