02 September 2017

How to Fringe 2017: Anna Thomson

Anna Thomson
Performer, workshop facilitator, stilt-walker

Madame Nightshade’s Poison Garden
21 September – 1 October
La Mama


Anna Thomson, Photo by Theresa Harrison

If you could invite anyone to your show (and you knew they would come), who would it be?
Harpo Marx.

The Melbourne Fringe in three words?
Experimental. Outrageous. FUN.

A favourite Melbourne Fringe memory.
Learning a backstreet boys dance with 300 other people at the Fringe Hub!

What is your experience as an independent artist being part of the Melbourne Fringe?
Fringe is an excellent space to see and produce independent art. Audiences know they should come ready for anything and there’s such a variety of shows to see.

What do makes the Melbourne Fringe unique?
The depth and breadth of shows on offer. Stand up. Comedy. Improv. Theatre. Dance. I love choosing a show from every genre and seeing what turns up.

What’s your advice for choosing what to see in the Melbourne Fringe?
Choose something you’ve heard of before, something you know someone in and at least on thing you’ve never heard of. You can discover hidden gems at Fringe!

Do you think there’s a better system than star ratings for reviews?
Stars are good in that punters can easily relate, but I think overall they aren’t a real indication of a quality show. I think quotes are better; a good tag line can go a long way!

Five shows/events that you will not miss at the 2017 Melbourne Fringe.
Po Po Mo Co: Recreation & Leisure
A Brisk Wind Whistling Down Twin Oak Drive by Phoebe Mason
Woman Laughing With a Bowl of Salad by Emma Smith
Hannah Camilleri: Vision Statement
The Yonder by Elizabeth Davie, Shannon Lim, Ezel Ismet