Meet 2025 Adelaide Fringe Ambassador, Nancy Bates

Accomplished First Nations singer-songwriter, Nancy Bates is no stranger to Adelaide Fringe, set to launch her new album ‘Share Your Love’ during this year’s festival.

Since having worked under the wings of Archie Roach, she’s dedicated herself to the Songs Inside project, working with women in prisons to amplify their voices within a national conversation about incarceration.

As a 2025 Ambassador, Nancy wants to “champion artists passionately, and remind all South Australians of the important role we play in reflecting our values, fostering connections and inspiring a better political and social landscape in the face of conservatism.”

Nancy Bates stands in a bright, modern indoor walkway with large windows. She has short, dark curly hair and wears glasses. She is dressed in a blue blazer over a black shirt, holding a ukulele, smiling warmly and looking slightly to the side. Photo: Stefanie Zingsheim.

What does being an Adelaide Fringe Ambassador mean to you?

Being an Adelaide Fringe Ambassador is about more than just representation. To me it’s a responsibility as an artist to uphold our values, to promote creativity, to promote the arts, to promote the Fringe. It’s about creating a context that goes beyond just community—it’s about using art to inspire change, make connections, and speak to our shared values. Adelaide Fringe is an Artist place, is a place where it feels like a home, it’s a community, and it's a family – that’s why I keep coming back to Adelaide Fringe.

How has participating in Adelaide Fringe contributed to your journey and career as an artist?

I started out at the Fringe with a show and that foundation allowed me to grow. Since then, I’ve performed that show at other festivals, travelling and taking my show to other places as I expanded my audience base out of the regions.

As an Adelaide-based artist, Fringe has been instrumental in helping me connect with new audiences, tour my work, and develop as an artist. It’s also given me the courage to take creative risks and build meaningful relationships, which continue to shape my career. The impact is ongoing—it’s like a ripple effect, fostering creativity and allowing me to grow both personally and professionally.

Why is it important to see First Nations voices represented at the Fringe? How does this contribute to reconciliation?

Representation is critical because First Nations artists are often underrepresented across the arts community. Whenever a First Nations artist develops a show and shares their stories, it's an offering to Australians, a gift to all Australians to learn more about culture, have a deeper connection to the place and connect to the traditional owner of the space. These performances create space for audiences to experience the richness of First Nations storytelling, which benefits everyone.

It’s also about creating pathways for emerging First Nations artists, nurturing their talent, and amplifying their voices. Supporting First Nations artists helps foster reconciliation— it continues the storytelling that's been going on in this country for 65,000 years. It's about ensuring these stories are seen, heard, and celebrated, and it contributes to ongoing cultural education and connection.

How do you hope audiences feel after seeing First Nations performances at the Fringe?

First Nations performances bring a unique range of genres, stories, and perspectives. My hope is that audiences walk away feeling moved, challenged, or inspired to see things differently—maybe even from a First Nations perspective. I want them to experience the strength, depth, and vibrancy of First Nations storytelling, as well as the creativity and brilliance of the artists. I hope it shifts their perceptions and leaves them thinking differently about First Nations culture and identity.

What are some ways artists and audiences can actively support reconciliation beyond attending Fringe shows?

There are simple yet impactful ways to support reconciliation:

  • Buy a ticket to see First Nations performances—this directly supports artists and their work.
  • Donate to Arts Unlimited, the Adelaide Fringe Foundation that supports programs such as the First Nations Collaboration Grants, which help fund the development of new works.
  • Explore Adelaide Fringe’s Reconciliation Action Plan and look for ways to participate.
  • Engage in meaningful conversations - talk about the performances you’ve seen and share what you’ve learned.

Nancy Bates & Friends will be showing at The Arts Theatre 6-7 March. Tickets available here

Get to know Adelaide Fringe 2025 Ambassador Rhys Nicholson

Multi-award winning comedian, Rhys Nicholson is a mainstay of Australian and international stages and television. Having performed at the festival for more than a decade, Rhys reflects on their beginnings as an artist, what makes the Adelaide Fringe special, and how they’re championing emerging artists this year.

Rhys Nicholson stands in front of a solid green background. They have red hair and is dressed in a blue suit jacket, a white shirt, and a black tie. They wear a white flower lapel pin and have painted nails. Image supplied.

Rhys, can you tell us about your first experience at Adelaide Fringe?

My first Fringe show? Well, this is a tricky one. I don't think it was officially on the books; I reckon I did it dodgy and was part of a group show called ‘The Young Guns’. A few comedians from Sydney and I flew over on a Jetstar flight, and we did the show at the Crown and Anchor—affectionately known as the "Cranker".

I came back to do the festival properly, but it was my first real exposure to the Adelaide community. As an Ambassador now, it feels like you're enlisting in the army. Adelaide Fringe is a training ground for performers—it’s where you come to learn how to be a better artist.

What are you most excited about for this year’s season?

I'm performing at the Hindley Street Music Hall. I’ve done a show there before, and I have to say, it's got the best backstage I've ever experienced. The venue itself is fantastic—it’s like a rock venue, but it works perfectly for comedy.

I’m doing an extended version of my show from last year. It’s going to be 90 minutes long, and I’m adding in some new material, including some songs from the UK. Expect some fun twists—it’s going to be a very unique experience!

What makes Adelaide Fringe so special for you?

