“The power of community has also been highlighted to me over the last year. The kindness and generosity people offer each other, particularly in the arts, is simply wonderful.”
WHO: Monique Warren
WHAT: “After a gold medal run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Coach Mon is pumped for a spectacular sports extravaganza, but her athletes have disappeared! How can The Comedy Games leap ahead with no athletes?! Can you help find them? Skate on over to this Olympic-inspired kid’s clown show filled with music and sports-tastic events like eyebrow push-ups and a slow-motion running race. Your little ones will move, groove and dream, plus you’ll walk away with your very own custom-made medal! Get ready for some serious silliness at this frivolously fun family show.”
WHERE: theSpace @ Niddry St – Studio (Venue 9)
WHEN: 11:00 (45 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
August holds a lot of firsts for me. First time to Edinburgh, my first EdFringe, the first time working on this show with my wonderful producer Enya Cai and the first time my kids show ‘The Comedy Game with Coach Mon’ will reach international audiences.
As a performer I’ve been part of festivals such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and New Zealand Fringe Festival. What I love about festivals as both a performer and a punter is the variety of works and perspectives you can see from other artists. There’s such joy and inspiration in seeing other artists do their thing and hearing their stories.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Last year was the premier season of ‘The Comedy Games with Coach Mon’ (an Olympic-inspired kids clown show). After a gold medal run I decided to pack up my life and head to France to study at Ecole Philippe Gaulier to build my clown skills. My understanding of clown has definitely solidified but there’s more learning and absorbing to come for sure!
The power of community has also been highlighted to me over the last year. The kindness and generosity people offer each other, particularly in the arts, is simply wonderful. I am grateful for my community back in Australia and my Gaulier ‘family’ for helping the Coach Mon team get our show to Edinburgh.
Tell us about your show.
It’s Coach Mon’s biggest dream to coach at a spectacular sports extravaganza. BUT her athletes have disappeared! She almost gives up on the games until she realises the audience members can be her athletes. Throughout the show the audience is invited to participate in this Olympic-inspired kids clown show filled with music and sports-tastic events like eyebrow push-ups and a slow motion running race. Athletes will make their very own custom made medals and partake in a medal ceremony, celebrating their success with colourful scarves, great music and fun dance moves. It’s an interactive sports-themed musical clown show perfect for the whole family and ideal for kids aged 4+.
The Coach Mon team consists of 3 core members hailing from Melbourne, Australia. The writer and performer of the show is me (Monique Warren), Laura Aldous is the director & Enya Cai is the producer. On and off for the past 11 years we’ve collaborated in performing arts education and theatre making spaces, primarily the Australian School of Performing Arts and the Australian Girls’ Choir. As well as being a creative trio, the three of us have been great friends for years, it’s such a joy working with your mates.
‘The Comedy Games with Coach Mon’ premiered at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2023. After our season finishes at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 we’re taking the show on tour throughout Australia, visiting festivals such as Perth Fringe and Adelaide Fringe. We can’t wait!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Oh so many fabulous shows! Here are some of the shows I can’t wait to see:
Adults…
Mel & Sam: High Pony – These two QUEENS are hilarious! Their musical comedy is on point.
Cyrano – A gender-flipped retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, I saw a season of this in 2022 and it was HOT! Virginia Gay is a powerhouse.
The Duncan Brothers: Blood Sword – The Duncan Brothers are quirky & silly and their work is hilariously crazy.
Burnout Paradise – Such a fun show to be an audience member of, you are part of the action as 4 actors complete outrageous tasks on treadmills. My director Laura is in this show, she’s one of the superstars in the Ponycam crew.
Mr Cardboard – I’ve seen snippets of this show and Mr Cardboard is a devilishly delightful character. Can’t wait to see more.
Medicine Woman – after her award winning run at Hollywood Fringe I can’t wait to catch this glorious show.
Mel McGlensey is Motor Boat – Mel makes me laugh! I’ll be strapping in for this naughty, nautical show.
End of the World Cabaret – The Bonjour Group have created a wacky show filled with quirky characters. A joyful and playful show!!
Jessica Aszkenasy: BRA SHOW (WIP) – Jessica is a grounded and clever performer. From the bits and pieces I’ve seen of this WIP, it’s both relatable (to people with breasts) and hilarious.
Kids…
The Listies: ROFL – The Listies are funny and very cheeky! I’m ready for a good giggle when I see their show.
Monkeys Everywhere – I’ve seen Gary Starr do a show for adults and it was chaos (in the best way). Can’t wait to see what he has in store for kiddlets.
Best of Edinburgh Fringe for Kids – well if it’s the best then this show sounds like a winner!
Bubba-licious – a beautiful sensory show for babies that sparks joy and wonder.
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