Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Ideation

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“Aside from the flattery, we want you to talk about our play because that is what it’s about.”

WHO: Lowenna Wagstaff: Company Artistic Director

WHAT: “Hypothetically speaking, if you were in a boardroom with a ticking clock, the survival of humanity on your shoulders and a growing sense of a darker reality, would you succeed… no matter what? A group of corporate consultants battle morality and mystery with logic in this hilariously dark play. Do hypothetical actions have very real consequences? Is everything just as it seems and how do you know that? Can we trust you to let the paranoia sink in, as comedy and thriller distort the truth of this hypothetically real Ideation!”

WHERE: theSpaceTriplex – Studio (Venue 38) 

WHEN: 13:20 (80 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our first time to Edinburgh as both a company and a production and, while it has been a LOT of work alongside our degrees at Exeter, it has been worth every minute of sweat, tears and (thankfully no) blood. The Edinburgh Fringe offers a completely different environment to our previous Exeter venues in which we can spark the play’s discussion around the “delineation between fact and fantasy.” With its sheer number of people and perspectives, this venue allows us to instigate the ripple of enquiry that the play demands: what do we know, what don’t we know, and who is in control? We hope that this will continue past our audiences and into the wider crowd at Fringe. Aside from the flattery, we want you to talk about our play because that is what it’s about.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest thing we have learned is adaptability. Having had our slot at the Space booked since 2019, EUTCo’s trip to Fringe has been a longgg time coming but we have certainly stuck with it. Due to restrictions, our Fringe show last year was re-organised to be performed in an Exeter festival instead, and in 2020, we didn’t get further than online performances. But, we remained adaptable, and this has only strengthened our practice as a company to deliver intimate, small-scale productions with high-quality acting on our way back to perhaps larger spectacles.

Tell us about your show.

Our director Chlöe Hallsworth first came across and read the script (by Aaron Loeb and published in 2016) about four years ago. As a play that is not widely known in the UK, Chlöe was excited by the possibilities that could take it from page to stage. When the opportunity to pitch it as a Fringe play for Exeter University Theatre Company came about, it had to be done. Although produced by EUTCo, the production company is made up of students across various years and degrees, some of whom have just graduated having never studied drama! As such, our previous performances were local to Exeter but we are thrilled with the reception we’ve been receiving in Edinburgh and hope that our team will continue with their talent and abandon their seemingly safe(?) career path from a history degree.

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

There are so many brilliant shows here this year and Show Me What You’re Maid Of and the Last Words are just two of our fellow groups from Exeter (us, biased…?). But new company favourites from further North for have been ‘When We Were Normal,’ Leaves on the Line,’ and ‘Careless’. All five shows (and our own!) have brilliantly strong female minds behind them and are putting raw, thoughtful characters on stage. Plus, they’ve been friendly faces amongst the chaos!

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: REDEEMher – How I Screwed Up My Perfect Mormon Life

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“This is truly a full-circle moment for me to be bringing such a personal story to Ed Fringe. I will never forget this.”

WHO: Tatum Langton

WHAT: “Tatum, a university student, becomes the virgin bride of her sweetheart, entering an eternal marriage in the the Mormon church. Her big dream is to move to London with her husband but years begin to slip by, and so does London. The pressures of marriage, money and their Mormon community, the couple gets into discord. Dejected, Tatum becomes vulnerable to the overtures of another man. After just one night of illicit sex, Tatum is plunged into a deep well of guilt, sorrow and remorse.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Dram (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 15:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Not only is this my first time to Edinburgh, it’s my first time acting in the UK, which if you see my show you know it’s been a dream of mine for a while. This is truly a full-circle moment for me to be bringing such a personal story to Ed Fringe. I will never forget this.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The big things I have learned are: I am more capable then I give myself credit; there’s no time like the present; community is everything. I wrote my show in 2021, decided to bring it to Ed Fringe March 2022, and miraculously raised the money to get it here with help from an amazing community back home. Not to mention the incredible community that is Fringe. I have found my people!

Tell us about your show.

REDEEMher is autobiographical. I wrote and perform this one-woman show about my first marriage, being Mormon, and the infidelity that screwed everything up….seemingly. It was directed and developed with Jessica Lynn Johnson in Los Angeles, and had a soft premier at the Hollywood Fringe Festival before having it’s world premier here at Edinburgh Fringe. Ines Wurth came recommended to me. She loved the show and came on-board to produce for Ed Fringe. No plans as of yet on what’s next, but I think I’m now addicted to fringe and may have to check them out all over the world.

