Celia Pacquola's Reflective Stroll Through Melbourne's Kew Suburb
On a crisp autumn morning in the affluent Melbourne suburb of Kew, Australian comedian Celia Pacquola embarks on a familiar walk along the Yarra Bend trails. The winding, gum-lined paths offer a serene backdrop as she opens up about her life, career, and the unexpected twists that have shaped her journey.
From Carlton Dreams to Kew Realities
Pacquola humorously admits she only moved to Kew because she couldn't afford Carlton, the inner-north area she once envisioned as her ideal city home. "I still don't identify as being from Kew. But it's where I've ended up. At least it's green," she says with a shrug. During the pandemic lockdowns six years ago, these trails became a vital escape, providing solace during what she calls a "dark time, which we do not discuss." Originally from the Yarra Valley, she finds comfort in the greenery, having walked, danced, and even jogged here while rehearsing for Dancing with the Stars.
A Two-Decade Comedy Legacy
With 20 years since her first comedy gig, Pacquola has cemented her status as one of Australia's most beloved comics. Her self-effacing physical comedy has earned numerous awards, including Logies and Actaas, and roles in popular TV series like Offspring, Utopia, and Rosehaven. In person, she's as quick-witted as on stage, but her demeanor softens when discussing her three-year-old child. "I have so many questions," she says eagerly, shifting from entertainer to engaged listener when parenting topics arise.
Love, Gifts, and the Kayak That Started It All
As we stride along Studley Park Road, Pacquola reminisces about her whirlwind romance with photographer Dara Munnis, whom she met on dating apps. "I always thought I was going to be single forever and absolutely happily so," she confesses, but Dara's charm won her over. Their relationship inspired her latest show, Gift Horse, which explores the complexities of gift-giving. The show's central hook is an inflatable kayak Dara gave her for her 42nd birthday—a present she never asked for. "It's about gift-giving and relationships and what it means when someone gives you a gift that feels wrong," she explains, noting that while she jokes about it on stage, Dara is surprisingly okay with it.
Motherhood and the 'Gasper Mum' Phenomenon
Pacquola delves into her experiences as a mother, describing herself as a "gasper mum"—a term she inherited from her own mother. "It's such a useless parental warning system because it does nothing to stop the dangerous thing from happening," she laughs, recalling how her mom would warn her not to get hit by a car. She admires her mother's bravery, who left her father in her mid-40s to travel, learn juggling, and even get a pilot's license. Pacquola had hoped maternal instincts would "magically be downloaded" upon pregnancy, but instead, she finds herself in awe of her mother's wisdom.
Looking Ahead: Comedy and Connections
As we reach a lookout overlooking Melbourne's hazy skyline, Pacquola reflects on her career milestones and the themes of her show. "It's the most trivial show I've ever done," she says, but on a deeper level, it interrogates how we communicate through gifts. In a chaotic world, she believes human connections matter more than ever. She teases that the show's biggest hook is whether she took up kayaking, but she won't spoil the punchlines. Celia Pacquola is touring Gift Horse at the Melbourne Comedy Festival until April 5, with upcoming dates in Brisbane and Sydney.
