My first Fringe show? Well, this is a tricky one. I don't think it was officially on the books; I reckon I did it dodgy and was part of a group show called ‘The Young Guns’. A few comedians from Sydney and I flew over on a Jetstar flight, and we did the show at the Crown and Anchor—affectionately known as the "Cranker".

I came back to do the festival properly, but it was my first real exposure to the Adelaide community. As an Ambassador now, it feels like you're enlisting in the army. Adelaide Fringe is a training ground for performers—it’s where you come to learn how to be a better artist.

I'm performing at the Hindley Street Music Hall. I’ve done a show there before, and I have to say, it's got the best backstage I've ever experienced. The venue itself is fantastic—it’s like a rock venue, but it works perfectly for comedy. 

I’m doing an extended version of my show from last year. It’s going to be 90 minutes long, and I’m adding in some new material, including some songs from the UK. Expect some fun twists—it’s going to be a very unique experience!

Adelaide Fringe is fantastic because it’s a mix of people working on new stuff and those showing off their best work. The festival has a real sense of experimentation, and the audiences are amazing—they trust the process and are so open to new ideas. You get the sense that they are here for something fresh, and that’s very exciting. The festival has a community spirit like no other, where artists come together and grow in a shared experience.

My favourite memory is the feeling you get at the end of the festival when everyone finishes their shows. It’s like a big, slightly bizarre community moment—no matter how your show went, you’re all there together. I’ve spent a lot of time with comedians in a post-show haze, drinking and chatting about the highs and lows. That sense of camaraderie is really special.

As an Ambassador, I see my role as endorsing the artists who are taking risks. There are 8,000 artists at the Fringe, and that's a lot! It’s all about encouraging people to step outside their comfort zone, both as performers and as audiences. The festival is about discovery, and as an Ambassador, we need to help the audience take risks and support these talented artists, whether it’s a well-established act or someone debuting their first show.

In tough times, art is one of the few things that can offer an escape. It’s so important because it can push boundaries and help us feel something. But it’s also a space where we can laugh, forget about the world for a while, and just enjoy the moment. That’s why festivals like Adelaide Fringe are so crucial—they give us that opportunity to breathe and experience something transformative.

Take a flyer! If the person handing you the flyer is the performer, go to their show. Trust me, they’re going through something, and it’s a genuine connection between the artist and the audience. And don’t forget, if you see a show with only a few people in the audience, don’t be dismayed! You’ll have the chance to say, “I saw them when they were just starting out.” The beauty of this festival is supporting people in their early stages.