Currently visiting our fair city, along with many other performers of all styles and incarnations is the hilarious and charming Emily Tresidder. Emily has taken the Sydney comedy scene by storm and the rest of us are starting to catch on – this lady is one to watch at this year’s Adelaide Fringe!
An absolute bundle of talent, Emily presents material that isn’t just about making her crowds laugh (though she does achieve that in a way that makes it seem effortless) but she also discusses more important issues such as those surrounding mental health and wellbeing in her show Crazy Is. I was lucky enough to sit down with Emily for a chat – which is always super fun to do with a fellow funny lady (yes, I do think I’m hilarious, hold your judgement friends) – and here’s what happened…
Alicia: When I tell people that I do comedy, their first response is usually either “you must be nuts” or “wow, you’re so brave” – do you get this kind of reaction and what do you usually say back to them?
Emily: Yeah, I most definitely get this a lot from a lot of people. I guess it’s just one of those things, people who aren’t into being in the spotlight think it’s painful, but I love it, obviously if I didn’t I wouldn’t do it! People do things that freak me out too, that I would never do, but that’s their life to live, so power to them.
Alicia: What are some of the biggest challenges that you have had to overcome as a stand-up?
Emily: I guess the internal desire to give up that springs up sometimes. Things might not go according to my plan, and I will question what I’m doing. Just because it isn’t easy, it’s a hustle, it takes work. Yet every single time I have these doubtful moments, I always wind up saying “it’s worth it”, because it is. Totally.
Alicia: I feel the same – doing stand up has probably been one of the most epic roller coaster rides I have ever been on; one moment I’m on top of the world and then next I hate comedy and everything about it – but on that note, what actually makes you laugh?
Emily: Hmmm… This is a tricky one, I love laughing, so almost everything makes me laugh – my friend cracking a joke, me saying something stupid, a baby trying to walk on sand at the beach. Life is funny, I laugh at life, not in a pompous way, just in an, if you don’t laugh you’ll cry kind of way.
Alicia: On that note, your show deals with themes revolving around mental health – why is it important, especially for those in creative fields to feel comfortable having an open discourse surrounding these topics?
Emily: I suppose it’s important to have an open discourse surrounding mental health generally. It is not necessarily just a conversation to start in the arts, but in the wider world. So, if I can have a chat about it in a forum that also makes people happy and laugh, then, yeah, let’s do that.
Alicia: Why should people see your show – or any shows during Fringe for that matter?
Emily: My show? Because it is A LOT of fun, too much fun (not too much, just the right amount of fun) – I have such a blast, it’s a super interactive show.
See (all of the) shows at fringe because you never know what you’re going to get, but you will always get something. Fringe is such an awesome time, because the cities that host them are exposed to the widest range of talent, and variation of form.
Alicia: If you could warn your audience about one thing before they come to your show, what would it be?
Emily: Go to the bathroom before the show! If laughing makes you happy, then so will this show, but your bladder might need extra support. Also, the show is interactive, so if you want to see the best version of the show, give me the best responses and be ready to be incorporated into it.
Alicia: I’ve seen some terrible behaviour from Fringe goers this year so if you could give out some etiquette advice to Adelaide Fringe punters, what would it be?
Emily:
During a show:
DON’T USE YOUR PHONES
AVOID YAWNING
DO YOUR BEST TO GET INVOLVED WHEN ASKED
DO YOUR BEST TO NOT GET INVOLVED WHEN NOT ASKED
HAVE THE BEST DAMN TIME
Alicia: I think that last one is perfect for life in general. We here in Adelaide know that we’re a little odd but as an ‘outsider’, what is the craziest thing that you have experienced in Adelaide?
Emily: The koala bar, where all the staff are koalas. Check it out. It’s a lot of fun.
Alicia: Umm that sounds AMAZING, how have I never heard of this! Apart from that, where will you be grabbing each of the following while you’re in Adelaide – coffee, beer, and cheap eats?
Coffee, SAD café on Ebenezer street. They do batch brew over ice, they know my order. I know their souls. It’s a beautiful relationship, and exceptional coffee.
Beer, I personally like a good gin, so Howling Owl under Rhino Room is a brilliant spot. You’ll find me there pretty consistently.
Cheap eats? Well I mean when you’re drunk cheap eats are pretty much everywhere. I can get a packet of plain crisps and a blue Powerade for under $10 – I know, pretty impressive. Honestly I try not to eat out too much during festival, so Mie Goreng by the bucket is a staple.
Emily is a lady of my own heart – gin, laughter and epic drunken feasts, you can’t go past that! You can catch her most excellent show, Crazy Is at The Producers on Grenfell Street every night except Monday until the end of Fringe! Get tickets HERE!
Alicia xx
