Things are Heating Up for Janey Mac

Portrait by Matt Miller

As “the funny one” of seven children, Janey Mac didn’t start comedy until her mid-30s, a leap that led her all the way to training at Chicago’s renowned iO Theatre. Now an improviser, comedian and writer, she’s bringing her brilliant show Janey Mac is Hot (Blame the Hormones) to Galway’s Town Hall Theatre on 20th June.

Taking the leap into comedy

Hello! You only started comedy in your mid-30s, what was the moment that made you finally go for it?

Before I started doing comedy, I had this niggle that there was a stone I hadn’t yet turned over in my life. I never had any desire to get married or have children so I wasn’t sure what it was.

Doing open mic nights in London was a scary experience but I felt so alive.

Then one evening I compered for a family event. That ended up being my first moment behind a microphone making people laugh and I loved it. My Mum and Dad encouraged me to do something about it. I googled stand up comedy courses where I was living at that time. There was one starting the following week so I signed up. I then set myself a goal of doing 20 gigs.

Doing open mic nights in London was a scary experience but I felt so alive.

I still pinch myself that I am now performing in theatres with my own show. I never had a grand plan. It’s always just been about putting one foot in front of the other. And ignoring that little voice that says, ‘aren’t you a bit old?’ or ‘who do you think you are?’. Instead, I just keep asking myself, ‘what’s the next challenge?’ and ‘how can I experience more of this one life I’ve been gifted?’. As I look back on my life, I don’t want to have any regrets. I think that’s probably why, even though I still get scared, I keep taking leap after leap. As the saying goes, feel the fear and do it anyway. 

Growing up as one of seven kids, how did being “the funny one” shape you?

I think being in a big family is brilliant as I have siblings who love me no matter what. They have no choice! And they are an amazing support, always coming to shows and making me believe I can do it. 

But in a big family you can get lost. Especially if you’re in the middle. You become known as the sister of____ or the daughter of____, rather than being known for just being you. So being funny was a way for me to stand out and make sure I got a bit of attention too. It’s taken me a long time to find the confidence to share my voice but all those years of trying to make my family laugh has been a great training ground. 

But in a big family you can get lost. Especially if you’re in the middle.

Training at iO Theatre in Chicago is a big deal in the improv world – what was that experience like, and how has it influenced your work?

It was an amazing experience. I wish I could do it all again. I wanted to do something memorable for my 40th birthday so I took the summer off work to live in Chicago and take classes at the iO Theatre.

It’s the mecca of improv and where a lot of my heroes like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler started out. I saw amazing improv shows and made friends for life.

I also met up with my second cousins who live in Chicago and a couple of friends came to visit me while I was there. I loved the food, the architecture, and I learnt loads. Improv is a skill you never master. You can get good at it, but there is always more to learn and different people to learn from. There is no end to the imaginative ways you can apply it on stage, and in life or work. I think it gave me a big confidence boost to be able to play with different people from other countries, and it was a privilege to perform on the main stage at one of the biggest improv theatres in the world. 

Things are heating up

What inspired the show, and how did it all come together?

I was working with Tinderbox Theatre in Belfast to develop my first solo piece for theatre. I am also writing a play but for this piece, I wanted to lean on my comedy and improv skills. I had already been thinking about my relationship with ageing.

I hate that we (women especially) are made to feel ageing is a crime or something to be afraid of.

I found life hard in my teens and 20s, so I’ve loved growing older as it meant feeling more and more comfortable in my own skin. I hate that we (women especially) are made to feel ageing is a crime or something to be afraid of. Our birthday cards have messages like, ‘boo hoo, you’re turning 40’ and our beauty products are labelled ‘anti-ageing’. I don’t see the point of being against ageing. It’s a gift not a curse and not everyone is so lucky to be growing older.

I found life hard in my teens and 20s, so I’ve loved growing older as it meant feeling more and more comfortable in my own skin.

I guess I’ve outed myself – I’m pro-ageing! But there are challenges which I realised when I started to get hot flushes, achy joints, brain fog and anxiety. I didn’t realise but I was going into perimenopause. Unfortunately I was incorrectly told I was ‘too young’ by a doctor because I was two years below the average age.

I was having a meeting with the theatre and shared that I was struggling and they encouraged me to put my experience into my work. I was really excited about this idea and from there I started to research and find out everything I could to inspire the show and also help myself navigate all the emotional and physical challenges I was experiencing. 

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Your show is improvised around perimenopause. Do you feel people are getting better at understanding it and discussing it more openly?

Yes awareness is a lot better compared to my Mum’s generation but we’ve still got lots more work to do in this area. And we need to find positive, accessible ways to talk about it.

One thing I love about my show is the men in the audience always come up to me to tell me how much they enjoyed it and how they didn’t expect to laugh so much.

They’re often dragged along by their partner and assume anything with “hormones’’ in the title must be just for women. I think they appreciate the helpful insight into what is happening to the women in their lives. Also they enjoy seeing something different and positive… and it’s funny!

What do you wish more women know about perimenopause before they experience it?

