A Brit-based Aussie comic has left a panel of TV hosts (and their viewers) horrified by sharing one of our favourite local customs – the beloved shoey.
Rebecca Maree, known as the “shoey girl” in England, appeared on the TLC Network’s comedy program Unacceptable, where she was quizzed about her love for the tradition, which sees her end her live stand-up shows with a challenge for an audience member to perform one.
Panellists Ed Gamble, Richard Ayoade and Joanne McNally were visibly stunned by the idea before the challenge was thrown to McNally, who bravely accepted.
“Would you do a shoey? Out of my shoe though?” Rebecca asked.
“Let’s do it!” McNally agreed.
The comedian wasted no time taking the Aussie’s shoe before pouring a drink into the footwear and downing it in front of a disgusted audience.
“I was hoping she’d have bigger feet,” she joked.
McNally didn’t flinch. But those watching certainly did.
When the TV Network shared the clip on social media, plenty of viewers were horrified.
“NOOOOOooooo,” one person commented, adding on the very appropriate gagging emoji.
Another fan praised McNally for her brave act, insisting: “I think the Republic of Ireland should have a bank holiday in her honour.”
And another agreed she was an “Absolute legend!”
A shoey is a celebratory Australian party ritual where a person pours an alcoholic beverage, typically beer or champagne, into a worn shoe and quickly chugs it down.
It was initially popularised by the Australian fishing and surfing lifestyle brand The Mad Hueys before gaining massive global recognition in 2016, thanks to Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo, who began performing the unconventional toast on the international podium to celebrate his race victories.
It’s a tradition that many Aussies love. Just last month, Hugh Jackman introduced X-Men co-star and longtime pal Ryan Reynolds to our unique custom, where both downed a beer out of a ceramic shoe (I know, not the same thing) after a successful race by their BONDS Flying Roos team in the SailGP competition.
Speaking to news.com.au, Rebecca said she hopes to keep the tradition going through her stand-up shows and is proud that people have nicknamed her the “shoey girl”.
“It honestly came out of nowhere. I remember telling the audience I’ve never done one before despite being Australian, then I just asked the audience member who questioned me to do one, and he did it then it sort of stuck and became my thing. Sometimes they drink out of my shoe,” she told news.com.au.
Just as she saw on Unacceptable, the comic said the reaction is often mixed.
“Half think it’s disgusting and half is totally up to doing it and having a good time,” she laughed.
“A guy once told me he was going to get a tattoo of a shoe and my name in it for the fun memory!”
What a legacy, ey?