Denise Scott finds renewed joy in comedy after cancer recovery

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 19:21 · Archive

Australian comedian Denise Scott has changed her approach to stand-up after recovering from triple-positive breast cancer diagnosed in 2023.

Australian comedian Denise Scott, 71, has recovered from triple-positive breast cancer diagnosed in 2023 and says her approach to stand-up has 'changed remarkably' after more than 40 years in comedy.

Scott previously spent 'hours each day' at her desk crafting material until it was perfect, and would then spend days or weeks 'absolutely terrified in the fetal position' that her show would be a failure. She says she now works 'completely differently', knowing the stories she wants to tell but happy to leave some details to unfold on stage.

The comedian says the experience has made her less tolerant of things that don't matter. She told interviewers: 'I always didn't have a lot of time for bullshit, but now I've got no time.' On her changed relationship with performing, she said: 'I used to live in fear of it and have nothing but bad anxiety about it. And now, post cancer, I think, If I'm not going to enjoy this, then there is absolutely no point in doing it.' The shift has helped inspire her show, Tickety Boo.

How it is being reported

• Denise Scott finds laughter after confronting mortalityWhile preparing for her comedy shows used to have Denise Scott in the "fetal position", things have changed for the comedian after recovering from cancer.The West Australian · 3 Nov, 19:01
• Denise Scott finds laughter after confronting mortalityWhile preparing for her comedy shows used to have Denise Scott in the "fetal position", things have changed for the comedian after recovering from cancer.Perth Now · 3 Nov, 19:01

In this story: Denise Scott · Australia

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