melbourne fringe festival – TINSEL and TAP SHOES

Melbourne Fringe Festival Interview: Em Barrett on ‘Ode to a Grape’ (2026)

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 on ‘Nosebleeds’ (2026)

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.

Review: ‘Robyn Reynolds – What Doesn’t Kill You’ at Melbourne Fringe Festival (2025)

Bursting onto the stage with effervescent energy and a sparkling stage presence, Robyn Reynolds’ Melbourne Fringe Festival show, What Doesn’t Kill You is a witty and unexpectedly moving hour.

Review: ‘JKS: A Comedy (?)’ at Melbourne Fringe Festival (2025)

A clever, acerbic and flat-out hilarious play that is heaven for comedy nerds and sure to provoke many post-show debates, JKS: A Comedy (?) is a phenomenal new work from acclaimed comedian Tom Ballard.