Anne Edmonds vs. Damien Power
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Anne Edmonds vs. Damien Power

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Anne interviewing Damien:

Why did you leave rotten food in my fridge last time you stayed?

It was fresh at first, then it started to rot.

 

What were you like at school?

I played cricket and football well, so probably a wanker. I was actually bullied a lot because I played up a grade in sport. All the older kids hated me. I always loved comedy and impressions, even during high school. I remember the big thing when I was at school was The 12th Man: the parody of Australian cricket commentators. I remember doing an impression of Max Walker from that show and an older kid threw an apple at my head.

Someone tried to tell me the other day that you seem at peace with yourself. Is that true?

No I’ve just become better at dealing with my harrowing neurosis. Self awareness is the first key. Then anti-depressants. Then getting off them. Then you start listening to Coldplay. That’s the saddest bit.

Where is Toowoomba exactly?

No one really knows, it’s actually a state of mind more so than a small regional town in Queensland where I grew up. When you’re in the Toowoomba state of mind you are more inclined to watch rugby league and make casually racist/homophobic comments.

Damien interviewing Anne:

If you didn’t do stand up, what would you do? 

 

I guess I still be working in an office with a daily gnawing feeling that something wasn’t right. I worked in mental health before starting comedy. It was actually alright, I enjoyed it, but I had always a sense I wanted to something else. I’m obsessed with expressing myself, it’s painful. I’ve been doing it at family Christmas for years. I’m pleased to have a formal outlet now.

 

Why do you like country music?

Stop asking me that. It’s OK to like it. I like country music because it’s so simple, beautiful and often sad, which is one of my emotional favourite states. I got into when I lived in the country for a few years and had to drive long distances. It’s appropriate for that activity. I also like the way country music tells someone’s story in a few verses or just gives you a few hints about someone’s life and you can imagine the rest. Gillian Welch does that so well. It’s also very easy to sing and play, often only three chords – I learnt the banjo by playing along to Kasey Chambers, Gillian Welch and Lucinda Williams.

What do you like most about your new washing machine?

Yes! You were staying at my house the day my new washing machine arrived. What a great day. I had been saving up for it for ages. I had my old one for 15 years and it broke and I knew it was finally time for my first front loader. I love the 30 minute quick wash the most. I have actually watched it from start to finish. It’s also fun and ok to do an ‘everyday’ wash when you’ve got time (50 minutes). I’m entranced by the spinning of the clothes behind the glass and get genuinely excited when I walk past and see it.

What can we do as stand ups to contribute more positively to society as a community?

Not leave rotting food in each others fridges. No, I often do worry about what I’m contributing to society as stand up. It feels so self indulgent – getting up on stage and talking about yourself for hours on end. But hopefully making people laugh is some sort of small, positive contribution to the world. I guess we can also make a difference by the things we talk about on stage, like pointing out things aren’t fair or right, and getting together and fundraising for causes we believe in.    

Anne Edmonds: You Know What I’m Like

Venue: Fringe Hub, Lithuanian Club, 44 Errol St, North Melbourne

Dates: September 26 – October 2 (except Monday)

Times: 8pm (Sunday 7pm)

Tickets: $24 – $26

Damien Power: I Can’t Believe I Cared

Venue: The Imperial Hotel, Cnr Bourke and Spring St, CBD

Dates: September 24 – October 2 (except Monday)

Time: 9.15pm

Tickets: $20 – $24