Flying high with Pam Ann

Comedian Caroline Reid takes on the airline industry as her alter ego Pam Ann.
Credit: Project Publicity

Pam Ann’s take on the airline industry has universal appeal.

“It kind of astounds me that the humor translates,” says the airline stewardess from the heavens, aka Australian comedian Caroline Reid says. “But everyone travels and everyone understands what their crews are like what their airline is like. I guess it’s a global subject.”

Come fly away with Pam Ann and relish all stereotypes and mishaps of the blue horizon Nov. 14 at the Trocadero.

“I like those ’70s airplane disaster movies” says Reid. “Karen Black cross-eyed, flying with no glasses in an open cockpit sounds kind of fabulous to me.”

Her barbs are heat-seeking missiles — she has a take on just about every airline in the world.

“The brand Virgin is all about sex,” says Reid, who lives in New York. “Virgin has a bar on board and the girls wear red and they have patent shoes and blond hair, fake [breasts]. They get their teeth done in Johannesburg and their [breasts] done in Los Angeles.”

The campy and risque Pam Ann character was born at a costume party, Reid says, and developed through frequent flier miles.

“Through the years and sheer survival in the comedy world and moving to London,” Reid says. “I developed the character through art intimidating life. I became more knowledgeable about the airline industry — I’m like the Wikipedia of the airline industry.”

Reid’s Pam Ann has performed for Elton John, toured with Cher and was hired by British Airways for promo work. The Brits wanted Reid to tone down her act — she puts on a horse head when she’s depicting a British Airways hostess.

“That doesn’t come with a contract of me working with you,” says Reid of her reply to British Airways. “I still have to perform and be honest with my comedy or else it’s not funny. Unless you change your look then I can’t do anything about it.”

Pam Ann
Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
Trocadero Theatre
1003 Arch St.
$25 economy, $35 business class,$45 first class
215-922-6888
www.thetroc.com