WHILE Aussie darlings Kylie and Dannii have been racking up countless accolades around the globe, a third Minogue sister has been tethering on the cusp of stardom, just waiting for her time to shine!
Erin Minogue, the younger, less charming, and completely fictional sister of two of Australia’s most iconic songstresses, is hitting the London cabaret scene this Australia Day weekend. Her show, “On A Night Like This: The Erin Minogue Experience,” will feature some of Kylie and Dannii’s most loved numbers, as it takes audiences on a musical journey retelling the wholly untrue story of the life unled of the third Minogue sister.
Fresh from Tasmania’s Festival of Voices, Erin will be in town for a three-night only, Australia Day spectacular. Australian Times caught up with “Erin”, brainchild of producer Duncan Ray, one time Neighbours writer Christopher Gist, and colleague Paul Kooperman, for a candid interview about growing up in the shadows of her sisters’ fame and why she thinks the world doesn’t need another Minogue.
What’s it like being the younger sister of two of Australia’s biggest pop icons?
It’s like amazing. Seeing them go from rags (no offence Mum) to riches. They’re rich and I’m…so proud of everything they’ve done. It’s complicated too – some people try to put them down, but Kylie won a French knighthood, which is one of the best you can get, and Dannii’s still an Etihad Ambassador I believe, which is a bit like an Arabian knighthood. I do miss them though. They’re so busy now.
So you’re in London to see them?
Yes, but it’s a secret, so please don’t print this: I’ve come to bring them home to Australia. They’ve been away so long, they probably won’t even recognize me. I think Dannii’s visa renewal is dependent on the success of her next album. Of course, that’s still pending. And Kylie’s excited about her UK tour, which is dependent on the success of her latest relationship. Also pending.
But you’re also putting on a show while you’re here, are you looking to make a name for yourself in the UK?
No, I’m not here to steal Kylie or Danni’s limelight, if that’s what you’re asking. I’ve satisfied that urge. I run a fame school back home. You can teach fame, but not talent. Or success. But success isn’t for everyone, is it? Which is what my show’s about: a detailed diary of our unparalleled childhood together, and fame and success. It’s nice to revisit some of the old hits too. But no, I don’t think the world needs another Minogue.
What was it like growing up in the Minogue household?
Let’s just say the house was alive with the sound of music. And we made clothes together — Gran was a skilled seamstress. And Dad was amazing – he really got behind us all, a great spotter of talent. It seemed like we all had demo EPs recorded before we could crawl. But it was Dad who encouraged me to do way more with my life than singing.
So were you also on TV or doing music growing up?
Well, yes. No. Not on TV. The girls were instant stars at everything, but I fluffed a move in an audition. I have been teaching very cool grapevines ever since at the Erin Minogue Fame School: www.erinminoguefameschool.net …as for music — yes, I download heaps for free.
It’s your first visit to London, what are you looking forward to?
Well top of my list is to get the new Nigella book — if only to support her. I’ve read about the poor thing and I reckon she needs my £20. Also I had enough of my friends who did OEs coming home with all their fancy shiny London stuff years ago, so now it’s my turn. I’ll also be working on my Playstation tan while I’m over to show off during Aussie summer.
Tell us about the venue you are playing?
All I know is that it’s called BL-NK and it’s in Shoreditch, and it used to be a warehouse. I told my mum and she said, ‘don’t tell dad you’re working in a warehouse again!’. However, everyone in Shoreditch said it’s where Shakespeare started. I’ve loved London from afar for so long – it’s just so full of unexpected history.
You can catch “Erin” and her antics from Friday, 24 January, to Sunday, 26. More information is available at , early bird tickets can be purchased from £7.50.
