HarleQueen is an award-winning show written and performed by Abby Howells. HarleQueen takes the audience on a journey through history, as Abby tells the stories of female comedians such as Mabel Normand, Moms Mabley and Joan Rivers. Interwoven with these tales are Abby’s own stories of heartbreak, triumph and foolishness to create a whirlwind of a show. The audience will laugh, cry, and most likely not be impressed by Abby’s ventriloquist skills, but she will do it anyway.

Since the show’s premiere in the NZ Fringe Festival, this little show has toured up and down the length of New Zealand, won a multitude of awards and charmed everyone who has come to see it.

“A funny, warm, sad, heartening, joyful celebration of self” - Sonya Stewart, Dominion Post

"Every moment of this journey has been a delight, as our indisputable Queen of Fools comes to the realisation that indeed she can make comedy “on my own, on my own terms”. ... And the rapturous audience is with her – oh boy, are we with her!!" - Terry MacTavish for Theatreview

★★★★1/2 - Weekend Notes, Adelaide

"It’s not often that you see a standup show that is just as delightful as it is funny. It’s the breath of fresh air that we didn’t even know we needed." - Kate Norquay for Art Murmurs

WINNER: Weekly Comedy Award, Adelaide Fringe

WINNER: Emerging Artist, Adelaide Fringe

WINNER: The Peter Harcourt New Playwright of the Year, Wellington Theatre Awards

WINNER: Best Comedy, Dunedin Fringe

WINNER: Adelaide Tour Ready Award, NZ Fringe

Contact the host of HarleQueen