Which comedian has a fantasy about Barack Obama in speedos? Donna Demaio Gossip Sheet: September 1

Quote of the week: ‘Making a movie from start to finish is an extreme challenge. Being an actor is easier than being a director,’ says actor/director Joel Edgerton referring to his latest movie The Gift. He reflected on the challenges of making the critically acclaimed mystery/thriller as he attended Matilda the Musical at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre.

He also had kind words for Australian writer Tim Minchin. ‘He’s a genius and anything that inspires kids to read is an amazing thing,’ Edgerton said about the musical.

‘If you’re not going to wear black and white to Derby Day, don’t come. Don’t come,’ says racing gal, Dancing with the Stars contestant and all-round Miss Personality Emma Freedman. She was her usual perky and bubbly self as sophisticated fashionistas gathered at the David Jones runway at the Hub, City Square for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.

By the way, mint-coloured suits are in for the blokes, while lace, pant suits and super snug tailoring is on trend for the ladies this Spring Carnival, judging by the David Jones showcase.

Thurley and Carla Zampatti personal favourites.

Staff, media and even Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley had to scamper out of the Holden Centre as a media conference was just about getting underway as the fire alarm blasted through the building. Two fire trucks arrived and everyone was given the all-clear to return to the fancy facilities and resume football focused duties.

‘Work-life balance is bulls**t’, says Channel Ten executive Russel Howcroft, according to an alert from the Wheeler Centre in La Trobe Street, advising Howcroft will present his apparently strong views in a free one hour session on October 15th . He also says ‘privacy is overrated, so give everyone your phone number.’ Sounds like a fascinating talk.

Hugh Jackman and promoter Dainty Group rightly had a gut feeling the superstar’s Broadway to Oz shows would be popular. He cleverly left huge gaps between interstate gigs that are slowly being filled as show after arena show sells out and extra dates are announced. Bring on November.

Dawn French is ‘sick with excitement’ about her upcoming solo tour, just announced. She will bring ’30 Million Minutes’ to Australia in January – March 2016. The Vicar of Dibley star jokes she has three genie wishes –  one of which involves Barack Obama in speedos. Ok,then.

Some of the biggest names in comedy and music are banding together for the annual fundraiser for The Sacred Heart Mission on September 22nd at the Palais, St Kilda. Joe Camilleri, Arj Barker, Tim Rogers and Denise Scott are part of the impressive line-up for an excellent cause. www.ticketmaster.com.au

Spotted: Award winning Channel Seven veteran Chris Reason in his Qantas pyjamas on a return flight to Sydney from a South American reporting gig. Olympics preview perhaps?

Charity of the week: Hundreds of families are helped when caring for children with life-threatening conditions by the incredibly dedicated Very Special Kids. The Piggy Bank Appeal has been launched with Channel Seven newsreaders Peter Mitchell and Jennifer Keyte supporting the cause. Volunteers play a big role as giant piggy banks roam the state across September, collecting donations for the charity.