EdFringe Talk: Lil Wenker: BOYKING

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I’ve learned that I can’t learn to tap dance at a professional level in six months.”

WHO: Lil Wenker

WHAT: “All hail BOYKING! Eight-year-old Prince Wilfred (Willy for short) seeks power at all costs including but not limited to: death, destruction and dastardly deeds. Nowhere near in line for the throne, Prince Wilfred ruminates on a plan for total world domination while guzzling mummy’s milk. Bow down – this coronation’s a killer. Created by the award-winning performer / director duo Lil Wenker and Cecily Nash. ‘Sheer, brilliant, well executed madness’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ‘A masterclass in clowning’ ***** (VoiceMag.uk). ‘A pure hour of genuine laughs’ **** (BroadwayWorld.com). ‘Farcical and whip-smart’ **** (Fest).”

WHERE: Bunker One at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 21:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been to the fringe in many capacities — first as a flyerer, then a tech, then in a double act, and a few times as a solo performer. It’s been great seeing the festival from many different sides because it makes you realize just how many people / roles go into making it all possible.

Where I’m from in Minnesota, there is an incredible (slightly horrible) place called Old Country Buffet. It’s an all you can eat restaurant with daily rotations of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The clientele? A whole host of extremely unique characters chowing down on unlimited roast beef and potatoes. The fringe is like this … pardon my metaphor. It is endless — you can consume show after show and still go back for more if you’d like. Is this metaphor good? Maybe I just miss home. But you get my point. It’s brilliantly saturated with talent.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned that no matter how hard I try to make a show that fits into a backpack, I love spectacle too much to ever action that. Pretty soon I have a crown that is literally too big to carry to my previews and an entire red velvet curtain backdrop. One day I’ll learn this lesson.

I’ve learned that I can’t learn to tap dance at a professional level in six months.

I’ve learned that making a new show after doing the previous one 100 times is a huge challenge but hugely rewarding. I never thought I’d like doing a character as much as I loved doing Bangtail, but this show has taught me so much and given me confidence that I can make other projects I enjoy.

Tell us about your show.

BOYKING is an evil clown musical about a little boy who will stop at nothing to be the king. Last year, I thought I would make a show called DUNK about a little boy who wants to dunk a basketball but is too short. I got bored, but I found a note in my journal: BOYKING. I thought … I don’t know what this means, but maybe there’s a show in there somewhere! Cecily, who directed my previous show, BANGTAIL, came on board right away and we began chipping away at the character and story. It’s been such a joy working on another project together, especially now that we know each other so well as creatives and as friends.

I’ve done tons of previews around the UK and in several places around Europe already, and this has been immensely helpful. Playing to different audiences teaches me loads about how to reach people of different senses of humor / sensibilities. A Berlin audience is naturally different than a Bath audience.

As for what’s next … let’s see!!!

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

Maya Ricote
One of my dearest friends here in London and one of the most exciting and stupidest (best) clowns coming on the scene right now. The thing about Maya is she LOVES clowning. She sees it as a way of life — she truly lives and breathes it, and this comes across in her work.

Lara Ricote
Ok I’m biased towards this perfect family, but Lara is one of the most exciting stand ups working today. She is challenging what the art form really is, and she has that incredible ability to make her audience feel like they’re in the pub talking with her.

Bella Hull
Obviously Bella is actively taking over the world, so everyone should be interested in what she’s up to right now. This show is also hugely exciting and new for her — she’s really experimenting with style in a way that is incredibly captivating. She’s also fresh off of season one of SNL writing and brimming with new ideas. See her if you can get tickets.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!