Bibles, bikies, and bad decisions: this isn’t your typical origin story. Welcome to the wildly chaotic life of Nikki Justice: ex-stripper turned stand up comedian who has swapped the stripper pole for a microphone. In her Adelaide Fringe solo “hour of power” comedy debut Nikki Justice: 1 & a Half Weddings & a Funeral, Nikki takes us through the tumultuous ups and downs of the rollercoaster that is her life: from church pews to circus tents, strip clubs to school runs, to navigating life as a newly divorced mum of three. Strap in for an unrestrained and uncensored ride where religion, crime, love, and chaos collide in a story that’s as unpredictable as it is hilarious.
Nikki Justice is a rising star in the Aussie comedy scene, and her show feels like catching up for a chat with your wildest, most unhinged best mate that you’ve known forever—the one who’s had a few too many “lines”, a few to many run-ins with bikie gangs, and has made a series of spectacularly bad romantic choices in their dating life. A whirlwind in a wedding veil, from the moment she steps on stage in a black lacy bodysuit and bubblegum-pink vinyl skirt, you’ll know you’re in for something unforgettable. She may be covered in tattoos, but her real ink is in the stories she shares: raw, unfiltered, and downright hilarious.
The show kicks off with Nikki’s own brand of self-deprecating humour, as she looks back on her life after a messy divorce and wonders how the hell she ended up here. It’s like an episode of Underbelly meets Sons of Anarchy, with a touch of Breaking Bad thrown in for good measure. Nikki takes us on a whirlwind tour of her unconventional childhood and upbringing—raised in a religious, crime-riddled family—and weaves in tales of her family joining the circus, her “satan-worshipping phase”, dealing with schoolyard mum “gangs”, and surviving life as a single mum of three. As for the lore behind the show’s punchy title 1 & a Half Weddings & a Funeral? You’ll have to see the show for yourself to hear all the juicy details of this messy, hilarious backstory.
But what makes Nikki’s story so compelling isn’t just the candid, shocking details. It’s the way she serves them up with wit, warmth, and a surprising amount of genuine heart. Her parents—one a sex worker, the other a drug dealer—might not be the ideal candidates for “Career’s Day” at school, but as Nikki points out, they did manage to give her a decent education at a private school, so we’ve got to respect their hustle. Her upbringing may have been a bit unconventional (to say the least), but Nikki’s ability to find the funny in her life’s darker moments is what truly sets her apart.
Throughout the show, Nikki’s blend of dark humour and refreshingly honest commentary on everything from sex and orgasms, to daddy issues and dating toxic men (aka walking red flags), makes for a comedy experience that’s equal parts provocative and thought-provoking. Her sharp, no-holds-barred delivery keeps the audience on their toes, cackling with laughter one moment, and nodding in guilty recognition the next (at times it’s like holding up a mirror to the hot mess of your own life). It’s a delicious cocktail of raucous laughter and raw emotion, all served up with Nikki’s signature candour and charisma.
Nikki doesn’t just dish out uncensored sex jokes and funny anecdotes; she transforms her pain into punchlines. With unflinching honesty, she tackles taboo topics including her father’s suicide and her own struggles with mental health, bringing a whole lot of vulnerability that you won’t find in most comedy shows. But it’s her ability to make us laugh while navigating the most difficult parts of her past that really shows the power of comedy to heal and transform. After all, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.
Let’s be clear: 1 & a Half Weddings & a Funeral isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re after something safe and unproblematic, this show will probably make you squirm in your seat. But if you’re looking for bold, boundary-pushing comedy that’s more than a little bit dirty and packed with heat and heart, Nikki Justice is your new best friend. The show is a celebration of life’s messiness, full of unfiltered honesty, outrageous stories, and just the right amount of unhinged chaos. It’s like walking into a confessional booth, only the priest is a tattooed chick with an infectious (and slightly unhinged) laugh, who’s just a little too comfortable spilling her guts. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you’ll probably wonder how one person managed to cram so much chaos into one lifetime.
If you like your comedy raw, real, and unapologetically unfiltered, Nikki Justice: 1 & a Half Weddings & a Funeral is your front-row ticket to chaos. In true Fringe fashion, Nikki’s performance is bold, brash, and unapologetically herself. Nikki’s fearless storytelling will make you erupt in fits of side-splitting laughter, deeply relate to some of her struggles, and just feel all the emotions, all while reminding you that sometimes the messiest lives make the best stories. With a mix of dark humour and heart, Nikki Justice’s show will have you questioning your life choices while laughing at hers. So, round up your girlfriends or your guy mates, grab a bevvy, and let Nikki take you on a rollercoaster of mischief, mayhem, and—let’s face it—one hell of a ride.