"a wibbily wobbily theatrical adventure from the sublime to the ridiculous"

7-8.30pm
QT Neighbourhood Node
67 Spring St, Queenstown

Tickets via: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/it-was-a-rat-i-saw-af2026

And just like that the Fringe 2026 is around the corner, and we are pleased to report that Jenn Manders will be performing a follow-up to her 2025 show - aptly called 'It WAS a Rat I Saw'! On Tuesday February 3rd we brought together anyone interested in supporting Jenn's 2026 Fringe season, as well as thinking about what we can do to turn QT into a community-led, inclusive and supportive Fringe hub for our neighbourhood.

We decided to meet again on Monday February 9th, 11.30am at QT Neighbourhood Node (67 Spring St, Queenstown). 

On Monday, we will be having a closer look at the things that need planning and work out who might be able to do what. 
Here are some of the things we identified as being needed:

Technical & Production Setup

• Organize the music playlist on Jenn's laptop ready for the show
• Set up speakers and equipment on the day
• Find someone to film the show

Volunteer Roles & Coordination

• Recruit volunteer to turn on music during the show
• Recruit door person to check tickets and handle sales (cash and square machine)
• Create volunteer roster with roles and shifts to help with recruiting

Host & Program

• Prepare speaker notes for Josh (host)
• Create program acknowledging Matt, Arthur, artists who made the music used, and volunteers

Audience Communication

• Ensure BYO snacks and drinks policy is included in ticket confirmation emails

Promotion & Marketing

Distribute posters, emails, social media posts and flyers to:

• BOM choir
• Dancing Monsters
• The Pear Newsletter
• Mercury Cinema group
• 'You know you're from Port Adelaide' Facebook group
• Community Radio (Aisha to coordinate with Leanne from APN)
• Folk Network (through Arthur)
• Community Centres
• Libraries
• Alberton IGA
• Local art groups

Documentation & Future Planning

• Document behind-the-scenes processes for future reference (promotion contacts, logistics, etc.)

Longer-term Ideas to Explore

• Coordinating an art exhibition during Jenn's show
• Community art project workshops leading to Fringe 2027
• Improv workshops for community
• Community theatre group for young people culminating in Fringe 2027 show

If you would like to be involved but can't make it on Monday, feel free to send through via email: 

• Any tasks we may have missed 
• Any tasks/roles that you are keen to help out with and what days you might be available (the show is 12,13,14 March)
• Any further ideas you have for a community-led, supportive Fringe hub in 2027! 

For three nights in late February this year, neighbour Jenn transformed QT into a performing arts venue - bringing the Fringe to Queenstown for the first time. With planning support from the Minor Works Program, and various neighbours chipping in to make the show run smoothly, Jenn put on one hell of a show! A huge congratulations to Jenn and everyone involved for the magic they created those three nights, and a big shout out to local musician Matt Small, who played beautiful music throughout the show.

Here are some pictures from Was It a Rat I saw!

We can't wait for what the Fringe 2026 will have in store for Queenstown.

Official poster for Jenn's upcoming Fringe Show! Feel free to share it far and wide :)

Jenn is still looking for creative collaborators and support to bring her 2025 Fringe show !WAS IT A RAT I SAW! to life. She would love some help with:
- Catering
- Stage Management & Sound
- Event Logistics
- Marketing
- Interval Entertainment
- Creating Decor

If you can help, get in touch with us at hello@neighbourhoodnode.com.au

A Spark Session is a collaborative workshop aimed at transforming individual ideas into community-driven projects. It's a space where creativity meets collaboration, allowing participants to share their visions, brainstorm ideas, and start envisioning practical plans. Guided by a facilitator, the session focuses on inclusivity and open dialogue, ensuring every voice is heard. Participants are encouraged to contribute their thoughts and insights without any obligation to join the project's execution. However, for those interested, there's always the opportunity to get involved in the next steps of bringing the project to life!

Jenn would love to connect with neighbours who are interested in helping her make her Fringe show unforgettable!

Do you think you have ideas/skills/experience you could offer to help make Jenn's project a success, come along on Monday December 9 at 2pm.

We are meeting at QT Neighbourhood Node, 67 Spring St, Queenstown.