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

The Funny Thing About Death by Kim Kalish. It’s another stand-out one hander that will make you laugh and cry and hold the ones you love closer.

Vermin by Triptych Theatre Co at Gilded Balloon Teviot. It’s dark-comedy-drama done exceptionally well. Top-notch storytelling and thrilling performances that have you on the edge of your seat.

Hannah Pilkes: A Woman on the Verge. Underbelly. A clowning comedy show that is delightful and somehow relatable in its absurdity. She reminds you why the world is so funny and you instantly want to be her friend. In fact, you should follow her on instagram. Comedy gold.

Famous Puppet Death Scenes at Assembly Roxy. Incredibly talented, dark, funny, and charming. It’s not every day you get to see puppetry at this extraordinary skill level. Take advantage while at Fringe.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: KITES

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“The festival is incredible in its diversity – the open-access nature of it allows all styles and experience levels to share their work, which I love!”

WHO: Tzarini Meyler

WHAT: “‘Come on Angel, don’t you ever want to fly?’ 1948. Cork City’s crying. Rations. Unemployment. And those unforgiving clouds. But two girls are plotting a new planet. Kitty’s a native, desperate for adventure, and Angel’s a blow-in searching for home. Through flying kites, dress-up and play, they leave behind their broken families and war-time grief, and let their fantasies find wings. But what happens when the line gets caught and reality beckons? KITES is a fast-paced, visually striking play about the rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood in post-war Ireland, exploring gender roles, sexuality, friendship, love and rage.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Dram (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 14:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I did a short run in 2018 as a director, but this is my first time performing, as well as my first long run. As an Irish playwright, it is a wonderful opportunity to share my work with a UK and international audience and gain their feedback. As a performer, it is a real workout, and every day I feel sharper, not only in my acting capabilities but in my resilience and strength, both physically and emotionally. The festival is incredible in its diversity – the open-access nature of it allows all styles and experience levels to share their work, which I love! However, with the huge amount to see, there is great competition amongst the acts to promote their show, which makes it harder for young artists with limited funding to stand out.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We never know what life can throw at us, so I just want to keep telling stories that speak from the heart. Art and entertainment is what brings us all together and keeps us sane in hard times. I wanted to explore this in my play KITES, how the power of pretend is sometimes our strongest weapon.

Tell us about your show.

KITES is all about longing to escape. As a writer, my work begins with a physical stimulus. I was fascinated by the childhood object of a kite, how it can be both flimsy and fragile, and yet strong enough to withstand storms and fly away. I wanted to explore the icon of a kite through the lens of womanhood. I had grown up hearing about my great grandmother who longed to be an actress and travel the world whose brothers became performers; one a musician in Australia and the other a magician in Canada, whilst she stayed at home in Ireland and became a housewife. That longing to be somebody else, and to escape, feels incredibly relevant to women today, well to anyone today in fact, our generation has so much pressure to ‘have it all’ and yet all these things (housing, stable income) seem to be so out of our reach. This show is all about growing up from young girls to women in a suffocating society that only offers two options: conformity or the big bad world.

I wrote the play – I was awarded a residency earlier this year at the Pavilion Theatre in Dublin to finish my script. Ana produced it and plays Angel, whilst I play Kitty. We are a small Irish company formed in 2016, we have been steadily growing and have produced many works. Most recently a sold-out run of ‘Dublin in a Rainstorm’ at the Smock Alley Theatre. It is our goal to create work that is truthful to the artist and vital to the audience. After Edinburgh KITES will return home to Cork. Next year we hope to do a small Irish tour.

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

For some incredible dance theatre, head to ‘Night Dances’ at Zoo Southside. Fellow Irish company United Fall have created something truly unforgettable.

For laugh-out-loud comedy check out Elf Lyons’ show Raven at Gilded Balloon.

For gorgeous new writing head to Summerhall for the wonderful Eva O Connor’s Mustard.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Cat

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“I first wrote a five-minute monologue in the character of Cat for a competition, and then I decided I liked her too much to leave her there!”

WHO: Connie Harris: Writer/performer

WHAT: “Cat is a one-woman, twisted comedy show by Connie Harris. A razor-sharp, subversive exploration of life at its darkest; ranging from the benefits of tapeworms to what to do with an unwanted grandparent.”

