Tell us all about 99 Schnitzels (Veal Ain’t One).
Have you ever cut open a cantaloupe, scooped out the pips and gunk with a spoon, smeared the pips and gunk on a slice of wholemeal bread and then smashed it with your fist? It’s kind of like that, but with rainbows.
You performed the show at MICF this year. How was it received?
Really really well. It was my first solo show, so I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but I got great reviews, and every night sold out. It is such a fun show so I’m pretty excited to do it all again.
Have you updated or changed the show since then at all?
Since then I’ve been in France training with Master Clown Philippe Gaulier, who has taught beautiful (and Festival award winning) idiots like Dr Brown and Trygve Wakenshaw, so if their shows are anything to go by, I’m probably now going to do most of mine in the nude.
What are the main challenges you face doing a sketch show solo?
A good sketch is like a well-constructed ceiling. You need a sturdy hanging beam, a strong strutting beam, good joists and cladding. I got none of that. It’s all me. Nope, no cladding.
Have you had to ditch any of your jokes since Tony Abbott got ousted?
Not really. I’ve always shied away from political sketches. I’m much more interested in writing something about a banana who gets sexually aroused when he peels himself, or a country-rock star that’s into leather – I don’t know, the political jokes don’t really come to me which is strange because I’m kinda into politics.
What’s your beef with veal?
First of all, great pun. I love it. Now how can I provide an answer any wittier than that? I actually love veal.
Are vegetarians allowed to come to the show?
At this point I should mention (though I’m a little reluctant to do so because I love it when people come to the show expecting schnitzel related material) the title to the show has nothing to do with anything – it’s just a silly nod to those who like hip hop, and a slap in the face to those who really like Wienerschnitzel. So yes vegetarians are very welcome.
What other shows in the Melbourne Fringe Festival would you recommend fans of 99 Schnitzels (Veal Ain’t One) seeing?
Anything and everything at Tuxedo Cat. I’m really keen to see Clara Cupcakes’ show and also Isabel and Rachel in PRIME! Also, Impromptunes are always great fun.
