The star of numerous children’s shows such as Ben Ten Live, Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends and as Bounce Back on ABCTV, Adelaide Comedy Award Winner Mark Trenwith is a busy man around Fringe time. Kept busy with his “fast paced zombie apocalypse story for kids”, namely Mr Snotbottom and The Curse of The Stinky Silly Zombie Babies (and receiving fabulous reviews), Trenwith also presents Disney Guy, a “coming of age tale full of sublime teenage awkwardness [and] humiliating stories”.
The Clothesline emailed Trenwith and asked him the tough questions.
First comedy gig; when and where and how did it go?
“Raw Comedy 2001. It was so good I got made President of the Universe and then God came down and told me the secrets. Even about how Nutella’s made.”
Favourite comedian and which one would you most like to be?
“Betty White and Elmo.”
Favourite joke you knew as a kid?
“So I’m like 7 and Dad goes: “I’m leaving!! “
And then he never came back. How funny’s that!!! He’s still not come back!! What a genius”
Most famous person’s number you have in your phone?
“I don’t use phones. I just rock up naked to their houses.”
Favourite movie line?
“Hi” – So many good actors have said this in so many movies. Such a solid line, it’s killer!”
Best gig, worst gig and why?
“Best and Worst? Mmm. Well I was doing this private gig and not one single person is laughing- like, not one. So I start talking to the guest of honour in the front row and she doesn’t even bother answering my questions. In fact she’s basically asleep. She doesn’t even stir when I make fun of her outfit. Suddenly this guy stands up and goes ‘You’re ruining my Grandma’s funeral – get out!!”
So, that was my best gig. I’ve never even had a worse one. “
Favourite imaginary friend as a kid?
“Franca. We’re married now.”
Job you currently perform in your alternative life when not performing comedy?
“I’m Zac Efron.”
Your porn star name [first pet/first street]?
“Mrs Woosy Bruce.”
What is your hidden talent?
“I can make people who don’t buy tickets to my shows after reading my questionnaires die instantly.”
Tell us something that people don’t yet know about you.
“I once ate a sandwich”
Favourite childhood memory?
“It’s a bit weird, but I kinda remember sort of crawling through this weird moist tunnel and into this room surrounded by people. And like the hole I came out of was totally attached to this chic in her 30s! I’d totally been inside the body of some chick!!! I swear to God man! Insane right?!”
Celebrity meet that left you star-struck?
“Mark Trenwith. Oh My God! I let him touch me.”
Pet hate?
“No. I love pets!”
Secret crush?
“I once crushed a beetle. I felt really bad. Don’t tell anyone.”
How do you deal with annoying people who insist you tell them a joke once they discover you are a comedian?
“I tell them a nonsensical racist, homophobic, misogynistic joke that goes for four hours. They never ask again.”
What’s something from your childhood that you still love and have today?
“That hole-chick I was talking about before. She’s still knocking around and she’s rad! She bakes!”
Best or worst advice you were ever given?
“Poop on that guy’s head. It sounded like the worst. But it was the best because the guy was actually called ‘Gary Mc-I-love-Poop-on-my-Head’ and he gave me a sticker.”
Best or worst advice you ever gave?
“I told someone the best high you can get ever is to lick your own elbow. It’s been 12 years and they’re still trying to lick their elbow.”
A missed opportunity that you would give anything to go back and try?
“I was meant to buy Nutella today at the shops but I forgot. Oh well… there’s always next year.”
What’s the best chat-up line you’ve ever heard/used?
“Robin Thicke wrote Blurred Lines for me. It was really flattering.”
If you were a flavour of ice cream, what would you be and why?
“Vomit-monkey-poop snot flavoured. Cause so I could stay alive and not be eaten! Duhhhhh!”
Any famous last words?
“What? I don’t think so. This isn’t over, you’re my best friend now. We’re going to get married.”
Mark Trenwith performs Disney Guy at The Garden of Unearthly Delights – Cupola at 6pm from Mon Mar 2 to Sun Mar 15 .
Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or click here to purchase your tickets.
Mark Trenwith performs Mr Snotbottom and the Curse of The Stinky Silly Zombie Babies at The Garden of Unearthly Delights – Umbrella Revolution at 2.30pm from Sun Mar 1 to Sun Mar 15.
Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or click here to purchase your tickets.
Image by James Penlidis & Gabe Cunnet.
