Multi-award-winning writer and performer Katie Reddin-Clancy presents a dark comedy about an eccentric cabaret performer’s soul review.
How would you describe your show to someone who knows very little about it?
It’s a solo show about a cabaret performers soul review! She dies, goes to heaven and watches a review of her life. She thinks she’s done terribly well, turns out not so much. It’s theatre, character comedy and cabaret!
What makes it stand out and why should people see it?
It’s tackling some huge concepts like The Afterlife and Parallel worlds. So if people like thought provoking theatre, multi layered storytelling and lots of fun characters-it’s for them! The audience tells me it stays with them for a good few days and some come back a few times as there are lots of layers to it.
How long was the process from idea to writing to stage? Any challenges along the way?
I’ve been writing this show for 4 years off and on. There have been huge challenges. Firstly, it was 2 hours long! So, some big set pieces were taken out about the spirit world and tough decisions were made about the story I wanted to tell.
What attracts you to comedy?
There’s no feeling like making people laugh. I think it’s the greatest gift in the world when someone makes me laugh. To brighten up someone’s day is a great honour. Also, you’ve struck a chord with them, they’ve recognised themselves or been surprised and that’s fun to play like that with audiences.
How would you describe your relationship with the audience and what do you love the most about live performance?
It’s incredible meeting new people who first see you when you’re pouring out your heart out in your art! You wouldn’t get this real sometimes with colleagues even friends you’ve known for years. So, when I meet people after the show, I feel like they know me, and I think they feel the same. There’s this instant connection and way of talking that’s suddenly gone past the surface level and straight to huge concepts and feelings.
Who would you say have been your biggest inspirations?
My grandmother, Joan Reddin who the show is about. I was hugely impressed with Tommy Branson when I first saw his shows in Australia.
What are three things that would surprise people to learn about you?
The spiritual bit that happens in the show actually happened!
I’m apparently psychic although I haven’t looked into developing this!
I’m mad about horses!
What do you love to most about performing at MICF?
Melbourne feels like a second home. I’ve lived here before, so it feels very familiar, and I have lovely friends here. Australians are so supportive of new work.
What comes after the MICF for you?
I have one show in Sydney on 26 April at Flight Path then I go for a run in Brighton Fringe in the UK, my hometown for Ironworks Brighton in May. Then who knows where End Game will go!
When Joanie arrives in The Afterlife, she meets her spirit guide, Pam. Did she learn the lessons at Earth School? But wait… it’s all about Eva?
Bold, evocative, emotionally-charged theatre, character comedy and character cabaret. A solo show about purpose, love and spirituality. Caution… may open your mind!
Running till April 20
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/end-game/
