A veteran of the Australian Entertainment Industry with a massive following both here and overseas, Fiona O'Loughlin is one of the most in demand comedians in this country.
Current work
Fiona is also an inspirational keynote presenter. Organ failure, a three week coma and a seven percent chance of recovery would be rock bottom enough for anyone but Fiona O'Loughlin survived all of this only to lose everything six months later from PTSD and become homeless and penniless in Adelaide at the age of 52.
Fiona not only survived all of this but in less than three years rebuilt her career. With inimitable candour this much loved comedian tells a tale of hope that begins with her descent into a ten year battle with active alcoholism, her realisation that she had been given “the gift of desperation” and her final and resolute decision to live like she had never lived before.
In recent years Fiona has overcome a well-documented battle with the bottle'. This, like the other aspects of her life, has become material' for her stand-up. And Fiona is even funnier sober.
Previous experience
A late starter; but with an award winning career of almost 15 years, Fiona plays to packed houses in venues and festivals across the globe. Winner of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's (MICF) Best Newcomer Award in 2001 – her career has gone from strength to strength ever since. In 2006 she took home the coveted MICF Piece of Wood, an award for funniest show as voted for by other comedians. In 2007 and 2008 she was nominated for the MICF's Barry Award for Best Show. And in 2013, Fiona was awarded Adelaide Comedy's Best Visiting Comedian award.
Fiona has also taken her unique story-based comedy to LA headlining the world-renowned Improv Comedy Club. In addition to repeat seasons in Hong Kong, performing at Edinburgh Fringe (the world's largest Arts Festival) Montreal's prestigious invitation-only Just For Laughs Comedy Festival and the UK's oldest, Leicester Comedy Festival.
Author & Television Presenter:
As well as a critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, Fiona O'Loughlin is an accomplished writer and TV presenter. Having appeared on shows like Sunrise (Network 7), Good News Week (Network Ten), Spicks and Specks (ABC), Dirty Laundry (ABC), Celebrity Apprentice (Nine) as well as Network 10's inaugural Melbourne International Comedy Festival All Stars Gala countless times.
Most recently, the award-winning national documentary series Australian Story filmed an episode on Fiona, which rated over 1.3 million viewers (an epic achievement for Australian Television).
Fiona is also an inspirational keynote presenter. Organ failure, a three week coma and a seven percent chance of recovery would be rock bottom enough for anyone but Fiona O'Loughlin survived all of this only to lose everything six months later from PTSD and become homeless and penniless in Adelaide at the age of 52.
Talking Points
At Home in the Northern Territory
At Home in the Northern Territory
Grouch from the Couch
Grouch from the Couch
Keynote: The gift of desperation
Keynote: The gift of desperation
Fiona was great fun and was just the light relief we all craved after a serious day at the conference. ... keep reading Macquarie University
Fiona was able to relate to the delegates at the conference and obviously knew the role of working in aged care which she incorporated into her act
Excellent, I had heard Fiona participating in a debate at a previous conference and she didn't let me down. Great fun to work with.
