Reclaiming the late-night airwaves with ROSE [LIVE]
It’s the last late night TV show on Earth. But as ratings fall and production costs rise, ROSE [LIVE] and her crew must pull out all the quips and tricks to keep the cameras rolling. Live and direct from the producers of Perth cult-classics Bin Night and Karaoke Rodeoke, join the studio audience for ROSE [LIVE] at The Little Palais at The Pleasure Garden on Friday and Saturday nights from February 2-17 for a swansong of human entertainment. BRAYDEN EDWARDS got on the couch to chat to the host and find out what we can tune in for.
Many great late-night TV shows have come and gone, but ROSE [LIVE] keeps on keeping on. What do you put that down to?
Being from Perth, I come from a long legacy of entertainers—Rove, Tame Impala, the twins with the same BF. There must be something in the water here. Literally, though, Perth tap water tastes a bit off.
I was baptised as a baby, so I’ve been in the spotlight for a long time. It is my destiny to perform and give the people what they want. Also, a lot of hard work, innovation and dedication. When other shows’ writers went on strike, we replaced them with ChatGHB—the show must go on!
But as of late, the ratings haven’t been so great. How are you going to win back the people who have been tuning out?
Look, there’s been a lot stacked against us, and one unfortunate incident with a Gogglebox reviewer can feel like the last straw. But what doesn’t kill the show makes it stronger. We have had amazing support from Schapelle Corby; she told me to keep making the world laugh, so I will, and we are the only show left to platform the latest and greatest in entertainment. This Friday, we have an exclusive interview with WA’s best author about his new book. I smell a Golden Glogie coming my way…
Evidently, people don’t have the attention spans that they used to. What can you do to stop them from changing the channel?
Games, gags and guests. Last week on “HOT THE!?” our celebs pulled out hot chicken mayo rolls from a surprise box and had to eat it—thanks to Chicken Treat. Plus, our long-running sketch comedy trio, The Riffy’s, starring me, are always a highlight, so we save it until last to stop people from flicking the switch.
And what perks are there for the fans that make up your studio audience?
Our ROSE [LIVE] fans are so important; they make me feel so alive, so we always make it a night they will never forget. From getting to do the ‘fan dance’ with me, talking to me, if they aren’t shy, and getting a present in PRIZE HOLE, it’s a night they’ll truly treasure forever.
Of course, a live audience adds a lot of spontaneity to the show. What’s one of the most unexpected things to happen when you were live on air?
Back in the day, we used to do live paternity tests; we don’t anymore after the injunction, but there is nothing like a spontaneous reunion to create great TV. Now we keep it a little more above the belt. Last season, Angela Clancy from Big Brother started a conga line, and everyone joined in—you can’t write that.
The guests are always a key part of any late-night talk show. What kind of special guests can we expect to see on your show?
We have tried and trusted friends of the show that everyone loves. Magic Matt Penny has been on the show for 15 years, and we have crooner Tomas Ford returning after his escapades at Tamworth Country Music Festival. Then we have so much new talent coming up soon, such as performance artist Boyname and psych rap band Myriad Sun. It’s such a mixed bag. Sometimes I’ll even let our stage managers, Elijah and Neil, get up onstage; they love it, and the show is a real family like that.
And who would be your dream guest if the network had the budget for it?
My hero, Rove. X