Lisa Gatenby’s Kid Show ‘A Wonderfully Wacky Wizard’ Debuts at the Adelaide Fringe
If you want a show that’s absolute magical mayhem, then kids show A Wonderfully Wacky Wizard is the show to check out at this year’s Adelaide Fringe. Written and performed by children’s entertainer, comedian and MC, Lisa Gatenby is fun for the kids and families with songs, jokes and dance moves that will tickle your funny bones. Playing from March 11-19 at the The Piglet (open-air) at Gluttony, Lisa chatted to the Hi Fi Way about debuting the show at this year’s Fringe.
Are you excited to bring the show A Wonderfully Wacky Wizard to Adelaide audiences?
ABSOLUTELY! I’ve put so much passion into Winni Wizard and her show. I can’t wait for Adelaide to meet her and love her as much as I do.
Can you tell us what the show is about?
Winni is a 150 year old stumblebum Wizard who is still trying to prove she was “definitely” listening in Wizardry class by showcasing her favourite magic. Will she be able to find the true meaning of Magic to earn her “Real Life Wizard Badge”?
Featuring super cool dance moves, songs and jokes funnier than your dads, audiences will be leaving with a whole new vocabulary.
Kids can be so unpredictable and tough critics but when you win them over, they are such loyal audiences. Do you get a buzz out of the reaction you get from the kids?
It’s just so authentic when you get those big laughs out of kids. They can be so invested in your story and it’s the best when you crack them and crack them up!
Is it harder or different to perform comedy to kids compared to adults?
It can be quite different, but I really enjoy both. Kids are always ready to have fun, they haven’t been thinking about the tough day at work or the bills they need to pay, they’re just in the moment. My favourite part is how big and silly you can be in kids’ comedy.
However, performing a kids show, you are still performing to adults too, which is great. It’s like a Pixar movie that needs to entertain all ages.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how long have you been performing in front of live audiences?
I’ve been performing to live audiences for over 20 years through Dance, Improv & Stand-up Comedy. I found comedy over 4 years ago and have not looked back since.
When I’m not hanging with Winni, I’m performing at Kryal Castle Victoria, Hosting Trivia and various events, gigging across Melbourne, and one third of the children’s entertainment group called “The Funtones”
After a sold out run of my last years Melbourne International Comedy Festival show “3rd Life Crisis” I’m super excited to be heading to Adelaide for new adventures to new audiences.
What is the best part about being in Adelaide for the Fringe?
The city comes alive during Fringe. Anyone and everyone join in the festivities from what is such a relaxed city every other day. This will be my first self-produced show at The Fringe and I’m very excited to be performing at Gluttony, right in the heart of the action.
What are three words to describe your show?
Kooki, Enchanting and Fun!
Fringe Interview By Anastasia Lambis
Tickets and show information for A Wonderfully Wacky Wizard at Fringe Tix. Grab Ya Tix!
