Fremantle, Western Australia — Beverly Mitchell and Lorna Ahern, two vivacious Irishwomen with an infectious sense of humour, are bringing their live podcast, The Ones That Got Away, to Perth Fringe World this Valentine’s Day. But this isn’t your typical love story—instead of romantic candlelight, expect a spotlight on laughter, friendship, and the sheer joy of being single.
“We’re both 30, single, and absolutely loving it,” Beverly tells me over a crackly Zoom call, a testament to their FIFO (fly in, fly out) mining schedules in the remote Australian Outback. “Working FIFO is not exactly conducive to romantic dinners or spontaneous weekends away,” she adds with a laugh, “but it’s given us incredible stories and the kind of bond you only get when you’re navigating life’s curveballs together.”
Her best friend and podcast co-host Lorna nods enthusiastically from another screen. “This show is really about celebrating all forms of love,” she chimes in. “And on Valentine’s Day, we thought, why not highlight the kind of love that’s gotten us through everything: platonic love. Plus, let’s be honest, there’s a lot to laugh about when it comes to dating disasters!”
Set to take place at the intimate Ronnie Nights in Fremantle, their show is part of A Festival in a Festival, a Grassroots Comedy initiative aimed at supporting newcomers to Perth Fringe World. The programme, spearheaded by veteran comedian and Grassroots Comedy managing director Xavier Susai, offers performers a turnkey solution to navigating the notoriously competitive festival circuit. From venue arrangements to admin and tech support, it’s designed to let fresh talent focus on what matters: their craft.
“Beverly and Lorna epitomise what Fringe is all about,” says Susai. “They’re authentic, relatable, and utterly hilarious. Their show is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s night—laughing, connecting, and realising there’s so much more to love than the romantic kind.”
The two women’s stories are as compelling as their chemistry. Born and raised in Ireland, both found themselves drawn to the adventure (and lucrative opportunities) of Western Australia’s mining industry. But balancing long stretches in remote camps with creative pursuits like podcasting isn’t without its challenges.
“You get this weird duality,” says Lorna. “One week, you’re covered in dust and wearing high-vis. The next, you’re brainstorming show ideas or performing in a packed room of comedy lovers. It’s surreal, but it’s also what makes life so fun.”
Their podcast, The Ones That Got Away, began as a light-hearted project during the pandemic and quickly gained a devoted following for its candid takes on modern love and life in your thirties. Their Valentine’s Day show promises to delve into all that and more, offering a mix of heartfelt stories, hilariously awkward dating escapades, and reflections on why self-love and friendship deserve a place at the table too.
“We’re so excited,” Beverly says, her eyes lighting up. “There’s something magical about performing live, especially in such an intimate venue like Ronnie Nights. It’s like having a chat with a room full of friends.”
For Susai, their enthusiasm is exactly what Grassroots Comedy aims to foster. “A Festival in a Festival is about giving performers like Beverly and Lorna a platform to shine,” he explains. “Fringe can be daunting for newcomers, so we handle the logistics to let them focus on creating something truly special.”
And special it will be. Whether you’re happily coupled, navigating the single life, or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the holiday, The Ones That Got Away is sure to leave you laughing, thinking, and maybe even rethinking what love means.
Event Details:
The Ones That Got Away – Live Podcast Recording
📅 Valentine’s Day, 14th February at 9pm
📍 Ronnie Nights, Fremantle
🎟️ Tickets available now via Perth Fringe World – lookup A FESTIVAL IN A FESTIVAL
Because sometimes, the best love stories aren’t romantic at all—they’re about the ones who never got away.
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