Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Ashleyrose Gilham, INVINCIBLE: Prince vs Michael
Timing is everything in comedy — even when it comes with controversy when comparing pop royalty Prince and Michael Jackson, say comedians Ashleyrose Gilham and Janelle Da Silva.
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What can people expect from your show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?
JANELLE DA SILVA: Fun. Nostalgia. Fearless storytelling.
If you lived through the ’80s and/or ’90s this show is a must.
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ASHLEYROSE GILHAM: Our audience can expect to go on an incredible journey with some surprises along the way.
While we explore the media-driven rivalry through a comedic lens, there are also some deeply personal elements that we feel will resonate with our audience.
At the heart of it, it’s a love story.
What have you been up to since last time you were here?
JANELLE: Working on my suntan.
ASHLEYROSE: INVINCIBLE marks my MICF debut.
I’m an expat from the US.
When I moved to Australia, I decided to focus my energy on my artistry.
I’m a passionate actor, storyteller, writer and movement artist.
Janelle and I previously partnered and co-produced the We of the Night series featuring and supporting femme artists of all facets from the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast regions.
We have been wanting to showcase our comedic chops together and creating INVINCIBLE provides us the opportunity to do so.
Who should see your show, and why?
JANELLE: INVINCIBLE: Prince vs Michael is a fantastical trip down memory lane (AKA Alphabet St) celebrating and critically questioning two pillars of pop music!
The men, the music, the myths and the madness.
Leaving no stone unturned exploring current controversy and the condemnation of erasure. Heartwarming and hilarious.
Unlike any comedy you’ve ever enjoyed.
ASHLEYROSE: Come because I look good in purple!
Our show is for anyone who likes to have a good time. INVINCIBLE is a women of colour creation.
We have written, produced and are starring in it.
We’re incredibly fortunate to be under the direction of international award-winning and critically acclaimed comedian Candy Bowers.
There’s something in our show for everyone.
What’s your No.1 tip for people coming to see a show at the comedy festival?
JANELLE: Take a punt on something out of the box, you’d be surprised how funny not-famous dark people are.
ASHLEYROSE: It’s an incredible opportunity to see a breadth of comedy coming from a wealth of varying experiences and perspectives.
Surprise yourself, take a chance on something you may not naturally gravitate towards.
Which other comedians/shows are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?
JANELLE: Hannah Gadsby, Douglas, because where does comedy go after Nannette? …
ASHLEYROSE: Michelle Wolf, because if you can simultaneously devour Trump and make me choke on my popcorn, I’m yours.
What are your impressions of Melbourne?
JANELLE: Two-thirds of our team are Aussie born, a Blasian director and a Brasian co-producer/performer.
We love Melbourne’s cultural diversity.
ASHLEYROSE: As an expat, I treasure that venturing to Melbourne from Geelong still feels like an adventure.
There’s a vibrant art scene which I find exciting.
I dig the energy there.
There’s a good mix of things on offer in Melbourne.
Special shout-out to vegan paradise Fitzroy. Brunswick St, I seriously should write you a love letter.
Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?
JANELLE: ScoMo ... he’s pretty funny.
No, but in all seriousness white people do make pretty good material.
ASHLEYROSE: My parents are hilarious.
They’re just themselves and there was so much laughter growing up.
Anything else you want us to know about you or your show?
JANELLE: Created, written, performed, directed and produced by queer, intersectional women-of-colour.
Looking at two musical icons, their legacies and the rivalry that never was.
Boldly exploring MJ’s resurfaced controversy, exploring cancelling out the moonwalk, and childhood memories.
Willing to ‘go there’, fierce queens throwing down all in the name of love.
ASHLEYROSE: Come see INVINCIBLE: Prince vs Michael.
You’ll have a great time.
We cover a lot of ground and don’t shy away from difficult subject matters.
INVINCIBLE: PRINCE VS MICHAEL, APRIL 11-20, THE MELBA STUDIO, 35 JOHNSTON ST. BOOK TICKETS
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