Wendy Harmer: Lies My Mirror Told Me

Wendy Harmer has had an extraordinary life. From being born with a severe facial deformity to performing as a stand-up comedian internationally, a television host nationally, and then the highest-paid woman in the cut-throat world of Sydney FM radio.

Moving school often due to her father’s work, Wendy, as the 'funny looking' kid, often in the wrong colour school uniform, developed strategies to find new friends and fit in. When she was ten years old her mother went missing.

It wasn't until she was well into her teens that Wendy had the reconstructive facial surgery that had long promised to transform her from a 'witch' into a 'princess’ but fell agonisingly short. Somehow, despite her initial setbacks and emotional turmoil, Wendy showed the strength of character to carve her own way in the world.

Don’t miss this intimate evening with Wendy Harmer as she shares her remarkable tale of overcoming adversity - one of the most unlikely success stories you will ever hear. In conversation with interviewer, moderator, presenter & lover of big ideas, Michaela Kalowski.

Copies of Lies My Mirror Told Me will be available for purchase and signing, thanks to Gertrude & Alice Bookstore Café Bondi.

Wendy Harmer is one of Australia's most versatile and much-loved entertainers – broadcaster, author, journalist and stage performer. As a stand-up comedian she performed at the Melbourne, Edinburgh, Montreal and Glasgow Mayfest Comedy Festivals, in London's West End and the Sydney Theatre Company. As a broadcaster, Wendy enjoyed huge popularity leading Sydney radio station 2Day FM's top-rating Breakfast Show for 11 years and was the co-host of ABC's 702 Sydney morning show from 2016 -2021. She has hosted, written and appeared in a variety of TV shows including ABC's The Big Gig. A prolific columnist for a host of magazine and newspaper titles, Wendy is also the author of eight books for adults including her bestselling novels Farewell My Ovaries, Love and Punishment and Nagging for Beginners. She has also written two teen novels and multiple books for children in the Pearlie in the Park series.

Michaela Kalowski is an interviewer, moderator & curator for writers and ideas festivals. Highlight interviews include Margaret Atwood, David Mitchell, Michelle de Kretser, & Stan Grant. She's the curator of Big Weekend of Books, ABC RN’s on-air writers’ festival, and produces and hosts a monthly books conversation event for Petersham Bowling Club. Michaela has conducted radio interviews and presented programs across ABC radio. She's co-presenter & co-writer of a two-part podcast for ABC RN, tracing part of her family’s history, called Laya’s Way Home.

Theatre Bar open from 5.30pm.