Where did you get the wacky idea for a cabaret show about science?

My original thought was simply “what is the least likely subject for a cabaret?” I felt that “science” was a fairly unconventional theme, but also one with a great deal of potential. There is a surprising amount of music written on the subject of science, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to explore several B-movie, science fiction clichés. This theme is also something of a tribute to my family, all of whom are in the medical sciences. My father is a (retired) Hospital Scientist, my mother is a Physiotherapist, and my sister is an Occupational Therapist, so science is something that runs in the family.

So, is Love, Chemistry and Cryogenics autobiographical?

Faintly autobiographical - it contains a kernel of truth wrapped in a thick layer of complete fabrication. I was considered something of a “nerd” in primary school (my nickname for a while was “Dictionary”) and I've always had an interest in science and geek culture. The “teacher” aspect of the character was also pretty familiar territory, but in reality, I think I'd make a pretty poor scientist. I wouldn't mind being cryogenically frozen and re-awoken in the distant future, though.

When did you first get involved in music and performing?

I started attending Early Childhood Music classes at about three years of age. This involved singing nursery songs, marching about to the beat, and sitting around making noise on a variety of percussion instruments. This set me up pretty well for my current career, as “sitting around making noise” is essentially what I do for a living.

Map out your music career to date for us...

I studied piano in Bathurst with Jennie Menzies, and later at Newcastle Conservatorium with Natalia and Gian-Franco Ricci. I sang in a lot of choirs, and performed with the Newcastle Chamber Choir in several national and international tours. In my twenties, I started having singing lessons with Maureen Lewis. These days I work as a piano and singing teacher, accompanist and choral director at Mitchell Conservatorium and various schools in the Bathurst region. In my spare time I have founded a kazoo orchestra, written several youth theatre shows, and taught myself to play the ukulele.

Who are your big musical influences? Do we see their mark on this new solo show?

My love of all things musically quirky definitely makes itself plain in this show - I'll be performing songs by Monty Python, Tom Lehrer, The Cat Empire, Regina Spektor, They Might Be Giants and Mel Brooks (among others). I'm also grateful to have a fantastic band - Aaron Hopper on guitar, Cindy Fox on keyboard and Andrew Smith on drums - who perform this rather eclectic programme with great musicality and enthusiasm.

What’s the plot of Love, Chemistry and Cryogenics?

As part of a (well-thought out and not at all silly) educational initiative to cut down on teachers' holiday pay and health insurance, the government has ordered that all teachers take turns to be placed in cryogenic storage for five years. I am revived from my five year stasis and resume my teaching career, only to discover that the freezing process causes several unexpected side effects. Meanwhile, my long-suffering Lab Assistant (played by Cameron Moor) attempts to keep me out of trouble while hiding a dark secret of his own, and the class (the Mitchell Young Voices) learns valuable lessons about the nature of science, friendship, and love.

What’s harder – writing a solo cabaret show or learning science experiments?

They both have their pros and cons - both are great learning experiences, both can be great fun, and both can blow up in your face unexpectedly (only one will leave you with chemical burns, though). The most difficult thing I had to do was relearn basic primary school mathematics - it's embarrassing how long it took me to get it right!

What kinds of science wizardry have your woven into the show?

My Lab Assistant will be presenting several scientific experiments - showcasing such wonders as “Bicarb Soda and Vinegar”, “The Miracle of Gravity” (now with Slinkys!), and “Balloons + Pointy Objects”. Meanwhile, I will deliver several (musical) lectures on the Laws of Thermodynamics, the Periodic Table of the Elements, and why Pluto isn't considered a planet any more.

This show is produced by Local Stages at BMEC. How have they been involved in developing this production?

The Local Stages program was involved from the beginning - I came to Kylie Shead (program director) with a vague idea and a list of songs, and she was enthusiastic about developing the show. I was provided with invaluable feedback and advice throughout the development of the show, along with access to professional set design (Karl Shead) and lighting design (Nathan Gillespie). I am extremely grateful to Kylie Shead and the Local Stages program for their incredible support. If you have an idea for an original show, go talk to them! You'll be glad you did.

You’ve been involved in (almost) every Cabaret Kite at BMEC. Why do you keep going back?

Cabaret Kite gives me the opportunity to step out of my “classical musician” comfort zone and perform songs that I wouldn't get a chance to perform otherwise. I've performed songs about zombies, Barak Obama, Santa Claus' dysfunctional marriage, pigeons, and the legalities of going to the bathroom. In other words, it's fun. Big fun. (In the interest of full disclosure, I did miss one cabaret a couple of years back, ruining my otherwise perfect record. Curses!)

Is Bathurst a good place to be a musician and performer?

My original plan after university was to move to Bathurst for a year or two, work for a little while, then move on... eight years later, I'm still here. There is a lot of support for music and the arts in the Bathurst region, and many performances and performance opportunities throughout the year. Bathurst is fortunate to have such a rich and varied artistic community, and I count myself lucky to be a part of it.

If you were really kept in cryogenic storage for five years, what would you miss most?

The internet. Oh, and my family and friends. But mostly the internet.

Don’t miss Michelle’s hilarious new show (and the chance to learn a few science things) this month at BMEC. Tickets 6333 6161.