EdFringe Talk: Call Me Elizabeth: from Lassie to Cleopatra

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“A great festival experience occurs when you allow yourself time for unplanned adventures and spontaneous discoveries.”

WHO: Kayla Boyle

WHAT: “An audience with Miss Taylor! Kayla Boye (Shake It Away) returns as the Hollywood legend, revealing her innermost feelings about life, love, triumphs and tragedies, until she meets Richard Burton on the set of ‘Cleopatra’, when her life, along with several others’, is turned upside down! Directed by Michael Weber and presented by Olivier winner, Fringe legend (twice Taylor’s nephew by marriage to Burton!) Guy Masterson. ‘Brilliant! A must-watch for any Elizabeth Taylor fan!’ (EdFringeReview.com). ‘Captivating! A brilliantly polished production!’ (ThreeWeeks). ‘A shattering, exquisite performance that should not be missed’ (ChicagoTheatreReview.com).”

WHERE: Studio Two at Assembly George Square Studios (Venue 17) 

WHEN: 15:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my third visit to Edinburgh! The Fringe is a special mix of serendipity where you can witness an incredible breadth of performances while also experiencing the rich heritage of a historic city. A great festival experience occurs when you allow yourself time for unplanned adventures and spontaneous discoveries. Strike up conversations in queues with fellow festival-goers; they can offer insights on what to see. Does an intriguing poster catch your eye? Go see the show!

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

My previous Fringe experiences have been short runs which have steadily lengthened each year (I was in Edinburgh for 7 days in 2023, 10 days in 2025). They informed my understanding of stamina and building a schedule which allowed me the energy to both perform and enjoy other Fringe shows. As I approach this full run in 2026, I feel that I have absorbed these lessons and have a grounded sense of self that will allow me to sustain and deepen my performance over the duration of the month.

Tell us about your show.

I am the writer and performer of Call Me Elizabeth, a one-woman show about Elizabeth Taylor. The one-act version sold out during the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which was attended by Fringe legend and Olivier Award-winner Guy Masterson (who also happens to be related to the subject matter as grand-nephew of Richard Burton). I have since collaborated with Guy as dramaturg to expand the show into two acts, which I am performing in rep at this year’s Fringe (Part One on odd-numbered days and Part Two on even-numbered days). Following Edinburgh, the show will play The Playground Theatre in London from 1-6 September.

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

In addition to Call Me Elizabeth, Guy Masterson is presenting several other solo shows including The Tao of Lloyd (written and performed by Dennis Trainor Jr.), Ludwig: Unfinished Business (written and performed by Mike Hatchard), and Scaramouche Jones (written and performed by Justin Butcher). Check them out!

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!