Join Australia’s reigning queen of comedy cabaret, Dolly Diamond, as she works through decades of problems, peculiarities and personal challenges live on stage with her ever supportive (and unsuspecting) audience. This colourful midlife crisis – live on stage – promises to be camp cabaret gold with more than a touch of honesty. We caught up with Dolly to find out more.
Q&A with Dolly Diamond
How does it feel to be (making your debut at/returning to) Edinburgh Fringe?
I’m so excited to be returning to Edinburgh Fringe again, it’s my 4th and it’s that nervous excitement that keeps me coming back year after year. There’s a sense of community with this Fringe and you really feel aware of the history involved. At the end of the day all we want to do is entertain the audience in whatever way we know how and if we have to sell our soul to do it, so be it..
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
I’m telling quite a few stories from my many years on this earth, sure I might’ve added a little here and there but most of them are based in truth…they’re always the best kind. I grew up in a brutally honest family and the sarcasm and wit was passed down from generation to generation, like something on the Antiques Roadshow. I’ll be unburdening and opening myself up wider than I’ve ever done before.
How do you think audiences will react to the show?
They’ll laugh…It’s a bold statement but I know how to make an audience laugh. I’m not aiming to teach you very much and I don’t care what you learn from it all but I do want tears in the comedy and laughter. I’m a clown and I don’t care who knows it.
How have you been preparing for the festival?
I’ve been trying little bits of the show here and there and I did a big chunk of it in Melbourne before I left for the U.K. I’m working alongside my pianist and therapist, Jens Radda and we are in constant communication. Jen’s gets here pretty soon so we’ll lock ourselves away and be ready to release ourselves onto the audience on August 1st.
Will you get a chance to enjoy the rest of the festival?
I certainly will….I’m going to do as many guest spots as I possibly can, I find that a great way to meet and see other acts. I will also meet and see lots of other acts at the bars.
Do you have any Fringe anecdotes you can share with us?
I’m going into this with my eyes and mouth wide open.
The Unburdening of Dolly Diamond is at Assembly Roxy, Downstairs from 1 to 24 August 2024
