There’s something instantly likeable about Frankie McNair. Maybe it’s the way she throws herself headfirst into joyful chaos, or how she talks about comedy like it’s a big group hug for all the weirdos. Either way, her story is a reminder that you don’t need a five-year plan or a perfect setlist to make it in comedy — just a love of being silly, some guts, and a great community around you.

Frankie grew up in the Creative Republic of Artists (CRA), but her comedy career didn’t kick off with a dramatic “this is my moment” epiphany. It was more organic — hanging out with other creatives, experimenting with performance, and slowly realising this whole making-people-laugh thing could be more than just a hobby. Watching an Auntie Donna show sealed the deal. Seeing their wild, joyful weirdness made her think: “Wait, you can actually do this for a living?”

That First Gig…

Like many first-time performers, Frankie’s first open mic didn’t go smoothly. Anxiety? Check. Jokes that didn’t land? Double check. But something about that night lit a spark. Even in the mess of it all, she could see a glimmer of what could be. And that’s the vibe she’s carried with her ever since — that failure is part of the fun, and sometimes it’s the wonky gigs that teach you the most.

Finding Her People

One of the biggest themes in Frankie’s story is community. Comedy, for her, isn’t about being the star of the show — it’s about connection. She talks a lot about how the support from fellow comedians gave her the confidence to keep going. It’s not about chasing fame, but about creating something together that makes people feel good. That energy shows up on stage too — she feeds off her audience, improvises when things get weird, and genuinely seems to be having the time of her life.

Awards Are Nice, But That’s Not the Point

Frankie’s work got a major boost when she won Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Big moment, right? Totally. But she’s pretty chill about it. For her, awards are lovely, but they’re not the goal. They’re just one part of a bigger, weirder, ongoing creative journey. And honestly? That attitude is kind of refreshing.

Now for Something a Bit Different…

These days, Frankie’s diving into more experimental shows like The Booth Variety Spectacular and Formal Apology Hour. Think sketch comedy meets immersive theatre meets complete mayhem. It’s a chance to play oddball characters (shoutout to Tabitha Booth) and break all the usual rules of a stand-up show. She wants her audience to feel like they’ve been somewhere — not just watched a routine, but gone on a ride.

Frankie’s Comedy World – A Quick Vibe Check:

• 🎭 Comedy Is a Team Sport
  Her creative community means everything to her.
• 🎤 Flopped First Gig? No Problem
  It only made her more determined.
• 🤹‍♀️ Audience = Everything
  She loves riffing and keeping the energy alive.
• 🏆 MICF Best Newcomer
  A big career moment — but not what defines her.
• 🎭 Characters Galore
  From sketch to theatre, she’s always stretching the boundaries.
• 🎪 Big on Vibes
  Her shows are more than jokes — they’re full-on experiences.
• 🌈 Keeping It Fun
  Frankie’s main goal? Make people laugh and feel good.

A Few Takeaways From Frankie’s Journey:

• Community really matters. Having people around who believe in you — especially in something as vulnerable as comedy — is game-changing.
• It’s okay to be anxious. Frankie’s honest about nerves and stage fright. It’s all part of it. Being open about that makes the industry feel a bit more human.
• Perfection is boring. Improvisation, messiness, adapting to the room — that’s where the magic happens.
• Awards are cool, but not everything. Staying true to what you love is way more important than racking up trophies.
• Comedy doesn’t have to fit in a box. Characters, theatre, variety shows, immersive stuff — the rules are yours to break.
• Joy is the point. Frankie isn’t trying to be the coolest or most polished. She’s trying to make people laugh, feel something, and maybe walk away a bit lighter.

Frankie McNair’s journey feels like a love letter to the chaos of creativity. She’s not afraid to be vulnerable, weird, or totally over-the-top — and that’s exactly what makes her so compelling. Whether she’s on stage, in character, or spinning an awkward moment into comedy gold, one thing’s for sure: Frankie is here to have fun — and she’s taking us all along for the ride.