Hold onto your hats, folks! Today, we had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with the inimitable Tomas Clifford to chat about his latest musical-cabaret extravaganza, “Tomas Clifford Got Stood Up.” Fresh off successful runs in Perth, Tomas is ready to make his mark at the Melbourne Fringe Festival and beyond. Get ready for a unique blend of humour, music, and heartfelt storytelling.
About Tomas Clifford
What do you enjoy most about acting?
I love connecting to a live audience just like you have a gossip session with your friend over a coffee (or wine) – making everyone in the room feel like they’re the only person being told the story is the aim for me, because it’s that personal connection with the performer than I as an audience member love about cabaret and live performance.
What productions have you acted in before?
Tomas Clifford Got Stood Up has already had two festival runs in Perth, and we’re very excited to announce that this upcoming Melbourne Fringe Season marks the beginning of a national tour of the show (with more dates to be announced for 2026).
Do you want to work in film, live theatre or both?
As a composer, I would love to work on projects across all different media formats – movies, tv, you name it. My heart, however, will always lie in theatre/live entertainment composition, be in the form of a musical or an original cabaret. As a performer, I’m super open to opportunities that may come my way. I’ve never fully imagined myself as a screen actor, but I certainly wouldn’t say “no” – and stranger things have happened.
What strategies do you use to overcome stage fright or nerves before a performance?
I honestly believe that the best strategy to overcome nerves are 1) extreme preparation building up to the performance and having the fullest of confidence that you know what you’re doing; and 2) being ready to throw all that preparation away and respond to what you’re being given by the audience in the moment. It’s that balance of type-a organisation and type-b carelessness that make me more excited than nervous for a performance.
How do you maintain your physical and emotional health while working on demanding projects?
The three s’s: sleep, steam, and silence.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
My original musical-cabaret Tomas Clifford Got Stood Up will be playing in Melbourne from the 1/10 – 5/10 as a part of this years Melbourne Fringe Festival!
Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?
To book tickets to Tomas Clifford Got Stood Up, please visit https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/tomas-clifford-got-stood-up.
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Best of luck with Tomas Clifford Got Stood Up at the Melbourne Fringe Festival and beyond. We’re certain audiences everywhere are in for a treat!
Other interviews can be viewed in our Meet The Performer Series.
