Who are Scary Strangers?

Scary Strangers is the legendary lovechild of Aussie comedians Ru Halwala and Tom Stevenson. Together, we weave a delicious melody of stand-up, improv, sketch and musical comedy into unpredictable shows and workshops that feel both joyful and unhinged.

You may have seen us cavorting at some of Australia’s hottest stages and festivals including Splendour in the Grass, Malthouse Theatre, Australian Museum, Factory Theatre, Enmore Theatre, Comedy Store Sydney, Brisbane Powerhouse, Queensland Museum, Eternity Playhouse, Improv Theatre Sydney, and many more!

We create spaces where strangers become collaborators, creative confidence spreads through communities, and people from all walks of life discover their creative voice. 

Since launching in 2021, Scary Strangers have launched innovative comedy and improvisation programs for a diverse range of communities including primary and high school students, scientists, young people in youth justice settings, NDIS participants, people living with dementia, and regional communities. Our programs use creativity as a tool for wellbeing, social connection and personal growth, ensuring that people from all backgrounds have opportunities to participate, perform and belong.

Our goal isn't simply to stage events; we’re building an ecosystem where creativity is something people do, not just something they consume. Improvisation teaches collaboration, resilience, listening, storytelling and the confidence to take creative risks; skills that extend far beyond the stage.

What’s Next?

About Us:

Ru Halwala

Ru Halwala is a comedian, improviser, actor, teacher and cat devotee. She is the Creative Director of Scary Strangers, and host of Ru’s Chit-Chat-Cadillac Improv Comedy Podcast. Ru teaches improv as part of the illustrious faculties at Improv Theatre Sydney and Q Theatre. She holds dual Bachelors in Business (Public Relations) and Fine Arts (Visual and Interactive Design) from QUT, as well as an Associate Diploma (Honours) in Speech and Drama from IMEB.

Ru performs regularly at iconic venues and festivals across Australia, including hosting the official 2024 Australian Holi Festival celebrations (Syd, Melb, Bris), as well as performing in all-star casts such as Brown Women Comedy, Unplanned Melodies, Gone with the Script, and Left of Centre. Ru was also an Intern Writer on Season 14 of ABC’s Gruen hosted by Wil Anderson.

In the fleeting bursts of time between megalomaniacal visions of future success and debilitating episodes of crippling self-doubt, Tom Stevenson writes jokes about his observations and experiences. He is the Managing Director of Australian comedy production duo, Scary Strangers, and Head of Creative Arts at St Andrew’s College, Sydney University. Before pursuing a career in comedy, Tom completed two degrees, Musical Theatre (Federation University) and Law (Macquarie University), both were jokes.

As part of Scary Strangers, Tom has produced and performed in a national tour of The STEAM Room Science Comedy Experience ft. Dr Karl, Lithgow Laugh Furnace, ITS Smackdown 2024 & 2025, Big Cat Club, Are You Havin’ A Laugh?! Comedy Variety Night, and Scary Strangers duo shows.