Margaret River has such a distinct atmosphere. How do you translate the high-octane glamour of the Perth International Burlesque Festival into the stunning regional setting of Margs?
I think in the eyes of non-locals, Margs might come across a bit… snobbish. BUT! Rest assured we are all absolute clowns, we are down-to-earth divas, and we are truly obsessed with sharing our corner of the globe with world-class talent. Without giving too much of the show away, I am excited about the lineup! It’s the perfect fusion of premium glamour, alluring tease, and playfulness.
Can you share a ‘behind-the-scenes’ moment where you had to use your best ‘Wrangler’ skills to pull off a miracle for the show?
Not burlesque related, but definitely show-biz related! When I was 22, I worked BTS for a large Australian festival promoter as Artist Liaison. I was in charge of getting them from accommodation to the festival grounds, to their set time on stage. One artist, who was a global sensation at the time, was doing a live radio interview with Triple J when he was meant to be on stage! I had to use my best improvisation skills to start a Mexican wave with the crowd, followed by a catchy chant, to keep the audience from going nuts waiting!
What has been your favourite part about connecting with the local artists and venue teams in the region this year?
The absolute passion and enthusiasm has been next to none. Every artist and every team member from PIBF has been absolutely frothing about the upcoming Margs Regional Roadshow, and I am living for the hype!
What first drew you into this dazzling world, and how did that passion lead you to join the PIBF team?
I have always been a total theatre nerd, but in my mid-20s I was working as a pole dance instructor in San Diego California and performing one night a week a local downtown smokey blues club. I went along to the club’s burlesque night one time and instantly I was like “are you kidding me?! THIS is what I want to do!” And so, the obsession with burlesque evolved…!
Quick-Fire Round…
Sequins or Fringe?
Fringe!
One item you can’t survive festival season without?
A double-shot almond flat white!
Describe the Margaret River show in three words.
Sass, seduction and SIZZLE!
