Barbara Scully Launches One-Woman Show Because I’m Worth It Following Sixth Career Pivot
Author and broadcaster Barbara Scully is performing her one-woman comedy show Because I’m Worth It to capacity audiences of up to 200 people, the Guardian reported. Scully argues that women should stop fearing aging and push back against societal pressures to maintain a youthful appearance. Her journey into standup comedy represents her sixth career, following previous stints as a travel agent, word-processing tutor, fundraiser, stay-at-home parent, and author-broadcaster.
Personal Crisis and Career Transition After Age 50
Scully pursued her fifth career as a freelance writer and broadcaster following a personal crisis in her 50s. She struggled to secure employment due to a 10-year employment gap spent raising children, reaching a low point when she was unable to qualify for social welfare. Sitting in her car in tears, she decided to create her own work by focusing on activities she enjoyed. Over the next decade, she built a freelance portfolio writing opinion pieces, published the book Wise Up: Power, Wisdom and the Older Woman in 2022, and appeared as a television panellist on Virgin Media One chat shows Midday and Elaine. She also continued co-hosting an agony aunt slot on Newstalk’s Seán Moncrieff show.
Stepping Into Standup Comedy Through Funny Women
Following the publication of her book, Scully was contacted by two organizers establishing an Irish chapter of Funny Women, a community for women in comedy. Although initially invited simply to publicize a show, she was soon asked to perform in it. Realizing that a standard book reading would kill the energy of the event, she rewrote a chapter about smear tests into a comedy sketch.
Scully Encourages Older Women to Embrace Aging
Scully attributes her resilience to her upbringing in a male-dominated Dublin household with her parents, three brothers, and visiting relatives. Standing six feet tall by age 16, she learned early on to use her voice and reject societal expectations that girls should be petite and take up minimal space. Now at 64, she contends that menopause is merely a portal leading to a fulfilling period of life, and she actively encourages older women to redirect their time, money, and energy toward personal happiness rather than fighting the aging process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barbara Scully’s Comedy Tour
Where is Barbara Scully performing her show Because I’m Worth It?
Barbara Scully performs her one-woman show across Ireland to capacity audiences reaching up to 200 people. She originally launched the tour in small rooms and modest venues holding 70 to 100 people.
When did Barbara Scully start her comedy career?
Scully began her standup career after her book Wise Up: Power, Wisdom and the Older Woman was published in 2022, when she was approached by the Irish chapter of Funny Women.
What were Scully’s previous careers before comedy?
Before launching her comedy career as her sixth professional endeavor, Scully worked as a travel agent, a word-processing tutor, a charity fundraiser, a stay-at-home parent, and an author-broadcaster.