“In the 1980’s (yes I’m that old!) I used to bring my dance/theatre company “Geographical Duvet” to Edinburgh to perform a show on a double decker bus.”
WHO: Nikky Smedley
WHAT: “Three shows only! You remember Teletubbies, don’t you? Maybe you grew up with the programme… Did you ever wonder why it was so successful and who was bringing those well-loved characters to life? Find out with the original LaaLaa as she spills the beans on what went on behind the scenes and what it took to become one of the world’s most famous giant yellow puppets.”
WHERE: theSpace @ Surgeons Hall – Theatre 1 (Venue 53)
WHEN: 10:20 (65 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
In the 1980’s (yes I’m that old!) I used to bring my dance/theatre company “Geographical Duvet” to Edinburgh to perform a show on a double decker bus. We picked the audience up from Waverley Station – which you could do in those days – and took them on a tour of oft-neglected corners of the city (Leith Docks, Fettes College, Pilton and the like) making stops along the way for outdoor performances and also entertaining on the bus. It was a lot of fun. This will be my first show since then, so it nevertheless feels very new. A lot has changed but the creative spirit of Edfringe remains uniquely thrilling.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I came up to Fringe last year for the first time in 35 years! It’s a very different beast nowadays, of course, but I was swept along with the energy of the thing and it inspired me to want to revisit Edinburgh this year. I learned that venue and audience expectations tend towards shows that are an hour’s worth of tip-top material, then on to the next thing – no mucking about with intervals or unusual set-ups – just get in, be great, and finish on time.
I have created my show according to these expectations, which has been a very gratifying challenge, I just hope people enjoy it.
Tell us about your show.
My show was specially created for Edfringe and aside from one open rehearsal, this will be the first time anyone has seen it. It’s loosely based on my memoir about playing LaaLaa the yellow Teletubby – “Over The Hills And Far Away” – and is a startlingly honest set of behind-the-scenes confessions from those six years in Tubbyland. I’m mindful that the generation who grew up with Teletubbies (who are now, unbelievably, in their twenties and thirties) may not want their illusions shattered, but I’m hoping they may be intrigued to discover the reality behind those illusions. Others might be more interested in the down and dirty, so I’m treading a fine line!
Happily there is interest from other venues, and I’m kicking off at “Upstairs at the Western” in Leicester on September 21st.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Going back to my Edfringe roots, I’m looking forward to seeing ‘Ageless’ performed by PRIME – a company of dancers all over 60.
Also on the physical side, ‘The Art of Falling’ is a collaboration between young Scottish and Estonian dancers. Having spent time working in both countries I’m intrigued to see how the cultures combine in dance.
For describing her comedy as ‘absurdist’ and an excellent poster image and title – Ruth Hunter’s ‘The Ruth is on Fire’ is on my list.
The one’s I’m upset to be missing (can’t afford to stay for the whole Fringe!) are ‘Memento Mori Bitches’ by Leoni Amandin – again a great title and I’m fascinated by how she will combine comedy, death and puppetry – and ‘A Show About More Me(n) by Grace Campbell because her humour really appeals to my naughty side!
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