Vanessa Larry Mitchell - Teardrops on My Dildo 2: Lube Me ALone - NAFA 2025

Image - NAFA 2025

Vanessa Larry Mitchell’s latest comedy offering, Tears on my Dildo 2: Lube Me Alone, is a riotous, unapologetically raw showcase of her signature brand of adult humour. Performed in the NAFA Virago Tent, the show is a masterclass in fearless storytelling, delivered with a wine glass in hand and a wicked glint in her eye. Having last seen Vanessa at the Darwin Fringe Festival several years ago, I arrived with high expectations, and she exceeded every one of them.

From the moment she stepped on stage, Vanessa commanded the room with her magnetic presence and razor-sharp wit. Her material is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who revel in the messy, hilarious truths of life, it’s pure gold. She dives headfirst into topics many would shy away from: dating disasters, sexual escapades, drug-fuelled nights, and the kind of debauchery that makes you laugh and squirm in equal measure.

Her recounting of a girls weekend away was especially entertaining, filled with chaotic anecdotes and cheeky revelations. Then came the unforgettable tale of taking a stealthy shit at work, complete with strategies to avoid detection by co-workers, which had the audience howling.

But it was “the poo” video that truly cemented Vanessa’s status as a comedic original. Her sister’s claim that this bit is her point of difference is well-founded; it’s a mental image that will linger long after the laughter fades. Amid the filth and fun, Vanessa also shared a touching moment about her father’s unwavering support of her comedy journey, grounding the show with a dose of heartfelt sincerity, and reminding us of the adage about apples and trees.

Musical interlude came courtesy of a cheeky ukulele song, delivered with the same irreverence that defines her stand-up. Her reflections on short-term relationships and the types of men to avoid, especially her admitted weakness for army and masculine types, made for crowd pleasers. One-night stands, Tinder escapades, and her self-described “opportunist” approach to meeting new partners added layers of complexity and candour to her persona.

Vanessa’s love of competitions, be it winning tickets to attend a masturbation workshop, was another recurring theme, reinforcing her zest for life and refusal to play by anyone’s rules. She didn’t shy away from controversial topics either, tackling racism and gleefully bagging out white men with a sharp tongue and sharper insight.

And let’s not forget the merch: tea towels emblazoned with her brand of humour, one of which was gifted to a gentleman in the audience for a use decidedly outside the kitchen. It was a perfect encapsulation of Vanessa’s ethos—bold, cheeky, and utterly unforgettable.

Vanessa Larry Mitchell is a comedic force who leaves no taboo untouched and no audience member unshaken. If you’re ready to laugh until it hurts, this show is not to be missed.