EdFringe Talk: Frigid

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“It’s been an incredible journey so far and it’s taught me that when you put your heart and soul into a project, people will connect with it.”

WHO: Rosa Bowden

WHAT: “Niamh O’Reilly is a Frigid, meaning she’s never been kissed. And at 14, she’d want to hurry. Tonight at the local teenage disco, her friends are on a mission to change that – whether she wants to or not. Set in Dublin in 2007, it’s a coming-of-age comedy about frenemies, first times and figuring it out. Winner of the Bewley’s Little Gem Award at Dublin Fringe Festival 2022. Written and performed by Rosa Bowden with live DJ Ciarán Gallagher. ‘An amazing comedy, with heart wrenching and tender moments’ ***** (TheReviewsHub.com).”

WHERE: Underbelly, Cowgate – Iron Belly (Venue 61) 

WHEN: 12:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s not! My first Edfringe experience was in 2017 when I directed BUMP&GRIND Theatre’s debut show Bump. Before that I’d never been to fringe so I remember being completely blown away by how much there was going on. There’s literally something to see at every hour of the day. Being in the city for fringe feels like you’re at the epicentre of culture – there’s weird and wonderful shows, cutting edge comedy and breath taking performances. It’s a great place to discover new artists, make connections and get inspired for your next work.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Since 2022 I’ve learned to try relinquish the blocker that is self doubt. When Frigid was first performed at the Dublin Fringe last September, I never thought people would connect to it as much as they did. Since then we’ve sold shows, won an award and staged Frigid at 2 esteemed venues in Dublin before bagging our slot at the prestigious Underbelly Cowgate. It’s been an incredible journey so far and it’s taught me that when you put your heart and soul into a project, people will connect with it.

Tell us about your show.

Frigid is a coming-of-age comedy written and performed by me and also features on stage DJ Ciaran Gallagher. It’s a hilarious and tender tale about a 14 year old girl who’s never been kissed. Set in Dublin in 2007, it’s a nerve wrecking trip down memory lane, soundtracked to 00s teen disco bangers. The show was developed in 2020, when we presented a work-in-progress version at Scene&Heard Festival in Dublin. Then the pandemic happened so it wasn’t until 2022 that a full production was staged. We premiered at Dublin Fringe 2022 and won the prestigious Little Gem Award and was also nominated for Best New Play and Best Performer. It’s produced by Bump&Grind Theatre, who’s debut play Bump was labelled “the next big thing” at Fringe 2017. We’ve got an incredible team consisting of Joe Murphy, the producer, Hildegard Ryan (director of Fringe First 2019 winning show Mustard) the director, Sophie Fuller, associate director and SM and Shane Gill, lighting designer.

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

I’m really excited to see Sunday’s Child’s new production Chicken at Summerhall. From the genius mind’s of Eva O’Connor and Hildegard Ryan (Frigid’s director), it’s about a famous Irish actor who just so happens to be a chicken. I think it’s going to be a really unique show from this Fringe First winning Irish company. Another show from an Irish artist I’m so excited to see is Tom Moran is a Big Fat Filthy Disgusting Liar at Pleasance Courtyard – it took Dublin Fringe by storm last year and from what I hear it’s a hilarious and honest and moving! The Northern Irish company SkelpieLimmer are bringing Scaredy Fat to Pleasance Dome and apparently it’s sexy and spooky – I’m sold!

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