Local artist profile: Cath Styles

THIS week we speak to Bendigo comedian Cath Styles, who’s currently taking a break in the exotic location of Zanzibar!!!

Well, to start with… what are you doing in Africa??

I’ve rented an apartment in Zanzibar for a few years, and I AirBnB it to help pay the rent.

I was managing it with my partner, and although we’re not together anymore it’s a nice lifestyle and I have so many friends here, I just keep coming back!

What motivated you to get into comedy?

The money. Such a lucrative profession!

Actually, doing comedy was on my to do list, so one year I signed up for Raw Comedy, and I didn’t win my heat, but I did well and the judges asked me back for another heat.

There was really no comedy scene in Bendigo at that time, so it was my first ever spot. I just loved it so much, I was hooked straight away.

I put together my first show for the Melbourne Comedy Festival straight after that, and I just continued from there.

Can you describe your comedic style?

Sometimes I’d say my style is observational, because commonality is what connects us. I love straight stand-up, it’s such an art.

But I also love storytelling. Once a reviewer described me as “the kind of person you want to invite to a barbecue and have a few laughs with over a beer”.

Which comedians inspire you?

I really could not name one comic who had inspired me – most of them inspire me!

I have so many friends who are amazing comics – Mandy Nolan, Bev Killick to name a couple. I love Kitty Flanagan, and I have a soft spot for Nath Valvo and Rhys Nicholson.

What are some highlights from your career?

I’ve had quite a few sold out shows and some beautiful reviews. That’s always great! Also I have written a couple of chapters for two books which were compilations of funny stories by Australian female comics.

But my best night ever was after a Girls Night show at Melbourne Comedy Festival. It was a packed show, and I was super busy as the producer and MC.

As people were leaving, a couple came up to me and thanked me for the show. The guy was shaking my hand and trying to give me some money, which I assumed was a $10 note. I said thanks so much, but told them it was not necessary – I was just glad they enjoyed the show.

After a while, I just took the note. When I eventually looked at it, it was $100. ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS! I would have thrown in a lap dance for a tip like that!

How has your career been affected by COVID?

COVID has completely stalled my career in terms of comedy, but in my other job as a psychiatric nurse it’s been busy.

I’m lucky that my nursing profession is safe in such times, but COVID has been an ongoing kick in the guts to the arts community.

Anything special coming up on the horizon?

I’m back in Zanzibar and working on my AirBnB, just thinking about what creative project is next.

I’m still considering doing Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival for next year.

Having a break from nursing is good right now, I’m lucky to be able to do that. I’ve had an eventful year – there’s probably a show in it.