I knew nothing about it and lots of younger women aren’t going to know because we aren’t taught about it and it only becomes relevant when it affects you or someone you love directly. There’s also a lot of shame attached to it because it relates to ageing which we’re made to feel bad about.

Our bodies are all different so it is difficult for our healthcare providers to catch the signs and not all healthcare professionals are experienced in treating people dealing with menopause symptoms. For years, women have been suffering and struggling without any help, understanding or support. The statistics show an increase in marriage breakdown and women leaving the workplace at the time of menopause, so the effects are huge for society. 

I wish more women had a better understanding of our bodies, what is happening and why. There is so much unnecessary stress in the mix because of our lack of awareness and the overwhelming process of trying to figure it all out.

I would like us to feel ready for what’s coming because it is a natural process that our bodies are meant to go through. We need better healthcare support but we also need to arm ourselves with knowledge so we can advocate for ourselves, support one another and be sensitive and compassionate to those around us who are struggling. 

You’ve worked with Tinderbox Theatre and had support from Arts Council NI. How important has that backing been in developing your voice?

New writers or performers need space, time, financial support as well as creative input from professionals to help make our work better. So many artists are working several jobs to give them the flexibility they need to create. It’s really tough and near impossible without investment.

Our local theatres and arts venues need audiences to keep their doors open.

I could not have made my show without Tinderbox and the Arts Council NI’s support. They made it possible for me to put my ideas into action. I’m very grateful to them and also to the people who buy tickets.

Our local theatres and arts venues need audiences to keep their doors open. We need to get on their mailing lists of our local venues and make sure we don’t miss an opportunity to hear from different voices and support exciting new work.

The beauty of live improv shows

How does the audience actually shape the show? Are there moments when their suggestions totally derail you?

I don’t want to give too much away! But the audience is a huge part of making the show happen. Although I always reassure them that they can sit back and relax as I do all the heavy lifting! Audience suggestions always carry a certain challenge because I’ve no idea what they’re going to say, or what I’m going to do. But that’s what makes the show so entertaining for the audience. They get to see a one-off show that they’ve inspired and that we’ve all made together. There’s so much delight and surprise between us all by the end. It’s a lovely feeling.

What do you hope people walk away with after seeing it?

First and foremost, my number one goal is to give people an hour of laughter. The kind that comes from deep in the belly. Tears, wetting your pants a little, the laughter you can’t control. What better medicine! I also hope people have more awareness about women’s health and especially perimenopause. And I hope people leave feeling positive and inspired to find more joy in life, no matter their age or stage.  

How does improvising compare to writing?

Improvisation is easier in some ways because you’re working on the spot and people forgive a lot more if your words aren’t perfect. If you’re writing, you’ve had time to think about it and polish what you’re trying to say so I feel more pressure to get it right.

However, improv can be a great tool for writers as it helps you to think more laterally and it is a good antidote to perfectionism. The challenge of improv is to be quick on your feet, to retain a lot of information and have good recall. When I’m on stage I seem to be able to remember quite a lot but off stage, my brain fog is as bad as ever!  

Have you had any truly memorable audience interactions during a performance, the kind you still laugh (or cringe) about?

I love chatting with my audiences. They always end up making us all laugh without even trying. There were a couple of women recently who had a few too many glasses of wine and were giving me suggestions throughout the show without being asked! But they were good craic and whatever happens, it’s all part of it. Improv is like life. We really don’t know what’s coming so we may as well let go of trying to control everything and follow the fun.

What’s the weirdest suggestion an audience has ever given you during a show?

It’s funny how people describe things. One person was telling me about their local cafe and how it served “weird food”. When I asked for an example of the “weird food”, they said “porridge”. Now for some people, porridge on a breakfast menu isn’t that crazy but for them, it was really weird. That sort of thing is really fun to play with in the show.  

Improv is like life. We really don’t know what’s coming so we may as well let go of trying to control everything and follow the fun.

Pre-Show rituals and Galway vibes

Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?

I always say a wee prayer that the audience will have a great night out as I really appreciate everyone buying tickets, getting babysitters, putting on ‘jeans and a nice top’ and leaving the comfort of their sofa - they deserve a fun time!

I’ve also been trying to run in the morning of my show. I’m not a great runner but it definitely helps even to get outside and walk in the fresh air. I also do voice warm ups and body stretches because as anyone who’s seen the show knows, there’s quite a high energy opening! 

What do you enjoy about playing Galway?

Galway is a city that loves and supports the arts which I really appreciate and find inspiring. I’m really looking forward to performing in the Town Hall Theatre for the first time.

There’s always something good on so I’m hoping to catch a comedy show or two while I’m there. Also I’m a foodie, and I know Galway is one of the best places to eat in Ireland so please anyone, send me your food recommendations!  

Is there anything you're especially looking forward to during your trip to the West?

I have a lot of family in Galway so I’m really looking forward to spending time with my aunties, uncles and cousins. I’ll be taking a few extra days to spend time with them, enjoy the food and take in the deliciously salty sea air. I might even go for a sea swim… well, I say that, but I’ll probably pack my swimming costume and never use it because I’ll feel the cold and lose my nerve! 

Book tickets to Janey's show here and follow her on Insta @janeymaaac.