Anne Gildea Reflects on Comedy Journey from London to The Nualas

Comedian Anne Gildea, known for her role in the acclaimed comedy trio The Nualas, recently shared insights into her early career and the choices that shaped her journey. Gildea, who gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, discussed her experiences living in a London squat and her reflections on her time with The Nualas during a candid interview.

In her college years, Gildea began exploring comedy alongside notable peers such as Ardal O’Hanlon and Barry Murphy. She engaged in debate, which helped hone her comedic skills. “I was in the Drama Society too,” Gildea explained, emphasizing the importance of those formative experiences. However, it was after moving to London at age 21 that she fully committed to the comedy scene, despite the challenges of daily life.

“I was temping, but performing was always in the back of my mind,” she recalled. Living in a squat in London allowed her to pursue her passion while minimizing expenses. “By squat, I mean it was a really nice council flat. It was a bit run down, off the old Kent Road,” she said, noting that securing tenancy was a crucial step for her.

To support herself, Gildea took on various cash-in-hand jobs, from cleaning building sites to working as a wench in a medieval-themed restaurant. “It was tough, but I am so glad I did it,” she remarked. Despite her efforts, she felt she never quite broke into the London comedy scene, as many of her contemporaries found success. Gildea reflected, “I realized I could have stayed in Dublin, perfected what I was doing, and then gone to London with a sense of who I was as a performer.”

In 1995, Gildea’s career took a significant turn when she joined The Nualas, a trio that blended music and comedy. Their unique style quickly resonated with audiences. “It was the right moment,” she noted, describing how their first seven years were marked by explosive success. The Nualas performed internationally, including prestigious venues in New York, Singapore, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where they received a five-star review.

Despite the acclaim, Gildea later expressed her regret over the group’s hiatus in 2002. “I look back and think we shouldn’t have ended then,” she said, reflecting on their recent success in New York and the impact of a glowing review in the New York Times.

The Nualas continued to perform on and off for about 15 years, ultimately disbanding in 2018. Gildea, encouraged by her partner Paul Farren, sought to carve out her own voice in comedy, leading to the creation of her solo show, How to Get The Menopause and Enjoy It. The show became an enormous success, touring for three years and resonating with audiences, including repeat attendees.

“This felt like a real turning point for me,” Gildea stated, highlighting the extensive research she conducted on menopause to create an informative and entertaining experience. She also collaborated with Dr. Louise Newson, a leading menopause specialist, for a UK tour, further amplifying the show’s impact.

Currently, Gildea is touring with her latest show, Further Adventures in Womaning, a spiritual sequel to her previous work. “It’s about the changes for women in Ireland over the last five decades,” she explained, with plans to continue the tour into 2026.

As Gildea reflects on her career, she remains grateful for the experiences that have shaped her as a performer. Her journey from a London squat to the stages of international acclaim exemplifies her resilience and dedication to comedy.