Emma Knights is a South Australian musician, working as an accompanist and musical director in and around Adelaide, including producing local music events across the state. Her Adelaide Fringe show, Tales of Adventure – by Curtis Shipley centres upon a magical book discovered by adventurer/explorer, Cornelius. Using the powers of music, and live storytelling, audiences are invited to come along and watch their imaginations come to life. With no two shows ever being the same, audiences can look forward to a fun and very personal, Fringe experience.
The Clothesline catches up with Knights, via email, and is keen to find out more about one of Adelaide’s own…
First gig; when and where and how did it go?
“1984, Brighton Baptist Church – for only playing the right hand of Away in a Manger and my dad playing the left, it went smashingly well!”
What drew you into performing?
“My dad was a piano teacher and so learning piano up until at least grade 5 was a prerequisite for me and my siblings! He ran concerts at Christmas each year, so that was the start of it!”
Favourite performer?
“My favourite performer live would have to be Alicia Keys. I didn’t really like her songs much but I went to her concert with my sister. I forgot my glasses so had to wear my prescription glasses throughout the concert! Her piano and keyboard skills were so amazing!”
Performer you would most like to be?
“I would love to be able to be as funny and pianistic as Tim Minchin! He is so awesome!”
Duo or trio; who would be your partner/s in crime?
“My partner in crime would have to be Curtis Shipley, who I am producing Tales Of Adventure with. If he is not free then my sister or bestie Amanda are up for it!”
When did you last ‘corpse’ on stage?
“In a performance of a children’s opera I produce, Space Encounters. One of the singers sat in her chair for take-off and it collapsed and she managed to stay upright but broke character for a minute with a small laugh. I had to bend down behind the set as it was so funny. It took us about six minutes into the show to pull ourselves together. Each time we had to look at each other it was hard work not to laugh again!”’
What is your best recovery technique for forgetting a line?
“Do improvised theatre – then you won’t ever forget a line!”
Most famous person’s number you have in your phone?
“Keith Conlon.”
Favourite movie line?
“I was raised to be charming, not sincere.”
Best gig, worst gig and why?
“Best gig would have been Tales Of Adventure for Snowtown Primary School. It was so funny that they created a miniature donkey called Steve Greg and were coming up with a theme song for him at the end of the show.
My worst gig would be one of the Pirates shows I did on The Popeye where one of the original performers could not be there and someone stepped in without learning the script at all and the other performer went off script, all the while children were getting very close to falling out of the boat! It was a little crazy!”
Job you currently perform in your alternative life when not performing on stage? ‘
“I am lucky enough to be a full time performing musician – so I guess when I am not on stage, I am rehearsing!”
What is your hidden talent?
“I make a delicious coconut chilli chicken dish!”
Tell us something that people don’t yet know about you.
“I am very passionate about South Australia. If you do not know that yet then you soon will!”
Favourite childhood memory?
“Camping out in the backyard of my friend Naomi’s house!”
Celebrity meet that left you star-struck?
“Tim Freedman from the Whitlams and Ben Folds!”
Pet hate?
“People not taking rehearsal seriously!”
Secret crush?
“Mark Ruffallo – though it is not very secret!”
Time travel: where would you most love to go and why?
“Either medieval times or Jane Austen times – I’d love to attend a court dance!”
Most memorable thing someone shouted out during one of your shows?
“Oh! The robot is a girl!”
A missed opportunity that you would give anything to go back and try?
“Going to university music classes while still in high school. I didn’t know I could do this though until I was in year 12 and was told by my teacher!”
Which performer would you:
1.Snog? “Tim Minchin” 2. Marry? “The lead guy in Once – that voice can sing me to sleep every night!” 3.Avoid? “Jimeoin”
If you were a flavour of ice cream, what would you be and why?
“Squashed Frog – it is peppermint icecream with white choc chips and berry puree in it.”
Any famous last words?
“Support local!”
Tales Of Adventure – by Curtis Shipley performs at Star Theatre from 11am until Sat Mar 14 [Saturdays only].
Book at FringeTIX on 1300 261 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.
