I see almost three hundred gigs a year, but they're never so raucous and feelgood as the Byron Bay Bowling Club. Comedy and the Beach shouldn't mix this well, but there's something about the breezy satire that you see onstage in Byron that makes you think, well, even the cynicism here comes chilled out.
Toby Sullivan, Associate Director Melbourne International Comedy Festival
(about the comedy scene that Mandy has fostered in Byron)

You very ably illustrated that there is a humorous lighthearted approach to business networking. Your presentation encouraged those present to relax for a few short hours and with their friends and acquaintances put aside those everyday concerns and jointly enjoy themselves. Your presentation was greatly appreciated by all who attended and your humorous presentation will be a talking point and in the thoughts of may of those present for some time into the future.
Des Plunkett
President Clarence Ahead Inc

The RAIA - NSW Country Division appreciated both your professional approach, in our dealings and the comic talent you demonstrated. It was obvious from the amount of laughter in the room that the Audience thoroughly enjoyed your show. You also looked spectacular in your blue dress.
Greg Addison
Creative Director of RAIA NSW Country Division
(Royal Institute of Architects)

Mandy compered the annual 2007 Fifties Fair at the Rose Seidler House with an audience in excess of 4,000. Her witty and insightful patter had me in stiches all day. She set a perfect tone for the event, anchoring it in a way that had not been previously achieved. I was staggered at her ability to react and respond with such wit and humour as the day brought forward the unexpected. She seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of knowledge about the fifties which she used with intelligence and humour. Her compereing of the fashion competition was especially hilarious and the crowd loved it. I hope she returns next year. I would go again just to see her.
Peter Watts
Director
Historic Houses Trust

I've gained confidence and self esteem. Mandy helped give me the courage to be more effective and less agressive. She'll sharpen your wit while mending your soul.
Bruce Mackenzie
News Editor ABC

Excellent, practical techniques and ideas which can make anyone funny. Highly recommended.
Candy Tymson CSP
Keynote Speaker & Business Educator
Past President, National Speakers Association - Australia

Mandy Nolan is a sensational comedian and a great teacher of comedy. She helped me introduce more comedy into my presentations which has lifted them to a higher and funnier level!
Yvonne Collier APS
President NSW National Speakers Association of Australia

Mandy, you are an amazing teacher! Your energy and wealth of skills gave everybody the confidence to stretch and learn the techniques of good comedy. I am using more and more of what I experienced in my keynote presentations and it has taken me to a whole new level. After twenty-five years of trial and error, you have recharged my batteries and it's more fun than ever!
Ray Tacchi
Managing Director
Speakers Network International

Mandy brings out the real 'you' in you. She encouraged me to tap into my funny side using mimicry and taught me how to structure and make greater use of humour in my business presentations.
Simon Tupman MBA Solicitor
Enhancing the performance of lawyers and law firms worldwide

It was terrific and great to see that you were able to coachus all to the standard that we achieved. I found it very empowering and got some terrific distinctions around what's funny, constructing humour and connecting with an audience.
Doug Callander
Managing Director
Performance Edge Systems Pty Ltd

What a blast it was! I was so proud of everybody, they were all bloody brilliant. My friends were all so impressed by the high standard and we have you to thank for that.
Tina Monk, Director.
Monk & Associates Pty Ltd
The People Development Specialists

I've been thinking about this stand up stuff and how I have wanted to do it for years (decades) and now that i've done it 3 times i know i love it and want to keep it up and I realized that if I hadn't done your workshop I probably would never have got the confidence up to give it a go. You promised you could make us funny and you did and I wanted to say just how much I appreciate your talent as a comedian and teacher of comedy.

Thank you Mandy!
Cheers,
Jenny Greaney

Re Mandy Nolan's Stand Up Comedy Course,

Mandy's written a great little article about her course. Read ithere.

Reading it I was reminded of doing the course. I thoroughly enjoyed it because it my met needs for adventure, inner growth and fun. I laughed a lot, cried a bit, got a little bit scared. I think the bit I enjoyed most was the inner growth stuff and connecting with a group of folks all interested in doing the same thing at the same time, and experiencing the ups and downs, support, struggle and friendship that evolves when a group of people are willing to risk being vulnerable - simply being ourselves - warts and all - and then eventually doing it in front of a crowd of friends and strangers at a comedy show.

I was a bit scared of getting up on stage and doing this new thing.For me it meant turning around the fear of what others might think about me, fear of negative judgements and criticism, fear of rejection. The same fear that in turn stimulates the desire to control as a tragic strategy to find acceptance. I wanted to be accepted, to get the big clap feedback that I had succeeded. I had achieved my goal of making these people happy, of contributing by lifting their spirits. But what if I flopped? How would I kill myself? Would I flop at that too? Probably, because it would be such good material for my next comedy show I wouldn't be able to give up the chance to try it out.

No seriously, I loved this stuff. Embracing my fear. Realising my fear came from my judgements about the crowd being critical and mean rather than friendly and supportive. Realising that I had no idea what the crowd was going to be like, I could stop projecting my judgements outwards and inwards, and I could start accepting them and accepting myself. I turned my fear around by turning my thoughts around. If I want somebody else to do something I better start by doing it myself. I decided to believe what Mandy said, which was that 'they want you to succeed' - in other words, they love us for just getting up there and giving it a fair go. I told myself that they loved me, and that was exactly what i experienced. Magic!

Warmly,
Dorset.

Anna and I just wanted to say thanks to you for running such a fantastic program for the kids. The show was great fun and really funny, but the opportunity for the kids to get to do something like that is unique.

I am sure that the confidence that is generated in the kids will remain with them forever. Louie particularly loved being part of the show - hanging out at the hall, the nerves, recognition, fizzy drink and stuff - he's already flagged himself as a starter next year. It's a great moment for a country kid to hit the stage like that.

Thanks again,
Anna and Andrew Swain.
Re: "Funny Kids" Workshop/performance @ The 2008 Bangalow Big Joke Festival.