The Symbiotic Signing of Emma Memma

I’m sitting down to chat with the one and only, Emma Memma (Emma Watkins) regarding her upcoming ‘Jungle Picnic’ tour in Tasmania and I happen to mention did she get some of Tassie’s famous Anvers chocolate, knowing it is her favourite, last time she was in town and I am wondering if I am right in hearing that perhaps she forgot! Watkins certainly hasn’t forgotten Tassie, in fact this time around she kicks off her new Jungle Picnic tour in Tasmania, armed with new songs, dances, signing and of course hopefully and obviously, a visit to buy some chocolate!

Watkins show succeeds because it is symbiotic, both with her fellow cast and audiences. Watkins encourages feedback, which she does takes on board for future shows, as an example she reminds me of the dads dancing that was incorporated into her last show, that was in direct response to feedback from a previous show. Also, Watkins says there was once an overwhelming question why there was no Elvin Melvin doll when in fact there one had been available for three years, but some retailers didn’t stock it. Because Watkin’s company is independent she was able to do something about the lack of Elvin Melvin dolls herself.

Another symbiotic relationship is that of Watkins and husband “Ollie” (Oliver Brian) who is sound producer on Watkins shows as well as a collaborator on the songs with contributions from Elvin Melvin.

Watkins says the Jungle tour will see “More animals”. Joining Waffles the wombat and BB butterfly will be elephant’s, lions, giraffes and monkeys, oh my, and of course “picnic hats”.

Watkins has invested fifteen years in her work and has a “sense of great responsibility” to the children and parents she entertains.

Watkins is also very happy to be adding a Burnie date this time around.

You can see the Jungle Picnic tour on the following dates and at the following venues:

• Wednesday 8 April – Theatre Royal, Hobart
• Thursday 9 April – Albert Hall, Launceston
• Friday 10 April – Burnie Arts Centre, Town Hall, Burnie