Bonnie Davies

Bonnie Davies is a big fan of scooters, people, laughter and the beach, so it’s fitting that she’s a comedian from Perth. After debuting her first solo show at Melbourne Comedy Festival, Edinburgh 2011 and being nominated for ‘Best of the Fest’ in Perth Comedy Festival, Davies can be seen regularly at local venues, festivals and occasionally her parents' kitchen. She recently won ‘Best Local Comedy’ at FRINGE WORLD 2012.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Balanced. I grew up around a lot of crazy people, so I didn’t mind what I grew up to be as long as I was happy.

When did you know you would work in the arts?
When I was offered my first job at 17 years of age, before that working in the arts seemed like something that people in movies did. Doing stand-up comedy came much later, and was a bit of a surprise move for me.

Where did you get your start in the arts?
When I was 15 I did a work experience placement at the AWESOME Arts Festival for Children in Perth. The Director at the time offered me a job on the spot, and jokingly tried to get me to leave school. I declined, assuming he wasn’t serious. When I graduated high school he re-offered it to me and I couldn’t turn it down!

What do you love most about the arts scene in Perth?
The independence and DIY approach of so many artists. They don’t wait for things to come to them, they make their own stuff happen – largely because they have to – and also because they get to do things they way they want then. It’s refreshing to have people doing rather than just complaining.

How would you describe your work to a complete stranger?
My stand-up is like a chat with a good friend, beer and a good laugh.
My producing work is bordering on OCD, because I like lists, and the satisfaction of ticking them off.

Have you done other Fringe festivals prior to Fringe World in Perth?
Edinburgh Fringe Festival (one of the worlds biggest) was the first one I did when I was first starting to give comedy a real crack. I thought I wouldn’t be ready – but you’re never ready for Edinburgh – you just have to get out there and gig, learn, fail, succeed and give it a go!

What does having a Fringe festival in your hometown of Perth mean to you?
The word ‘magic’ is often overused, but it’s what best describes it. To me when something is ‘magic’ it’s something you see, but you’re not quite sure you believe… you can’t figure it out, you are amazed by it, you don’t know how it happened, you know there is someone making it happen, but you don’t know how they did it - but you DEFINITELY saw it with your own eyes. FRINGE WORLD was magic.

I’ve never seen so many people out and about just seeing things, exploring venues, talking about shows and partying together over so many weeks in my own city. Absolutely loved it.

What was your favourite part of the 2012 Fringe World festival?
When Perth Festival had it’s opening event and rained feathers on the city and everyone who watched that show came into FRINGE WORLD afterwards to see shows – my entire audience that night was covered in feathers, the floor was covered, trees were covered… the city was a playground and it was so fun. It was great to see the two festivals complement each other so beautifully too.

Who in the industry most inspires you?
The people who do their own thing, because that’s what’s important to them, who don’t compare themselves and bicker constantly to their peers, but learn and share with them instead. My favourite saying is ‘luck is just hard work and opportunity coming together’ and as long as you work hard on what you do you’ll be in the best place to make the most of every opportunity.

What is the best thing about your job?
Being able to make a whole room full of people laugh with only a microphone – it never gets old!

What advice would you give anyone looking to break into the field?
There’s a great saying that I love, “You not only have to become proficient, but prove to others that you are.
Both take time”. Don’t expect to start comedy and be headliner in the first year. Get good at what you do, be disciplined, be patient and enjoy yourself!

What is next for you?
I should probably see my parents sometime soon, and remind them they have a daughter.
Other than that Edinburgh is definitely a clear goal, and hopefully a UK tour, maybe Dublin Festival (wishful thinking) and then back to Perth to FRINGE WORLD all over again.