Comedian Claire Hooper isn’t striving for more fun in life; in fact, she’s actively seeking less. This unconventional approach forms the core of her new stand-up show, “Fun Show xx,” which playfully dissects the idea of being someone who simply doesn’t prioritize enjoyment. For Hooper, the pursuit of amusement often feels… exhausting. Her preference? Quietude and a particularly specific soundtrack for moments when she *does* allow herself to feel.
Hooper’s aversion to constant stimulation extends to her personal life. She recounts a recent birthday trip to the Barossa Valley with her husband and children, where she requested complete silence during the 90-minute drive. “I’m not looking for life to be more fun. I just seek less of everything, thank you,” she explained. This desire for tranquility isn’t a rejection of happiness, but rather a need for space – five uninterrupted hours of thinking time, to be exact.
But even for someone who actively avoids overstimulation, there’s a singular album that consistently draws Hooper back: Queens of the Stone Age’s 2002 release, Songs for the Deaf. It’s more than just music; it’s a deeply personal form of emotional processing. “Other people have different forms of therapy, but this album is the only way I can access my emotions in a safe way,” Hooper shared.
A Soundtrack for Emotional Release
The album’s significance stems from a pivotal moment in Hooper’s life. She discovered Songs for the Deaf while navigating a period of self-discovery after ending a long-term engagement. “When it came out, I was getting my shit together – I was no longer engaged to a guy that I wasn’t going to marry and I knew what I wanted to do,” she said. The album became inextricably linked with that process of rebuilding and self-awareness.
Hooper’s connection to the album is so profound that she’s developed a unique ritual around it. She keeps the CD – yes, a physical CD – as the sole disc in her car. During road trips, she’ll listen to nothing at all, then cycle through the first three tracks of Songs for the Deaf, repeating the third track three times in a row. “And I will bawl the whole way through it and then I’ll just shut it off and drive in silence again,” she confessed, admitting she rarely listens to the album’s entirety, fearing what might happen if she did.
This intense emotional response led to a memorable experience at a “rage room,” where participants can safely destroy objects. When asked what music she wanted to listen to while smashing things, Hooper’s immediate response was, “Complete silence, please.” When encouraged to choose something, she instinctively selected Songs for the Deaf, recognizing the album’s power to unlock her feelings.
From Stage Mishaps to a Whirlwind Romance
Hooper’s comedic career has seen its share of chaotic moments. She recalled a particularly disastrous corporate gig for a construction company, where the audience was seated at round tables, the stage was poorly positioned, and the sound system was inadequate. To add insult to injury, she was introduced with the less-than-encouraging remark, “Oh, I hope you do better than the guy we had last time.” The experience culminated in being physically pulled onto the dance floor by a company employee after finally finishing her set – a moment she described as “humiliation on top of humiliation.”
In contrast, Hooper’s personal life is marked by a remarkably swift and fulfilling romance with podcaster Wade Duffin. The couple became engaged just five weeks after meeting. “He’s the love of my life so I don’t feel like I’ve done anything especially strange,” Hooper said, acknowledging the unconventional speed of their relationship. They married in 2008 and have been together ever since.
Comedy and Unsung Talent
When asked about underrated comedians, Hooper championed Bronwyn Kuss, praising her genius and advocating for larger venues and wider recognition. She also highlighted Pete Helliar, noting that his comedic skills are often overlooked by fellow comedians, despite his intelligence, professionalism, and strong instincts.
Hooper also recounted a less-than-pleasant encounter with the late cricketer Shane Warne during a press launch for a Matchbox toy car he designed. She asked a question about the potential influence of masculine design principles on car creation, a query that apparently did not sit well with Warne. “I sat back down and went, ‘Wow, he doesn’t like having a joke with a comedian,’” she recalled.
The Peanut Butter Tortilla and a Colonoscopy Confession
Hooper’s quirky preferences extend to her culinary habits. Her go-to snack is a flour tortilla rolled with crunchy peanut butter – a decidedly unconventional “sandwich” that she enjoys for its efficiency and satisfying crunch. And in a particularly memorable moment, she was recognized while undergoing a colonoscopy by a nurse named Narelle, who revealed she was a fan of Hooper’s work on The Great Australian Bake Off. Hooper’s response? “Obtain ready for a very different viewing experience, Narelle.”
Claire Hooper’s “Fun Show xx” is currently touring, with performances scheduled at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March 26 – April 19), the Sydney Comedy Festival (May 9–10), and the Brisbane Comedy Festival (May 14–17). The show promises a refreshingly honest exploration of what it means to embrace a life that prioritizes quietude and emotional authenticity.
Hooper’s willingness to delve into the complexities of her own personality, coupled with her sharp wit and observational humor, suggests a tour that will resonate with audiences seeking a different kind of comedic experience. As she continues to explore the boundaries of fun and the power of silence, audiences can expect a show that is both thought-provoking and genuinely funny.
What are your thoughts? Share your experiences with unconventional forms of self-care in the comments below!
