interview – TINSEL and TAP SHOES

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

Pictured: Mario Hannah, Taylor Griffiths, Holly Bohmer.
Photo credit: Simon McCulloch & Mario Hannah

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

More information and tickets via melbournefringe.com.au/nosebleeds

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.

Interview: Mackenzie Dunn, Gabriyel Thomas and John Waters from ‘Waitress The Musical’

Here is part three of the group interviews from the Waitress: The Musical media call with stars Mackenzie Dunn, Gabriyel Thomas and John Waters.

Interview: John Xintavelonis, Gareth Issac and Keanu Gonzalez from ‘Waitress The Musical’

Here is part two of the group interviews from the Waitress: The Musical media call with Gareth Issac, John Xintavelonis and Keanu Gonzalez.

Interview: Natalie Bassingthwaighte from ‘Waitress The Musical’

Here is part one of the group interviews from the Waitress: The Musical media call with Natalie Bassingthwaite who plays Jenna.

Interview: Lucy Durack and Penny McNamee from ‘The Odd Couple’

The Odd Couple is playing in Melbourne for a limited season before heading to the Theatre Royal Sydney on June 27. It stars actor, presenter, producer and entertainer Shane Jacobson as Oscar Madison; acclaimed performer of stage and screen Todd McKenney as Felix Ungar.

Seasoned performers Lucy Durack and Penny McNamee play the exuberant Pigeon sisters Cecily and Gwendolyn, while John Batcherlor (Roy), Laurence Coy (Speed), Jamie Oxenbould (Vinnie) and Anthony Taufa (Murray) round out the talented cast as Oscar’s poker loving friends.

Tickets and further information can be found at theoddcoupleplay.com.au.