Adelaide Fringe is fantastic because it’s a mix of people working on new stuff and those showing off their best work. The festival has a real sense of experimentation, and the audiences are amazing—they trust the process and are so open to new ideas. You get the sense that they are here for something fresh, and that’s very exciting. The festival has a community spirit like no other, where artists come together and grow in a shared experience.

What’s your favourite memory from the Fringe?

My favourite memory is the feeling you get at the end of the festival when everyone finishes their shows. It’s like a big, slightly bizarre community moment—no matter how your show went, you’re all there together. I’ve spent a lot of time with comedians in a post-show haze, drinking and chatting about the highs and lows. That sense of camaraderie is really special.

As an Ambassador, what do you think your role is?

As an Ambassador, I see my role as endorsing the artists who are taking risks. There are 8,000 artists at the Fringe, and that's a lot! It’s all about encouraging people to step outside their comfort zone, both as performers and as audiences. The festival is about discovery, and as an Ambassador, we need to help the audience take risks and support these talented artists, whether it’s a well-established act or someone debuting their first show.

Why are the arts important, especially right now?

In tough times, art is one of the few things that can offer an escape. It’s so important because it can push boundaries and help us feel something. But it’s also a space where we can laugh, forget about the world for a while, and just enjoy the moment. That’s why festivals like Adelaide Fringe are so crucial—they give us that opportunity to breathe and experience something transformative.

What’s your advice for those attending the Adelaide Fringe this year?

Take a flyer! If the person handing you the flyer is the performer, go to their show. Trust me, they’re going through something, and it’s a genuine connection between the artist and the audience. And don’t forget, if you see a show with only a few people in the audience, don’t be dismayed! You’ll have the chance to say, “I saw them when they were just starting out.” The beauty of this festival is supporting people in their early stages.

Rhys Nicholson: Huge Big Party Congratulations is at the Hindley Street Music Hall 13-15 March. Tickets available here

Get to know Adelaide Fringe 2025 Ambassador Michelle Brasier

Revered for her many talents across singing, acting, dancing, directing, writing and standup comedy, Michelle Brasier embodies all the magic that is Fringe.

Honoured to be a 2025 Adelaide Fringe Ambassador, here she talks through her Fringe journey, the transformative power of art, and why she’s excited to embrace all things Adelaide this season.

Michelle Brasier has long blonde hair and is dressed in a black and white dress with a matching headband. They are crouching down with a cheerful expression, resting their chin on one hand and smiling brightly with bold red lipstick. They wear snake-print shoes, and the background is a simple white studio setup. Image supplied.

Michelle, what was your first Adelaide Fringe experience like?

My first Fringe was with a sketch group called ‘Backwards Anorak’. We performed at The Garden, and during the day I’d also work as front-of-house. It was a real mix of doing the creative side and the logistical side. I think it’s important to work on both ends, as it helps you understand the festival better. That’s something we’re doing as Ambassadors, too—we’re here to help navigate the experience and support everyone!

How does it feel to go from being an artist at the Fringe to being an Ambassador?

It’s surreal to think how far I’ve come! I started off working behind the scenes and performing, and now I’m an Ambassador for Adelaide Fringe. It feels like a recognition of everything I’ve worked towards, but also a reminder of how special this festival is. Adelaide Fringe is a platform that’s given me so many opportunities to grow as a performer, and I’m excited to now help others discover that same magic.

What is it about Adelaide Fringe that makes it stand out for you?

It’s the sense of trust between the artists and the audience. The audiences here really want to see something new and are open to taking risks. They understand that this is a space for experimentation, and I think that’s what makes the Fringe such a unique place. Artists are constantly evolving, and the audience’s willingness to be part of that process is something that makes this festival really special.

What’s your advice for those attending the Fringe this year?

Just dive in! Take chances, go see shows you wouldn’t normally go to, and really immerse yourself in the festival. It’s not just about the big names—it’s about supporting the people who are starting out and experimenting with new ideas. And, of course, come see my show! (laughs)

What’s your favourite memory from Adelaide Fringe?

For me, the Fringe is about community. I’ve made some lifelong friends here—my chosen family. I was going to Fringe one year and I had a breast cancer scare. It runs in my family and it was really, really scary. I was desperate to go and do my show. So I came and I spent a week waiting for really scary test results at Adelaide Fringe. I was surrounded by clowns and friends and music, and I didn't have to think about being afraid of being sick. It’s that sense of belonging that makes the Fringe such a life-changing experience. (I was all fine, by the way).

Why are the arts so important?

The arts are a source of hope. They give us stories that help us change, grow, and understand ourselves and the world. But more than that, they provide an escape—a way to forget our worries for a while and just be. In times like these, we need the arts more than ever. They remind us that we can still laugh, still dream, and still create something meaningful.

Tell us about your show this year.

My show in 2025 is called ‘It’s a Shame We Won’t Be Friends Next Year’. It’s based on a real moment from Year 6 when a boy told me we wouldn’t be friends in high school. He said he didn’t think people would like me. So, I tracked him down to find out why. It’s a show about looking back on those moments from childhood and questioning how they shape us. It’s deeply personal, but I think it’s something a lot of people can relate to.

Michelle Brasier: It's A Shame We Won't Be Friends Next Year is at Gluttony  4-9 March. Tickets available here

More information from the 2025 Adelaide Fringe edition of WeekendPlus: