Fiona O'Loughlin: On a Wing and a Prayer

Editorial

When: April 30, 8pm
Where: Parade Theatre, NIDA
Tickets: Adult $48, Conc $44; Groups 6+ $46
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

When: April 24, 7:30pm
Where: IMB Theatre, IPAC, Woolongong
Tickets: Adult $48; Conc $44; Groups 6+ $46
Bookings: www.merrigong.com.au or 4224 5999

In 2009, O'Loughlin hit rock bottom. Performing drunk on stage in Brisbane, she passed out in front of 300 people - which wouldn't have been so bad if her profile had not just hit its highest peak to date thanks to her appearance on television's Dancing with the Stars.

The resulting media storm saw O'Loughlin finally dealing with her demons thanks to a stint in rehab, and the support of her loving but harried family. Now, newly sober, she returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with a brand new show in which she tells all - from her renewed appreciation for breakfast, to an insider's view of Alcoholics Anonymous.

An intimate, personable and very, very funny comedian, O'Loughlin's larger-than-life tales about her family, her drinking and her misadventures in the limelight will have you clutching your slides with laughter - even as you pause to consider her bravery in facing a private battle so very publically.

On A Wing and A Prayer is sometimes poignant, always honest, but above all hilarious. Fiona may not be your usual image of an angel, but her tales drawn from life are sent from comedy heaven.

Richard Watts, Citysearch