Who are Scary Strangers?

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

Our Work:

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

We have produced and performed in star-studded, sell-out shows all over Australia and India, including:
Unplanned Melodies ‘26, ITS Smackdown ‘25, Lithgow Laugh Furnace ‘25, Comedy Thali India Tour ‘24, Big Cat Club Improv Comedy Extravaganza ‘24, The STEAM Room Science Comedy Experience ft. Doctor Karl 2022-23, and Are You Havin’ A Laugh?! 2020-23
Our shows are know for their exceptional production value, immaculate vibes, and diverse casts.

Scary Strangers were the Digital Growth & Content Managers for Penrith Performing & Visual Arts
[incl. The Joan, Q Theatre, Penrith Regional Gallery & Penrith Conservatorium of Music] in 2026.

Ru and Tom are also skilled educators, having worked with primary and high school students across the state, as well as collaborating with theatre and community organisations to conduct school holiday workshops. In 2024 Scary Strangers launched a program in partnership with the NSW Department of Justice delivering improv workshops to children under supervision within the juvenile justice system. They have also provided workshops to participants living with disability through NDIS service providers and Q Theatre’s Access Ensemble program.

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.

Her TV/Film appearances include Win the Week (ABC; S2), Mastermind (SBS; S5), The King in Me (SBS Documentary) and Born Naked (Inner West Film Festival). Her ad credits include World’s Greatest Shave 2024, Australian Seniors Insurance 2024, and Telstra 2019.

She is part of iconic improv troupes ASMR (ITS Smackdown Champions 2021, Improv Comedy Cagefight 2022), Tetronimo (Improv Comedy Cagefight 2022), the Improv Theatre Sydney Ensemble, and Lines of Best Fit. 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.

As a stand up comedian Tom has performed at venues across Australia and India. He is a graduate of Improv Theatre Sydney’s esteemed improvised theatre program, where he has performed as part of legendary ITS House Teams, Honeytrap and Call Your Mother. He also regularly performs as part of the independent improv troupe Daniel Craig.