Who are Scary Strangers?

Scary Strangers are the acclaimed comedy duo starring Ru Halwala and Tom Stevenson. Blending stand-up, improvisation, sketch and musical comedy, they create dynamic live shows and workshops that are joyful, unpredictable and deeply engaging. They are the founders of Scary Strangers Comedy Festival, the first ever dedicated comedy festival in the Blue Mountains, and Blue Mountains Improv. 

They have performed across Australia and internationally, including appearances at Sydney Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Brisbane Comedy Festival, Splendour in the Grass, Australian Museum, Queensland Museum, Eternity Playhouse and Sydney Mardi Gras, among many others. Scary Strangers productions are known for their high production value, vibrant atmosphere and commitment to showcasing diverse talent.

Ru and Tom are experienced educators who have delivered workshops across Australia and India in a broad range of settings. Their work includes programs for theatres, schools, adult learning environments, scientists, young people in juvenile detention, and people living with disabilities. Through a supportive and inclusive approach, they use comedy to encourage creativity, collaboration, wellbeing and the confidence to take creative risks; skills that extend far beyond the stage.

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

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.