Thea Rainford builds comedy around uncomfortable truths women recognize but rarely vocalize, delivering material with an edge sharpened by her siblings’ brutal honesty and years absorbing performers unafraid to occupy space. Her approach blends personal humiliation—like the ski hill incident she uses as a baseline for how bad things can actually get—with observations about modern dating disasters, including genuinely attempting to baby-trap someone and living to joke about it.
How would you describe your comedy style?
My style is edgy, raw and female-focused. I’m trying to say the things that we all feel but aren’t always comfortable admitting out loud.
Who are some of your influences?
I would say Robby Hoffman, Steph Tolev, Marie Faustin and Sydnee Washington all influence my current comedic style. I love a woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. Also, my sibling has a huge impact on my sense of humour, I run almost every joke by them, and if I get even the smallest smile, I usually have a hit.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
My favourite comedian growing up was Donald Glover. I know that’s a controversial one since he’s not really a comedian per se, but I had such a crush on him in high school and literally watched everything he did, and Weirdo stuck with me.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
My favourite comedian right now is probably Geoffrey Asmus; he’s great, and he knows it, and I love that. He is always posting full set on YouTube, and it’s rarely the same material twice; he’s got an incredible brain.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I try to walk to all of my shows if I can (gotta get my 10k steps), and right before I go on stage, I clench my fists, and I remind myself of the time that I pooped my pants on a ski hill, and I say, “It can never get any worse than that”.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I would say the Nubian show at Yuk Yuks is truly the greatest stage in the country. Nothing beats the sheer dread of potentially being boo’ed by your own community and the sweet relief when you crush.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I have a bit about trying to trap a man with a baby, which is truly my favourite joke at the moment, I have so much fun telling it and it’s great because its 100% true, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I really love a good podcast. I am always looking for my favourite comic’s favourite comic. Right now, I am obsessed with Upstairs Neighbours. Give it a listen!
Tell us a joke about your city.
I once went on a date with a guy who was banned FOR LIFE from the Maddy. That’s insane! That’s like being banned from international waters!
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I’ve got something HUGE cooking, so follow me online to get the latest scoop (this isn’t true, but maybe when I see it in print, it will motivate me to do something crazy)
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
I will always shout out the incredible black female comedians in the scene: Tamara Shevon, Sashka DC, Daphney Joseph, and of course Zabrina Douglass. They all inspire me to aim higher! Also, sneaky shout out to Freddy Jan (even though he’s not a woman), he will 100% be famous one day, and I want proof that I called it.
