“As a performer, the big issue to contend with is the fact the Edfringe has got more expensive. The inflation on accommodation is a cause of frustration as less shows can stay for the whole duration.”
WHO: Gerel Falconer
WHAT: “A man in a battle with his identity, and on a journey through the depths of Black-British culture, class and belonging. What happens if you’re not black enough for the ends, but too black for the rest of the world? Tones combines the gritty underground sounds of hip-hop, grime and drill with the melodrama of opera to present a piece of gig theatre like no other, as Jerome, aka The Professor, navigates his way through a treacherous path to self-discovery.”
WHERE: ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall – ROUNDABOUT (Venue 26)
WHEN: 18:50 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
I’ve been to Edfringe as few times before as performer and punter there’s so much to explore. From rip-roaring comedy that makes you guffaw, dramas that garner teardrops on the floor and death-defying stunt acts that drop every jaw. Plus the magical backdrop has got an allure!
As a performer, the big issue to contend with is the fact the Edfringe has got more expensive. The inflation on accommodation is a cause of frustration as less shows can stay for the whole duration.
Thoughts of festivals in general? Variety allows the more risk averse to immerse in the unconventional. As a punter, I prefer a multitude of flavours than one style, genre or type of entertainers.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
In regards to life itself. I had diabetes – with Diet and exercise It fell. So the big thing I learnt was prioritising health. Not only physically but mentally as well. Especially when you’re performing a show all by yourself.
I’ve also learnt not to stress when no one takes a flyer as word-of-mouth elevates your show even higher. Trust me, nothing else leaves you more buzzing than “our friends loved it last night, we’ve booked and we’re coming!!!”
What I’ve learnt about Tones?: When you’re on a writing spree, Give yourself time to breathe especially when you rhyme at speed with more words than a library!!! If you’re reading this thinking “I wonder what this guy could mean?” Come and watch Tones and you’ll know as soon as you find you’re seat!
Tell us about your show.
Me and Jonny Kelly have been friends for over a generation. We’d always bring up working together in conversation. He was part of Wound Up before the collaboration. The concept of Tones was the perfect manifestation! I came up with the show struck by inspiration as we both sat down in a pub – to help hydration! Jonny agreed to direct the show – no hesitation and WoundUp agreed to produce it – in jubilation!
I had the story and Matt Greenough helped me develop scenes from April to August for Edinburgh 23’. From there on, I was working endlessly creating day and night to surpass all expectancy, writing rhymes to show the story’s full glory – impeccably! 3D Williams our composer was fundamental once I had structure – he provided the instrumentals.
Thus a beautiful union formed and the show we all know as Tones was born!
I finished a draft by July (congratulations!) But instantly had to cut short the celebrations- memorising 10,000 words in under an hour – requires the brain power of learning a dissertation!
I had only learnt half of it by the first preview – scared the festival would be a glorified read-through. Luckily the Fringe was as smooth as it gets – all went well Tones was truly a success.
We realised we could offer plenty more so upgraded for Edfringe ’24!
We’ll keep the show moving once the Fringe is over. There’s mini-tour in Midlands in October. November you’ll see Tones at Brixton House – you can go on their website for tickets now!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Our lighting designer Jahmikho and Stage manager Brent Tan are working on a show called For the Love of Spam! How canned meat informs East V West politics sounds like something I really don’t want to miss! Sierra Sevilla writes and performs it. I can guarantee you’ll find me in the audience!
House Of Life is a show I fully recommend – watched it last year and I’m watching it again! Positive, lovely and glorious. You leave the show feeling all types of Euphorias.
From what I’ve already seen, those are my main recommendations. Here are a few more shows that spark fascination:
From what I’ve read, Failure Project, looks like my kind of show, when I’m in Edinburgh I’m gonna make time to go. Plus, I heard great things about Quarter Life Crisis, so I’ve got a feeling I’m really gonna like this!
The concept of being a side character in your own life is intriguing, the poster is sick too, I can’t wait to see Main Character Energy!
The blurb for How I Learnt To Swim had me in deep thought. I wondered how water plays such a big part in our lives. We say we’re in ‘deep water’ when it’s harder to strive or keep your head above water when we try to survive. Water affects us in so many ways! I’m fascinated by the play linking water and race.
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