Laughing through the pain with Rory Petzer

CAN laughter be used to deflect pain? Can it be a shield we hold up when life comes swinging with grief, doubt or disappointment?

- JANE LINLEY-THOMAS

For comedian Rory Petzer, award-winning radio producer, comedian, writer and all round story teller the answer is layered, much like the way he delivers a punchline.

There’s humour, yes, but also truth, pain and an incredible sense of resilience.

In our conversation, Rory opened up about how comedy became both a light and a lifeline during one of the most testing chapters of his life.

He admits that it wasn’t about hiding from the pain, but rather finding a way to soften it and to be a light in darkness.

Of course, humour doesn’t always behave. Rory shared the story of his worst experience “corpsing” on stage and just him talking about it made my hands sweat and mouth dry.

He describes it with such honesty and affection, because those moments remind him he’s human. And, like the best comics, he has always been open to mentorship and guidance, taking every stumble as a stepping stone to becoming sharper, braver, better.