interview – TINSEL and TAP SHOES

Melbourne Fringe Festival Interview: Em Barrett

Em Barrett is a versatile, award-winning New Zealand performer and writer about to debut at the Melbourne Fringe Festival with her unhinged new show, Ode to a Grape, in which she takes on the role of her comedic alter-ego Johann.

Ahead of the show’s run at this year’s Fringe, we sat down with Em to discuss the inspiration behind the show, what inspires her as a performer, and, given the show’s title, exactly what her favourite fruit is.

Melbourne Fringe Festival Interview: Holly Bohmer, Mario Hannah and Taylor Griffiths

Ahead of the 2026 Melbourne Fringe Festival, Holly Bohmer, Mario Hannah and Taylor Griffiths sat down with me to discuss Nosebleeds, a show the hilarious trio describe as “a sketch comedy descent into vintage horror”, which is playing at The Improv Conspiracy during the festival from October 1-18.

Interview: Country-Rock Powerhouse Jayne Denham

Country rock singer-songwriter, Jayne Denham is gearing up for the release of her seventh studio album. Working with legendary producer Marti Frederiksen and acclaimed songwriter Kylie Sackley across three sessions in Nashville, Denham says the forthcoming release is built on faith, redemption, resilience, and the belief that even life’s darkest seasons can lead to healing.

Three songs have been released so far: Hillbilly Halo – a loud, high-octane party anthem; Preacher’s Song – a cheeky song inspired by her first boyfriend; and Angel Of Mercy – born from hitting rock bottom during her marriage breakdown. The fourth track is about holding onto hope during tough times and trusting that better days are ahead. Written by Buck Johnson, James Dean Hicks and Charlie Midnight, Gotta Believe It is due for release September 4.

Interview: Amy Lehpamer and Director Simon Harvey from ‘Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)’

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is currently playing at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre until July 11. Based on Jane Austen‘s classic novel, the musical comedy stars Amy Lehpamer, Zoe Ioannou, Kaori Maeda-Judge, Ruby Shannon and Teo Vergara and is directed by Simon Harvey, who co-directed the West End production where it won the Olivier Award for ‘Best Comedy’.

Interview: Will Swenson from ‘A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical’

The smash-hit musical A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical will make its Australian premiere exclusively in Melbourne in August 2026 at The Princess Theatre with acclaimed Broadway star Will Swenson, who originated the role of Neil Diamond on Broadway, leading the cast.

Interview: Rob Mills and Global Associate Director & Choreographer Abbey O’Brien from ‘Waitress The Musical’

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film and brought to life by a trailblazing female-led creative team, including a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus, Waitress is the irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope that has captured hearts worldwide.

Here is the fourth and final of the group interviews from the Waitress: The Musical media call with Rob Mills and Global Associate Director & Choreographer Abbey O’Brien.

Category: interview