WHERE: RSE Theatre – Welcome East (Venue 431) 

WHEN: 14:00 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is the first time I’ve ever been to Edinburgh! I was really little when I first heard about the Fringe, and I imagined it to be just a big field where everyone brings tents to pitch up and perform (you can tell I’m from Norfolk!) – and now I’ve realised what a beautiful city Edinburgh is.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Try not to think too much. I know it sounds weird, but if you get on with life and just do it, instead of always thinking everything through a hundred times, things usually turn out alright in the end.
Only sometimes put it into practice though!

Tell us about your show.

I first wrote a five-minute monologue in the character of Cat for a competition, and then I decided I liked her too much to leave her there! I find there’s something really refreshing about playing someone who’s a little bit twisted, and whose morals aren’t quite right. I can make her say all kinds of horrible, outlandish things but justify them for her character. My play premiered at the Fringe, and at the moment I’m not planning to take it anywhere after – but I’m always open to offers or suggestions!

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

Everyone needs to see Medea the Musical! I keep saying this because it needs to be said! It was amazing – honestly indescribably good.

The Anniversary at The Pleasance was such brilliant physical comedy, and so so funny!

And for people with darker senses of humour (like me!), The Tiger Lilies’ One Penny Opera is perfect – I love the perfect combination of hauntingly good music and pitch-black stories.

A great one-woman show is Pash, which was fast-paced, honest and hilarious!

There are so many more!

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Beg For Me

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“It will take more than a global pandemic to kill our industry – we’ll be here after the apocalypse, creating puppet shows with the ruins.”

WHO: Rosa Maria Alexander

WHAT: “6/1/2021: One day replayed on repeat in @R3alAm3rican99’s head. In this riveting new play by Rosa Maria Alexander, follow how one young man’s radicalisation leads him to the steps of the US Capitol. Beg For Me explores the implosive intersection of violent misogyny, the alt-right and digital extremism. One year on from the storming of the Capitol, the US has experienced a “peaceful” transfer of power – but have the forces that brought thousands to protest the results of the election changed? Beg For Me delves into the mindset of toxic male behaviour – with dark consequences.”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – Jersey (Venue 302) 

WHEN: 13:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’m local to Scotland (Perth) so I’m no stranger to Edinburgh and the Festival! I’ve attended for years, both as a performer and as a punter, but it is my first time bringing my own show here and it has been a completely fresh, exciting experience!

I think it is easy to forget how much work goes into the Festival when you attend for the day – you get to go home shattered after a day of watching incredible shows and recover your hangover with plenty of sleep but performers and creatives never get a day off. It’s a constant cycle of flyering, social media, fixing any problems that go wrong, press & marketing, seeing other shows, finally doing your own show and then more flyering!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

It will take more than a global pandemic to kill our industry – we’ll be here after the apocalypse, creating puppet shows with the ruins.

Tell us about your show.

I was asked by my wonderful friend Alex Conder about a week after the insurrection on the Capitol in January 2021 if I could write a one-man show on the alt-right. Oh, and could I do it in less than 3 months? Of course, I said yes and Beg For Me was born. Beg For Me takes a look at the violent nature of the alt-right, the effect that digital platforms has had on amplifying these voices and the highly nuanced modern-day ‘sex positivity’ movement and the role media plays in normalising ‘rough’ sex – often with kink becoming the baseline for new sexual encounters – and examines whether this trend of more intense intercourse is acting as a cover-up for acts of violence against women. Shortly after it was written, it was put on as part of Mountview’s Catalyst Festival and from there, the show has grown with short runs at the Pleasance in London and at Camden People’s Theatre SPRINT Festival (all produced and directed by the wonderful Olivia Munk, Creative Director of Part of The Main).

The show has changed alot since then and even more so now that I have taken on the roles of producer and director but I am always excited to see how it evolves with new directors, new producers and new actors at the helm.

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

My lovely friend and collaborator, Olivia Munk and her production company Part of The Main, have 3 amazing shows on this year which you cannot miss!

Bloody Mary Live! – Teen Queen Mary Tudor takes to the mic to rehab her ‘bloody’ image. In this gleefully vicious stand-up special, Bloody Mary tackles the drama every #queenager deals with: divorced parents, sibling rivalry and religious purges (…oops). (On everyday until 29th Aug 2022, Lammermuir Theatre – Pleasance at EICC, 10:00pm)

Fritz & Matlock – In a Sheffield basement, two men try to bury the bodies of their past to find a hopeful future. With no way out, will Fritz make it to his wedding? Will Matlock get away with murder? Or will the police finally raid the marijuana grow in the attic? A new dark comedy with a fresh take on men’s mental health, the care system and addiction. (On everyday until 29th Aug 2022, The Attic – Pleasance Courtyard, 2:05pm)

All By Myself – POV: you’re a vlogger. A productive (but chill!) DIYing vlogger. It’s the end of the world. What do you do when everyone’s left the internet? This is a show with no words about being your best self when no one will watch. (On everyday until the 28th Aug 2022, Playground 3 – Zoo Playground, 6:25pm)

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Notflix: Binge

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“Our Edfringe is never complete without at least one pilgrimage to Arthur’s Seat!”

WHO: The Notflix ensemble cast

WHAT: “The Spice Girls of improv return for a fifth triumphant year in their five-star, sell-out, totally improvised musical comedy. Inspired by audience suggestions, the all-female cast improvise the musical version of your favourite films, creating movies with 100% more singing, 99% more women and a full live band. Broadway World Best Comedy nominee. As seen on Sky TV, STV and BBC 5 Live. ‘Notflix might very well be the best show you see this year, the year after that and hopefully forever’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘A little piece of theatrical genius’ ***** (NorthWestEnd.com).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Big Yin (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 17:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, we’ve been a few times before, regular punters might recognise the red jackets! However, this is our first outing with the amazing production team we have today. The Fringe is where Notflix became Notflix, we have really honed our show over the years and are very excited to be heading back after such a gap. The Edinburgh Fringe is a real wonderland for punters and artists. You never know how the day will end, or what hidden gems you will find. Maybe you’ll discover the next big thing before it hits the West End or maybe you’ll end up clasping some garlic while watching a group of actors reenacting Dracula on a bouncy castle at midnight.

As a performer, you can’t help but feel inspired by all the weird and wonderful acts out there. Then the great thing is, you are able to immediately bring that energy and zeal to your own show when you perform it. We love the fact that most shows are just an hour long, meaning you can fit lots in. You’ve also got shows at different price points, so you can organise the festival according to your own budget. In addition to all this, Edfringe takes place against the backdrop of a beautiful historic city. Our Edfringe is never complete without at least one pilgrimage to Arthur’s Seat!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We’ve learnt that we’re survivors and we are ready to hustle and adapt when needed. When the Pandemic hit and theatre was essentially cancelled, we experimented with what we could do online and basically created a little community, streaming online shows, having a weekly tweet along film club, composed and recorded original film-inspired songs and created accompanying music videos. For the first time, the Notflix team will be bringing two babies to the Fringe, so that will definitely require some level of adaptation! The hiatus has made us appreciate the opportunities we have even more and to make the most out of every performance we have. To be bold and big and leave it all on the stage. Lockdown also gave us the opportunity to watch and analyse even more films, which is very useful for our shows as we want to give the audience what they’ve asked for (and more!). We want to lampoon those movie tropes.

Tell us about your show.

The audience suggests a film and 5 actresses and a live band turn it into an hour long joy-filled, high energy comedy musical. You’ll see the iconic moments and characters from the films you love (or love to hate), mixed with pop culture references, original catchy tunes, physical comedy and a lot of heart. It’s the brain child of our director Sarah Spencer and is being produced by Mick Perrin and his brilliant team. Notflix: Binge is on everyday at 5pm in the Gilded Balloon’s Big Yin. After the Fringe, we’ll be heading to Northern Stage, Newcastle on the 1st October and Hull Truck Theatre on the 28th October. However, we will be announcing more dates and venues for our Autumn tour soon, so it’s always worth checking our socials. You can find us @notflixmusical on Instagram and Twitter.

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

“Katie Pritchard: Disco Ball” – a ball of energy, hilarity, music and talent – basically a human disco ball.

Our sibling show “Les Quizerables” – the ultimate musical theatre quiz with a hilarious host and special guests.

“Briefs: Bite Club” – an amazing group of cabaret/circus/burlesque performers who have teamed up with other worldly singing powerhouse Sahara Beck.

A spot of improvised Shakespeare with “Impromptu Shakespeare”.

“Dance Body “ – in which Yolanda Mercy reclaims space for plus-sized bodies.

The joyful “My Son’s a Queer”.

Thought-provoking theatre like “Blue and Pip” and “Block’d Off”.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Zach Zucker: Spectacular Industry Showcase

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“Just because you are willing to get naked onstage DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO!”

WHO: Zach Zucker

WHAT: “Winner: Comedian’s Comedian Award, Chortle Awards (2020). After touring the world five times with Zach and Viggo and a historic run of Jack Tucker: Comedy Stand-up Hour at the 2019 Fringe, award-winning clown and international bad boy Zach Zucker returns to Edinburgh with a brand new show! ‘Zach Zucker is… popular’ (New York Times). ‘A rip-roaring hour of top-notch clowning’ ***** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine). ‘Raucously hilarious 60 minutes’ ****½ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘A God amongst men’ **** (Scotsman). ‘A terrible comic’ ** (Times). ‘A fraud who is completely out of his depth’ * (Skinny).”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel Comedy – Monkey Barrel 4 (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 19:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my sixth fringe (would’ve been eight had the pandemic not gotten in the way) and I’m so excited to be back here. I love my Fringe family more than myself, nothing makes me happier than being onstage in front of the Edinburgh audience with all of my favorite friends and people from around the world. For a month, everything feels right and perfect and I just can’t express how grateful I am to be a part of this mad festival.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Just because you are willing to get naked onstage DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO!! Turns out, people like it way more when you just “tell jokes” which is something I’ve never really understood but I’m trying to give it a go this year. Can confirm it’s way easier to just not do that and get the goods out instead.

Tell us about your show.

Soooo I made this show with my best buddy Lucas Tamaren who is the frontman of the funk-punk band, Thumpasaurus, as well as my Canadian comedy partners Dylan Woodley and Jonny Woolley. I epicly produce the show under Stamptown and it’s premiering at the Fringe!! We’re hoping to tour it across the US, UK and Australia, with a 3 week run in India with our buddy Sumendra Singh who runs That Comedy Club in Mumbai!

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

I’m certainly biased here because I produce a bunch of shows under the Stamptown banner (Jordan Gray, Randy Feltface, BriTANicK) but aside from all our shows, my bestie and genius clown Tom Walker is back, my favourite comedian Sam Campbell, gorgeous Australian comedy darling Michelle Brasier, my circus family Cirque Alfonse, New Zealand sweetheart Paul Williams, the frustratingly talented Reuben Kaye, some of my picks for newcomer Ania Magliano, Leo Reich and Emily Wilson are all solid shouts. Also, my buddy Kevin Quantum is a killer magician and I love his shows.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Bird With Kylie Vincent

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“I think a new Kylie will come out of this and will make me a stronger person and performer with the learning curve of balance.”

WHO: Kylie Vincent

WHAT: “How does a queer, GenZ comedian survive her past, the pandemic, and the indignities of a stand-up career? Vincent (aka Bird) takes the audience on a (seriously) funny flight, often through taboo comedy territory. Audiences say Vincent is a ‘badass, punk rock, hilarious’ storyteller and Bird is ‘…emotional, dark, and funny! Go see Bird!'”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Coorie (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 19:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is my first time at the Fringe! It is so special because I have never cried this much in my life. Just kidding, but not really. It’s amazing that I get to consistently do my solo show everyday, on top of doing stand-up sets on other people’s showcase. To see great art everyday and be surrounded by that is definitely special and some people don’t even get to experience in a lifetime. It’s hard to be a person here since you’re constantly working, I think a new Kylie will come out of this and will make me a stronger person and performer with the learning curve of balance.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In my show, I talk about my childhood sexual abuse and in 2019 I had not told anyone about it. In 2020, I started working on my show and it became a huge part of my identity. I think I’ve learned particular strength in identifying and feeling supported a part of an art and survivor community and that there often is freedom in letting that go and putting it into your art. I’ve also learned that I am addicted to chickpeas. I’ve lived off of them, like there’s a shortage or something. The other night, I fell asleep with a can of chickpeas and a fork in it next to my pillow and I woke up and rolled over and was shocked. I said to the chickpeas, “did we…?”

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my solo show! Barbara Pitts McAdams is directing & producing, and we also have David Calvitto on, co-producing. I met Barb about 4 years ago when I was advocating for gun control at a rally when I worked for the organization March For Our Lives (a non-profit gun violence prevention group). Barb is with Tectonic Theatre Project which creates activist devised work, like The Laramie Project, and at the time was working on a play about gun control activists. She interviewed me, we hit it off, and I started working on projects with her. She became sort of a mentor to me and when I was working on my show Bird, I sent her an early draft for feedback and she took interest in the piece and said she would like to produce and direct it. She also brought David on to help us with the Fringe run, as he’s been to like 17 Fringe’s total or something like that? I don’t know he’s old and it’s a high number.

