David Geddes plays ‘Him’ in Him, a show about a 22-year-old guy who’s trying to figure who he is, but not in the conventional way. Fringe audiences have been enthralled by Geddes’ strong and personal performances and The Clothesline emailed Geddes a few questions to find out more.
First gig; when and where and how did it go?
“I think it was in my first year at university after high school. We did it in a lecture room; it was this quasi-play/philosophical discussion written for the Education students. I think it was called Educating Fronnie and the first performance – I nailed it. The second – completely forgot my lines halfway through, completely shat myself.”
What drew you into performing?
“Farscape! You remember that Sci-fi TV series from the ‘90s? I completely fell in love with it! When I watched the special features on the DVDs I saw these actors losing their shit and I was smitten. I really identified myself in the way they would have fun and do their work…one thing led to another and here I am performing – wooo!”
Favourite performer?
“I can’t settle on one ‘cos there’s always so many performers I continually get inspired by. It also help keeps my expectations and perspectives diverse – I love it.”
Duo or trio; who would be your partner/s in crime?
“Well, not sure about the distant future, but at the moment it’s my mentor and director Daisy Brown. She’s a babe and the biggest legend I’ve ever known. She’s just been such an unbelievable understanding support and I’m so grateful.”
When did you last ‘corpse’ on stage?
“When this massive ball of snot came out of my nose mid-sentence and went splat right in the middle of the stage… it was just the most random utterly ridiculous situation I’ve had on stage so far. The audience lost it and so did I.”
What is your best recovery technique for forgetting a line?
“Take a deep breath. Making up a new one if I need, relax and it usually plops back in.”
Most famous person’s number you have in your phone?
“My mum, she’s pretty friggin’ stellar.”
Favourite movie line?
“…’Not like this…not like this…”’– Trix… From The Matrix I use it all the time. Utterly Hilarious.”
Job you currently perform in your alternative life when not performing on stage?
“I demonstrate cold press juicers, as well as dressing up in funny costumes entertaining people with merchandise. I like to think I’m a people person.”
Do you have a secret desire to be a movie star?
“Oooooh, I won’t lie. Deep down there is a little tickle…”
What is your hidden talent?
“Forgetting people’s names…but I don’t know how hidden that is.”
Tell us something that people don’t yet know about you.
“I am getting closer and closer to becoming vegan or at least vegetarian. I’ve met some pretty buff vegans. There’s a whole world of nutrition that I’m excited by.”
Favourite childhood memory?
“Hurtling down a hill on a tandem go cart and screaming “Turn right” then dying of laughter immediately saying “No, your other right!” We hit that tree and we hit it good.”
Celebrity meet that left you star-struck?
“Eddie Perfect, He was hung over but he still left me gobsmacked. He actually really inspired me with making my own show.”
Pet hate?
“Not being open with how I’m feeling. But more so being tired when I’ve just had nine hours sleep.”
Secret crush?
“Pretty much most straight men I meet.”
Time travel: where would you most love to go and why?
“I have spent much of my adolescence thinking about this. Probably either the year 1900 to understand what life was like before the World Wars or early 1970s. Because God damn do I love disco.”
What’s something from your childhood that you still love and have today?
“Is it too much to say my penis? I love my penis.”
What’s the best trick you have up your sleeve?
“I know how to hypnotise a chicken.”
A missed opportunity that you would give anything to go back and try?
“Organising fundraising to send me on a trip to Cambodia – would’ve been the most amazing experience.”
Favourite or worse heckle you’ve ever had, if any?
“I did a stand-up gig when I was 19 and I didn’t even know all my lines and no one heckled me. In hindsight, I don’t even think I wouldn’t heckle me.”
If you were a flavour of ice cream, what would you be and why?
“Chocolate hazelnut with vanilla and lime…Because I think I’m a warm and loving kinda guy that loves to have a zing for life but who is also ridiculously sensitive hence the vanilla.”
David Geddes performs Him at Royal Croquet Club’s The Rastelli at various times until Fri Mar 6.
Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or click here to purchase your tickets.
