OBSERVER: Jellyfish
Clown-comedian Cherese Sonkkila presents her sophomore show, Jellyfish, at this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 12-14 at 7.55pm at the Motley Wherehaus.
This show is a spin-off from Cherese’s first solo show, Fruition, and now the jellyfish gets to tell her own story – metaphorically of course, because she doesn’t speak.
Cherese says to expect ‘physical comedy, whimsical costumes, DIY props and high-energy dance breaks. It exists in the world of a clown that is incredibly silly, strangely ethereal, and just that little bit beautiful.’
Real-life jellyfish are one of the few marine animals to multiply with warming temperatures, so Cherese points out that a story told by a jellyfish can offer a unique perspective on how the world is changing.
Jellyfish is directed by Paul Bourke, a graduate of École Philippe Gaulier.
Cherese is a Wildlife Educator by day and clown by night. This new show allows Cherese to bring her passion for nature into the world of character comedy. She also grew up in Queensland, swimming in the ocean and getting stung by bluebottles, often.
Cherese has trained with clown greats, Dr Brown, Giovanni Fusetti and Clare Bartholemew, and performed all across Melbourne’s comedy circuit, Adelaide Fringe (2024 and 2025), Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024, Geelong Comedy Festival 2024 and Melbourne Fringe 2025.
Venue: The Motley Wherehaus, 430 Queen St, Melbourne
Dates: October 12-18, 7:55pm (60 min.)
Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au or call 9660 9666.
Cheryl Threadgold
Pictured: Clown-comedian Cherese Sonkkila