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

Sam Morrison’s show “Sugar Daddy” such a hilarious, beautiful solo show. Sam is also a NYC comedian and is very well respected in the comedy community, but was blown away when I saw his show out here…his ability to make you laugh until you cry and then you actually cry, is so special and I highly recommend it.

Lucy Hopkin’s “Dark Mother” is an experience and I would do no justice explaining it if I tried. Such a fearless, talented, spiritual artist.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Fritz and Matlock

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“I’ve missed the madness the past few years.”

WHO: Jessica Millward: Director

WHAT: “In a Sheffield basement, two men try to bury the bodies of their past to find a hopeful future. With no way out, will Fritz make it to his wedding? Will Matlock get away with murder? Or will the police finally raid the marijuana grow in the attic? A new dark comedy with a fresh take on men’s mental health, the care system and addiction. 2021 Offie nominees for Lead Performances and Most Promising New Playwrights. ‘Reminiscent of the works of Beckett and Pinter’ ***** (TheReviewsHub.com). **** (Stage).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – The Attic (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 14:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I came to the Fringe in as a punter in 2019 (and even as an actor in 2018) but this is my first time bringing a show to Edinburgh as a director. I’ve missed the madness the past few years. The festival is an amazing place to see new work that breaks the mould so it’s even more exciting to be here with a bold new writing show ‘Fritz & Matlock’. It feels like a hub of new talent. I can’t wait to connect with other artists and inspire my own practice.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We are just making theatre. It isn’t life or death, even though it can feel like it. (Ask me at the end of fringe if I’ve taken this fully on board or not!)

In terms of my work one big thing I’ve learnt is to take more risks. I wasn’t that interested in theatre with surreal undertones in 2019 but now I love it!

Find people who share your theatre values, tastes and who you can be really honest about the work with. I’ve found people the past couple of years who I have this with and I want to find more.

Work with people who are nice and you want to get a pint with. I’ve absorbed this and will be taking full advantage at the fringe.

Tell us about your show.

I met Jamie and Sal, who wrote and perform the play, when I was assistant director on Operation Crucible at Sheffield Theatres. I was instantly drawn to their work ethic and talent. After talking to them and reading Fritz & Matlock (a new play they had written together over lockdown) I knew I wanted to be the one to direct it. The show is produced by Part of the Main and we are a Pleasance Associate company after doing Fritz & Matlock at Pleasance London in October 2021. After that run we were nominated for Offies for writing and performances, and got a lovely 4 stars from the Stage which we are really proud of. It’s got legs for a post-Fringe run so we’re looking forward to chatting with regional venues as the Fringe progresses.

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

We are a neurodiverse led team on Fritz & Matlock so we’d love to shout out ‘Joshua and Me’, directed by the brilliant Lucy Jane Atkinson. It’s one-woman show about being a sibling to someone who’s autistic – 10.55am at Pleasance Dome. We can’t wait to catch it!

Part of the Main have two other shows on at Edinburgh Fringe as well. In ‘Bloody Mary: Live!’ Mary Tudor does stand up with a feminist twist at 10pm Pleasance EICC. ‘All by Myself’ is a show with no words about being your best self when no one will watch. That’s at ZOO playground at 6.25pm. All powerhouse female directors.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa: Monsoon Season

Posted in EdFestivals 2022 by

image of event

“I hope to tour the show after the fringe but we’ll see.”

WHO: Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa

WHAT: “In 1999, Vidura’s family left war-ridden Sri Lanka in search of a better life. Now in 2022 he’s performing an hour of comedy in a Scottish nightclub. Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa’s highly anticipated debut hour is the story of how he got here, covering all of life’s major talking points: race, religion and Ratatouille. As seen on ITV2’s The Stand Up Sketch Show. Best New Comedian Berlin finalist.”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive) – Hive 2 (Venue 313) 

WHEN: 13:55 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve visited the festival in the past, but this is my first time as a performer. I am really excited to be a part of it debuting my show, rather than watching from the outside like times I’ve visited previously.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

That I can survive more than a few nights without getting on stage, a situation that was somewhat forced on me considering the events that followed 2019.

Tell us about your show.

The show itself is written, directed, and performed by myself, and produced by Country Mile Productions. We connected after they saw me perform live at a competition. I hope to tour the show after the fringe but we’ll see.

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

They should try and see anything theatre or music. I would highly recommend Britney or Shelf over at the Pleasance. They’re both amazing sketch/musical duos. As someone that’s around stand-up most of the time it is wonderful seeing other forms comedy can take while I’m up here.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!