JUDI Billcliff pictured performing Old Girls Rock in Hamilton. PHOTO SUPPLIED
ENTERTAINER Judi Billcliff will bring laughs to Te Kūiti with Old Chicks Rock a ‘saucy, real and honest’ comedy show about women getting older. The show’s other half is singer and guitarist Helen Stewart. “Age doesn’t have to define who we are; we need to embrace life while we have it. “It’s guaranteed to make you chuckle. From the heady heights of young love to the challenges of romance as mature women, nothing is sacred,” Judi said. Judi reinvented herself as an entertainer at 69-years-old after losing her business to Covid-19. She had previously performed in schools – up to 100 visits a year around the country – but that vanished overnight in the pandemic. “I was at a bit of a low. My whole focus was gone,” she said. The shock left her ‘brave enough’ to act on a lifelong dream: performing for adults. “A friend of mine said, ‘What are you going to do? Get out there!’ So she did. Judi said the show’s strength is its relatability and unique content. “Some of the subjects I talk about don’t get talked about a lot. I want women to know it’s okay if you’ve got some issues, it’s okay to feel [however you feel] about that because other women probably feel the same way.” The show has lots to offer men too. “There will be some men go to the show and [it will leave] them thinking, ‘actually, other women feel like that, it’s not just her.’ It’s called Old Chicks Rock but roosters can come as well,” she said. Judi started the show after getting positive comments on her Old Chicks Rock facebook page, where she posts short comedy videos. She has also released an Old Chicks Rock poetry book. Judi worked locally as a drama teacher for 22 years and feels that the King Country will always hold a piece of her heart. “Te Kūiti is my other home in many ways. I still have a lot of connections, I’ve got a daughter and family and grandchildren [here]. My live theatre craft was really honed in Te Kūiti.” Old Chicks Rock is on at Onstage Te Kūiti on King St West, Saturday November 19 at 7.30pm and Sunday November 20 at 4pm.
