Late bloomer and professional funny lady, Kirsty Webeck may have come to comedy later than some, but she is wasting no time cracking up audiences across the country. The Canberra-raised and Melbourne-based comedian returns to her hometown for the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) special event, A Night to Remember, at Monster Salon this Thursday 22 June. CW caught up with Ms Webeck to discuss partying, giving up the booze, and comedy.

1. What has your journey with alcohol been like?

I was a party animal in my youth. Loved a drink more than anything.

Then I moved to Taiwan at 22 and the drinking culture in the expat community was next level. Alcohol was incredibly accessible around the clock there and we used to have some epic sessions. I joke about it being a miracle I’m still alive but it’s truth in jest. We were incredibly risky party people.

By the time I was back in Australia and in my 30s, I was starting to get over it. I just didn’t find it fun anymore and I started to favour feeling well over being rancidly hungover. I’d take long breaks from drinking every year but then summer would roll around and I’d get involved in a few cold beers. As soon as alcohol-free beers hit the scene, there was very little reason for me to continue drinking.

2. How has life changed since you made the decision to give it up?

It hasn’t changed hugely because I was drinking very rarely in the last few years before I took this extended and indefinite hiatus. But compared to when I was at my partying peak in my 20s, I feel great all the time, my skin’s clearer, I’m much fitter and healthier than I was.

I’m more consistent with the parts of my lifestyle that matter most to me, like getting good sleep, exercising and eating well. I never have that sense of impending doom after a big night on the booze (aka hangxiety). I definitely have more money, too. I think I’m a better friend and partner, too. 

3. Do you think comedy is a platform that allows us to talk about difficult subjects in an accessible way?

Absolutely it is. It’s famous for being exactly that. Humour is a tool of disarmament. If you can get people laughing about the absurdity of life it makes it much easier to present difficult subject matter. 

4. What drew you to comedy?

I have always loved making people laugh, however, I was well aware that being the class clown or the funny one in my friendship group wasn’t the same as being a stand-up comedian, though.

I started quite late (at 30) and I’m glad I did because I was able to focus properly on learning the craft seriously. Once you get the bug, there’s no turning back. Making people laugh remains my favourite thing in the world and I feel so lucky that I found what I’m supposed to be doing. 

5. Do have any advice for people who are thinking of giving up drinking?

If you’re like me and just getting bored of it and curious about living alcohol-free, take a break. I still haven’t made a declaration that I’ve quit. I just eliminated the couple of drinking sessions I was having a year and said I was having a break from it. The benefits were so undeniable and great that I just haven’t had any inclination to drink since and it’s been over two years.

If you’re someone who is a bit more concerned about their drinking habits, have a chat to your GP or seek some help and support from one of the services available. 

Catch Kirsty Webeck at FARE’s A Night to Remember at Monster Salon, Thursday 22 June 5.30pm; eventbrite.com.au

Support for anyone affected by alcohol and drug use is available via National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

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