Mermaids bounce around to keep fit
Being a Fringe World mermaid is not all about splashing around and showing off - it's hard work.
Producer and head mermaid Renee Pilkington, aka Miss Gale Force, will perform in more than 40 shows during the four-week festival where she will swim for 30 minutes at a time in a heavy, custom-made tail.
"It's no mean feat swimming around with your legs wrapped together," Ms Pilkington said.
Ms Pilkington and her mermaid friends have been training at BOUNCE Inc - a new indoor trampoline park in Cannington, which will open at the weekend.
Five minutes of bouncing on the trampoline equates to about 30 minutes of regular cardiovascular workout.
Ms Pilkington, who tours as a circus performer when she is not scaled, tailed and under water, said it was perfect for preparing for the tough festival schedule.
The mermaids will perform in a giant tank at Perth Cultural Centre from Friday and will also star in the Lotterywest Mermaid Tales and Pirate Sails show.
