Here at Perth Arts Live, we know festival season in Perth/Boorloo is hectic. There’s a lot to do, see, and plan when arts festivals overlap in such spectacular ways. To help readers make informed decisions about where to spend every moment of their free time during Fringemas just like us, we’re asking FRINGE WORLD artists to ‘take five’ from their busy schedules to answer five questions about their shows.
The first artist to take five with us is actor Esther Longhurst, who will be appearing in Weeping Spoon Productions‘ world premiere of Perish With Great Difficulty by Jessica Messenger at the State Theatre Centre from 17 – 25 Jan. About Perish:
You know the story. It’s Christmas eve and all retired naval captain John Maclaine really wants is to win back the love of his estranged fiancé. Instead, he finds himself caught up in a fight to take back Nakatomi Manor from a nefarious band of Bavarian Barbarians lead by the villainous Herr Gruber… On second thoughts, maybe you don’t quite know this version of the story.
Q1 What inspired the show, and what motivated you to bring it to FRINGE WORLD?
After improvising so many Jane Austen inspired shows (Sense and Spontaneity) over the years at FRINGE WORLD, Jessica, Amanda and I wanted to bring something new. We love the idea of taking something so far away from Jane Austen like Die Hard and dropping it into a Regency context. Jessica Messenger wrote the play and when we got together to read it we couldn’t stop laughing.
Q2 What’s the most unexpected, funny, or interesting thing that has happened during the show’s development?
Jessica originally cast me as Hans Gruber. I speak German and I am comfortable with a German accent. I sulked about this and so Jess generously let me play the lead and hero of the show. What this means though is that all the German characters are played by actors who don’t love doing German accents and it is a truly hilarious addition to the show!
Q3 What does the audience absolutely need to know before they come to see the show? (without spoilers, of course!)
Fans of Die Hard Or Jane Austen will particularly love this show. Our dream is that perhaps, in friendship groups or couples where no one can agree on what to watch, that we have all the bases covered!
Q4 If you could invite any famous person (living or dead) to the show, who would it be and why?
JANE AUSTEN. I mean she was a caustic woman, so she may write a scathing review but there is a possibility that she may just be enamoured!
Q5 What other show(s) would pair well with yours for a delicious FRINGE WORLD feast?
I think our show would pair well with any other comedy show or perhaps something fresh and different like a circus act. Being right in the heart of the city means you can grab something to eat between shows as well – it’s a win-win-win.
BONUS ROUND: In 10 words or less, give us your last-ditch pitch to get folks in to see the show!
Something for everyone and amongst the ridiculousness, a satisfying story!
