“I am always moved by the beautiful aspects of humanity that you see shining through in the shows that are created, the way audience members connect with artists and one another in a crowd, and how absolutely insane the city becomes after 9pm on a Saturday.”
WHO: Elf Lyons
WHAT: “The first ever comedy show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe performed entirely by a horse. Made by award-winning Elf Lyons, performed by Treacle. ‘Beautiful hind legs’ (Horse & Hound). One of the 50 funniest comedians of the 21st century. ‘Praise her genius and go’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘Lyons can’t be accused of treading the conventional career path since none of her shows ever remotely resembles the next’ **** (Guardian). ‘Elf is funny and wise – and a hero of sanity’ (Dylan Moran).”
WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Above (Venue 33)
WHEN: 21:20 (60 min)
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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
I have done Edinburgh many times. I have experienced every human emotion possible in that beautiful pungent city and seen more terrible improv and acapella shows than you would think bearable.
The fringe has changed so much since 2008 when I first visited, but nonetheless, I am always moved by the beautiful aspects of humanity that you see shining through in the shows that are created, the way audience members connect with artists and one another in a crowd, and how absolutely insane the city becomes after 9pm on a Saturday. I love seeing Hen Does and Stag Does darting from the Pleasance Courtyard to Assembly George Square knowing that for their big night out they chose to come to an arts festival. That’s amazing.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Last year I had the best Edinburgh I have ever had since I was about 23 and the reason was I stopped caring and worrying about anything other than seeing shows, making friends and enjoying the show I was making with Duffy. I saw nearly 100 shows over the entire month and learned so much through watching them. In previous years, if you get too much into your own head and own bubble about the work you are making, and you forget to see other peoples work you can forget you are part of a community. It makes the whole experience very isolating and not as fun.
Tell us about your show.
So, it is a clown, mime, comedy show about the importance of play and imagination and also about animal rights. It is performed by a horse for the entire hour. Trygve Wakenshaw helped with the evolution of it, as did a lovely mime artist in Australia called Bob Blythe and Dylan Moran has helped open my mind to what I need to do on stage. I owe those three a lot. Also Natalie Palamides and Adam Riches who spent time with me on zoom chatting about audience interaction and consent – which was so valuable.
It manages to be very silly but also rather emotional. I thought I had made my scary show when I made Raven back in 2022, but this year the evolution of this show has quickly challenged that.
The plan for this show is to tour it internationally next year (which the wheels are already in motion for) and then I plan to retire from performing completely.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
SO
These artists you MUST see:
Trygve Wakenshaw at Assembly Roxy
Garry Starr at Pleasance Dome
Natalie Palamides (not sure where she is on but she is iconic in every single way)
Luke Rollason at wherever he is.
Adam Riches at Summerhall.
Amy Matthews at Monkey Barrel (I’m thrilled to say I’ve directed this show)
Katie Norris at Pleasance (I’m elated to say I have also directed this one)
Ted Hill at Assembly (I am honoured I have gotten to direct this one too)
Sam Blythe in Method in My Madness at Assembly – (This is A PLAY and I have also directed this!) also I am married to him so I am biased.
My top tips are to go and see as many clowns and bouffons as possible. See as many International artists. Don’t just see people you know.
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