By Eleanor Douglas-Meyers
There are some things in life that are simply better handled with a glass of wine and a good sense of humour. Menopause, apparently, is one of them.
And if anyone can turn hot flushes, hormonal chaos and life’s unexpected twists into an evening of laughter, it’s Lesa-Maré Harris.
The entertainer is bringing her comedy show, Merlot & Menopause, to Nineteen33 this November, and judging by the response, she’s clearly struck a chord with women who are more than ready to laugh about a stage of life that doesn’t always get the funniest treatment.
But comedy is just one of the many hats Lesa-Maré wears.
During the week, she’s the co-host of Grootbek Brekfis on Luister FM, while her full-time role sees her working as Marketing Coordinator at Mastertons Coffee & Tea Specialists.
Add to that her work as a director of the non-profit organisation Fuel on Wheels, motivational speaking, and being a Mistress of Ceremonies, and it’s fair to say this is a woman who doesn’t particularly enjoy sitting still.
“I am one of those people who cannot NOT be busy,” she admits.
And somewhere between all those responsibilities, she managed to add stand-up comedian to her already impressive CV.
It’s a title she never imagined she’d have, but one she’s come to love.
Finding the funny in everyday life
For Lesa-Maré, comedy wasn’t necessarily part of some grand career plan.
Instead, it grew out of something most of us can relate to: the absolute absurdity of everyday life.
Her material draws heavily on personal experiences, finding humour in situations that might not have seemed particularly funny at the time.
Because let’s face it, life rarely goes according to plan, and sometimes the only reasonable response is to laugh.
That ability to find comedy in the ordinary has become part of her appeal. She’s not trying to present some perfectly polished version of life. She’s talking about the messy, unpredictable bits that audiences recognise all too well.
And when it comes to menopause, there’s certainly no shortage of material.
Merlot, menopause and a whole lot of honesty
Merlot & Menopause takes audiences into the wonderfully unpredictable world of hormonal changes, hot flushes and the kind of conversations that women often have behind closed doors.
Except this time, they’re happening on stage.
The show promises an evening of laughter, relatable experiences and perhaps a few moments where audience members find themselves thinking, “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just me!”
It’s the kind of comedy that works because it gives women permission to laugh at something that can otherwise be frustrating, exhausting and downright bewildering.
And while the title suggests wine might be involved, you certainly don’t need to be a wine drinker to appreciate the humour.
A willingness to laugh at life’s less glamorous moments should do just fine.
More than just a comedian
What makes Lesa-Maré particularly interesting is that her comedy is only one part of a much bigger story.
Between her radio work, marketing career, community involvement and public speaking, she’s built a life around communication, connection and people.
Whether she’s behind a microphone, organising a campaign, working with a charitable organisation or standing in front of an audience, there’s a common thread running through everything she does.
She clearly loves engaging with people.
And perhaps that’s why comedy has become such a natural addition to her world.
After all, being able to make someone laugh is another way of connecting, and sometimes laughter is exactly what people need.
A night worth getting the girls together for
Merlot & Menopause takes place at Nineteen33 on 13 and 14 November 2026, with the performances starting at 7pm.
Tickets are priced at R130, with bookings available through the venue.
And for those who haven’t managed to secure their seats, 041Online has a little surprise.
WIN with 041Online!
We’ve got the final two tickets to give away to one lucky reader for Merlot & Menopause!
That’s right. You and a friend could be heading out for an evening of laughter, hilarious confessions and the kind of conversations that might leave you wondering whether Lesa-Maré has somehow been listening in on your group chats.
Keep an eye on our 041Online social media pages for details on how to enter.
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