Katie Boyle on Shame, Choice, and Comedy in a Post-Roe America

In Roe v. Wade versus Katie, Irish-born comedian Katie Boyle confronts abortion stigma, Catholic guilt, and cross-cultural shame with raw honesty and dark humour. As U.S. laws regress and conversations remain fraught, Boyle brings personal experience, folklore, and wit to the Fringe stage - urging audiences to laugh, reflect, and reconsider what we think we know.

Can you tell us about the show and why now was the right time to tell it?  

Honestly just because abortion seems as divisive as ever in the States and while all this was happening I had to have one and all along the way I realized that we are just not informed.

Was it difficult to find the humour in such a sensitive and serious topic?  

In lots of ways yes, but the show is around the events that led to it so I can pull funny stories from my life from my American ex, to Irish history and folklore, to horror dating stories, to reconnecting with my childhood crush in Ireland and doing long distance. Also the moments that led to the abortion and after because it was just like nothing I could have imagined.

You talk a lot about Irish identity - what do you miss most (or least) about home? 

The people, Irish people that I love and know are welcoming and friendly and kind. Everyone can make the darkest story funny too and I think that’s from generational trauma lol. 

You reference Catholic guilt, sex ed gaps, and cross-cultural stigma - why was it important to include both Ireland and the U.S. in your story? 

I think Ireland has come forward and America is going backwards and if they look at Irish history they would see that isn’t the right way for the people.

What’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed between how Ireland and the U.S. talk about abortion?

In some states now in America abortion is banned and they’re trying to pass bills to make it a homicide. That’s terrifying. The fact that an embryo has more rights than a human grown woman scares me. I’m glad Ireland repealed the eight but after my interview on Ireland AM I got so much hate and was called baby murderer you’d swear I went outside and shot a 5 year old child. I got so much positivity too so it shows it’s still divisive at home but in some American states the consequences are terrifying. 

What do you hope audiences, especially women, take from Roe v. Wade versus Katie? 

I hope that they feel seen and I hope they don’t feel any shame. A society that won’t allow for open conversations and education but then blames us for not knowing is not fair. All we can do is make the best decision for us and ignore anyone who feels the right to control our bodies and lastly I hope the laugh, learn and enjoy the show. LIVE LAUGH LEARN lol

Katie Boyle will be performing Roe v. Wade versus Katie at Monkey Barrel – The Tron from 31^st July – 24^th August at 10:05pm. Tickets available HERE.