Bedfringe 2022 Interview: Dossers, Drabs, Muck-worms and Mumpers

Posted in Bedfringe 2022 by

“Having spent years in the Middle Ages, I’ve leapt forward to eighteenth-century London.”

WHO: Mark Steinhardt / writer and performer

WHAT: “Coot looks down on everyone and drips irritation and misery upon all who come within his reach. Especially poor pathetic Piper. Such a pleasure to ruin his day!”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 22-23 July 2022 TIMES VARY (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

No! This is my 9th show in 11 years. Bedfringe puts a shape on my life! Every Christmas I start writing a new story for July. Bedfringe gave me my first opportunity and I’m eternally grateful. Now I have a loyal audience, so I’m able to pay back Bedfringe with sell-out shows.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2021 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’m a storyteller. What have I learned along the way? Don’t repeat yourself. A musician can play his hits – folk like the familiarity – but a teller of tales has to have something new every time. This year’s story won’t sound like anything I’ve done before.

Tell us about your show.

Having spent years in the Middle Ages, I’ve leapt forward to eighteenth-century London. For me, that’s…. modernity. I mean, there are street lights in my story! Oh, and there are streets with kerbs and things to put them in.

It’s a warm-hearted tale, dangerously close to sentimental. There’s spite, greed, dishonesty and pointless hope, but by the end, there is redemption and the possibility of something better. I really couldn’t do anything grim this year – for my own sake as much as the audience’s.

What should your audience see at Bedfringe after they’ve seen your show?

I don’t have any friends at Bedfringe – solo performers don’t need friends – so these plugs are unsolicited, Alfie Moore, the ex-cop, is certain to be good. Olaf Falafel will be daft and funny, and the Theatre of Widdershins will be wonderful for young families. For the rest, just take a chance. That’s the point of fringe festivals.

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