Annie Boyle, a rising star in stand-up comedy, is set to bring her unique perspective on life, family, and football to audiences across Australia. Starting in March 2024, her show, titled To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, will kick off in Adelaide before moving to Melbourne and Sydney. The show reflects on her personal journey, touching on themes of sexuality, identity, and her experiences growing up as an athlete.
Boyle’s recent performance in Sydney took an emotional turn when she discovered that her grandmother and cousin had secretly attended the show. After the performance, they sent her a supportive text message from the front of the theatre. Boyle expressed her gratitude, stating, “They were just so proud of me performing, which honestly was the best outcome.” Her nan, who traveled from Henty, was on a flight for the first time in her life to support her granddaughter.
The show is a humorous exploration of the boys in Boyle’s life, highlighting her close relationships with her father and brothers, as well as her love for the 2017 Richmond premiership team. She noted, “It’s looking back at all the boys I’ve loved before and realising there weren’t any apart from my two brothers, my dad, and the Richmond team!” This candid reflection is interwoven with her experiences as a girl who excelled at football while facing barriers as she grew up.
Boyle’s journey into football began early, as she participated in Auskick at the age of five, practicing for hours at home. She recalls, “Once I was 14, I couldn’t play football anymore because I was a girl.” However, she celebrates the progress made since her youth, saying, “Now it’s so good to see the opportunities for girls to play football from a young age through to a career.”
During her primary school years, Boyle made an impact on school policies regarding uniforms, advocating for girls to wear pants for sports activities. “That was a real game-changer, and they’re still there!” she proudly stated. Her passion for football continued as she moved to Sydney to study acting, where she played for both the Sydney University Bombers and the Giants Academy.
While Boyle initially pursued acting, she found her calling in comedy, inspired by her mother’s readings of Dr. Seuss and classic Mr. Bean sketches. “In all the acting roles I had at uni, I was always the comic relief,” she explained. This led her to a pivotal decision: “Is it footy or is it comedy? What’s it gunna be?”
Growing up in a family that valued hard work and sports, Boyle felt empowered to pursue her passions. She described her father as a “feminist” in his own right, recalling, “He’d always make me tee off with them at the men’s tee. That made me believe I could do it just as well.” This upbringing instilled in her the confidence to break boundaries.
Her recent appearances in television shows such as Colin From Accounts and the upcoming The F Ward have provided her with a blend of scripted performance and stand-up comedy. Boyle notes the vulnerability she feels with scripted roles compared to live performances. “Stand-up gives me an immediate response that you don’t get with TV; you don’t know how it’s landed,” she said.
After a holiday camping at Lake Hume Resort, a cherished family tradition, Boyle is now in London visiting her partner. As she adjusts to the colder climate, she reflects on her roots, stating, “I’m like a solar panel; I need the sun to give me energy!”
Annie Boyle’s upcoming tour promises to be a celebration of her experiences, highlighting the intersection of comedy, sport, and personal growth, all while inviting audiences to share in her journey.
