05 September 2017

How to Fringe 2017: Charlie D Barkle

Charlie D Barkle
Writer, director, producer, performer

Shaken: Baritones Belting Bond (technically not in Fringe, but just after. This show was in 2016 Melbourne Fringe in 2016 and was nominated for Best Cabaret and won the Ballarat Cabaret Award.)
10–15 October
The Butterfly Club

Charlie D Barkle. Shaken: Baritones Belting Bond. Photo by Angel Leggas, 3 Fates Media

If you could invite anyone to your show (and you knew they would come), who would it be?
Any of the actors who have played James Bond, but especially Sir Roger Moore.

The Melbourne Fringe in three words.
Fringey, Intimate, Exciting.

A favourite Melbourne Fringe memory.
Having only done one Melbourne Fringe so far, I’d say the whole thing was pretty memorable. Performing at The Butterfly Club is the artistic equivalent of a big warm hug from your best friend’s cool grandma!

What is your experience as an independent artist being part of the Melbourne Fringe?
I produced my show in Melbourne Fringe in 2016 and, as the first show I had produced in Melbourne since moving here in 2015, I found it to be a really enjoyable experience. Melbourne Fringe still really has a strong focus on the independent producer/artist.

What makes the Melbourne Fringe unique.
Despite Melbourne’s large population, the festival remains small, boutique, and most definitely fringey.

Your advice for choosing what to see in the Melbourne Fringe.
Just see some shows! Of course see the people that you know, but then take a chance on something. Pick a show at random, wave your finger around the page or roll a dice but take a chance on an artist you’ve never heard of; you may be pleasantly surprised by what you see.

Do you think there’s a better system than star ratings for reviews?
Stars seem to work quite nicely but I think they work even better when in collaboration with reviews. We also must remember that star ratings and reviews are always opinion and that one person’s trash is another one’s treasure.

Five shows/events that you will not miss at the 2017 Melbourne Fringe.
MUMMY. A Sexy Comedy Party, Brianna Williams
It’s Not Me, It’s Lou. A silly show by musical comedian Louisa (Lou) Wall
A Showgirl: Deconstructed, Carletta the Great
She Wolf. Who was Queen Margaret
I’m Fine! Lucy Gransbury