Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
We are an Australian musical comedy trio. We began playing the Fringe in 1987. Our thirst for vengeance has grown. Our tolerance for the English has not. We haven't been well lately...
How would you describe your show?
A cavalcade of fury. At death. At life. At hypocrisy & idiocy.
Wheelchair dancing. Summoning of demons.
Expect style cramping, bit chomping and teeth gnashing. Don't expect filthy lies or clean underwear.
Pretty songs guaranteed.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Britain has it coming. Australians Brexited in 1788. Now we're forced to return and fix the problem.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
The food, obviously.
Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?
The Fringe is bigger and more organised. In 1987, venues were mostly public lavatories and Quaker halls. Now there are lavatories and actual theatres. Much better.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
We needed anything that would get us out of Australia. Of all industries, comedy was the least choosey.
Our inspirations were Doctor Who and Prince Charles. We thought they were the same guy. All Brits look the same to us.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Neurosurgery or merchant banking. Seriously.
Making the world a better place. Only joking.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
The Prime Ministership of Britain seems a good short-term gig.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Our first ever art memory is Jackson Pollock's towering abstract monstrosity, Blue Poles. We thought, 'We could do that.'
Our second art memory was eating a crayon.
Our third art memory was passing a passable Jackson Pollock the following day.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
We don't recognise the expectations of others or the clamour of the now. Current events may bark, but the DAAS Van passes by. (Although a journalist once urinated on our rear tyre). We are only interested in the past. We are true "Then Masters".
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
Public sentiments have softened to a hyper-sensitive cringe. So, we painted a yellow J on our sledgehammer.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Beginning of the end. Again.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
We've always wanted to record a Christmas album with Jerry Sadowitz.
Or Sigmund Freud. We've always loved Freudian slips of the dung... sorry, tongue.
Why would a performer opt to do either a ticketed event or participate in the free fringe? What are the benefits and limitations of both?
For true comedy, any hole will do. The benefits are freedom and daring. There are no limitations beyond the need for protein.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
1.Busk! People buy tickets when they've had a taste of your act.
2.Give up your day job. Especially if it's at night.
3.Don't take no for an answer. Don't take what for a question.
4.Be funny. Be very funny.
5.Don't ask for advice. Some fool might give it.
When and where can people see your show?
We perform Near Death Experience at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the Pleasance Forth from 2nd-27th August at 10pm, ahead of the Shepherd's Bush Empire on the 1st September at 8pm. www.cheekymonkeycomedy.com
We're performing a one off show at the Shepherd's Bush Empire on the 1st September too.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
www.facebook.com/DougAnthonyAllStars/
Doug Anthony All Stars: Near Death Experience is performing at Pleasance Courtyard at 22:00 on 2nd – 27th (not Monday's or Tuesday's). For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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