Here at Perth Arts Live, we know festival season in Perth/Boorloo (and beyond!) 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. No rest for the weary, eh?
Let it be known that The Big HOO-HAA! holds a special place in PAL’s heart and bones (iykyk). Some of Australia’s best comedic talents have come through HOO-HAA’s ranks; its players have toured the world with award-winning shows, made outstanding TV, film, and web entertainment, and inspired enough laughter in the last 2.5 decades to buoy up the Titanic.
While many readers will also be longtime fans of HOO-HAA! we wanted to make sure newcomers to Boorloo’s longest-running improv institution get up to speed. So we asked HOO-HAA! director and performer Libby Klysz to take five with us to give us a look into this year’s installment of their FRINGE WORLD essential viewing, running from 4 – 8 Feb at the State Theatre Centre of WA as part of State of Play, 2 Feb at Rockingham Fringe, and 9 Feb at the Kalamunda Hotel.
Q1 What inspired the show, and what motivated you to bring it to FRINGE WORLD?
The Big HOO-HAA! was created by Sam Longley, nearly 24 years ago! He started it after he returned from studying improv in Chicago for a few years. HOO-HAA! has been part of the Fringe program since it began; we love merging our audiences with Fringe audiences to see what fun comedy that generates. It’s the summer fling we just can’t quit.
Q2 What’s the most unexpected, funny, or interesting thing that has happened during the show’s development?
The show develops every time it is performed with an audience- unexpected funny stuff is literally the point! Years ago, when we did a 24-hour version of the show, I played the role of a Revolving Restaurant for 40 minutes. And lest we forget the Dogprov experiment. With live dogs.
Q3 What does the audience absolutely need to know before they come to see the show? (without spoilers, of course!)
What you will experience has never been seen before, and never will be seen again. It’s magical mayhem, in a fleeting moment.
Q4 If you could invite any famous person (living or dead) to the show, who would it be and why?
Elvis. Have you seen those movies? He’s got what it takes to be an ensemble member- he can act, sing, and deliver gags.
Q5 What other show(s) would pair well with yours for a delicious FRINGE WORLD feast?
Our companion show The Little HOO-HAA! It’s our kids version of the show. Outside of us, we can’t wait for Perish with Great Difficulty [season ended].
BONUS ROUND: In 10 words or less, give us your last ditch pitch to get folks in to see the show!
Improv comedy, done well. Good times guaranteed, in air con!.
