How to Fringe 2017: Isabel Angus

Isabel Angus
Comedian, writer and about to make my first foray into kids comedy 

Fizzy Kids!
26–30 September 26 - 30
Gasworks Arts Park – Studio Theatre

SM: I trying (and failing) to find a night to see EDGE! the year it won Best Fringe Comedy in 2013;  I saw at the comedy festival. But I first saw Isabel at the Short and Sweet festival; I remember the glitter.

Harley Hefford & Isabel Angus. Fizzy Kids. Photo by Angel Leggas, 3 Fates Media

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

The Melbourne Fringe in three words.
Sparkly. Innovative. Joyful.

A favourite Melbourne Fringe memory.
Doing my first ever Fringe show EDGE! in 2013 (with Rachel Davis) and realising what a wonderful festival the Melbourne Fringe Festival was (and still is).

What is your experience as an independent artist being part of the Melbourne Fringe?
Putting up a new show and getting people to see it can be challenging as an independent artist; however, in my experience, the audiences at Melbourne Fringe are some of the most welcoming and are open to new experiences.

What makes the Melbourne Fringe unique?
The multi-disciplinary nature of Melbourne Fringe makes it unlike any other festival in Melbourne. It is basically an explosive celebration of creativity, diversity and originality in Melbourne town.

What’s your advice for choosing what to see in the Melbourne Fringe?
I think if something about a particular event’s picture or event write-up appeals to you in any way, you should follow that instinct and take a punt on that new show. You never know what you will discover, and supporting emerging talent is a wonderful thing to do.

Do you think there’s a better system than star ratings for reviews?
I think the star rating system could be better if it were accompanied by a disclaimer of sorts, where the reviewer lists their personal interests and tastes – favourite films, books, theatre, TV shows etc. That way, readers can have an idea of the reviewer’s unique sensibilities, which might then help them gauge whether the show is for them or not. For instance if the reviewer lists Donald Trump as a personal interest/favourite, and gives a show two-stars, some people might chose to disregard that particular reviewer’s opinion; just a thought.

Five shows/events that you will not miss at the 2017 Melbourne Fringe.
Geraldine Hickey: It’s My Show
Pee Stick
Let’s get Practical! Live. Presented by The Very Good Looking Initiative
Tessa Waters: Volcano
Betty GRUMBLE: Sex Clown Saves the World

MELBOURNE FRINGE: Isabel and Rachel in Prime!

Isabel and Rachel in Prime!
26 September 2015
Fringe Hub, Upstairs at Errol's
to 3 October
melbournefringe.com.au

The fear sets in when the pre-show music is Enya. What if it's a feminist performance-art trigger-warning sacred-vagina dance?

It is. With cloaks, poetry and a sperm mime performed by the Sisters of the Moon.

But Rachel Davis and Isabel Angus are under those cloaks…

Isabel and Rachel are finding their fresh, unique and insanely hilarious voice as a straight-stooge duo that welcomes new characters each show.

In PRIME!, Deborah (Rachel) has been abandoned by her fellow sister performer so has asked Jono, her 14-year old son (Isabel), to fill in. There’s a Vienetta in the fridge at home if he’s learnt his lines and doesn’t display his “ignorance of female autonomy”. But he wants to do the Jono Show, where a bit is funny because he’s a guy pretending to be a chick.

Their commentary on gender issues, especially that of how young women are perceived compared to young men, is painfully spot on, but it’s the misunderstanding, love and acceptance between the Deborah and Jono that takes it to the next level.


This was on AussieTheatre.com.

MICF: EDGE!

MICF 2014
EDGE!
Isabel and Rachel
27 March 2014
Tuxedo Cat
to 8 April
comedyfestival.com.au

Isabel and Rachel's EDGE! won Best Comedy at the 2013 Melbourne Fringe and they won Audience Favourite at Melbourne's 2013 Short and Sweet Theatre. EDGE! has since been to the Perth and Adelaide Fringes and is back home at the Tuxedo Cat so that everyone who couldn't get a ticket at the Fringe can see what the fuss was about.

Just book now, in case it sells out again.

Stella is 11. She had a viral hit on YouTube when she was 8 and her mum is trying to make her a star – even if she's in LA and talking to her daughter on the phone. It's one thing to sing about clouds and marshmallows, but it's time Stella grows up and becomes like other famous internet stars.

It was strange to see it the day after seeing a real life Stella in Bryony Kimmings's Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model performed with her real-life 11-year-old niece and addressing the reality of everything about Stella.

Isabel and Rachel are a fresh, original and adorable new voice who are sprinkling glitter and light on the frustrations and ironies of girls and young women aspiring to be famous for being famous.

I also wrote about this show on AussieTheatre.com.