Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Chopped Liver and Unions

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“Every festival is different, but none are on the scale of Edinburgh. What they have in common, though is the “spirit of the fringe” – a great feeling of camaraderie and support amongst the performers and shows.”

WHO: Lottie Walker

WHAT: “Sara Wesker – trade unionist, political activist and radical – led the singing strikers of 1928, to improve the working conditions of female garment workers in London’s East End. But her love of the cause battled with the love of her life. Which would win? And was it all worth it? A tale from a century ago but very much a play for today, this five-star reviewed, OffFest-nominated, one-woman play gives a vivid account of the life of a forgotten woman who should be revered as a working-class heroine.”

WHERE: Paradise in Augustines – The Studio (Venue 152) 

WHEN: VARIES (65 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Our company’s first EdFringe was back in 2018 and apart from the two years we don’t mention we’ve been back every year. It’s the biggest trade show for our industry in the world and the best way to get the show on the map. This is our second year with this show, which we’ve been developing since the 2023 Fringe. We think this is the final version!

Every festival is different, but none are on the scale of Edinburgh. What they have in common, though is the “spirit of the fringe” – a great feeling of camaraderie and support amongst the performers and shows. The sheer size of Edinburgh can be overwhelming and of course we’re all competing for audiences, reviews, etc… but there is comfort in knowing that we don’t suffer alone. All of us have extreme highs and lows during August and having that network to rely on is invaluable.

If we were only going to do one Fringe festival, especially for new work, it would have to be Edinburgh.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Well we’ve revamped the show and made some big artistic changes that went down well with New York audiences in May. We’ve also rethought our marketing plan – after a few years we think we’ve finally worked out what works for us. Which is not necessarily what works for others.

The benefit of working with other shows on cross-promotions can’t be overstated. Apart from selling tickets it’s resulted in further collaborations and really genuine friendships for us. We did more of this than ever before in 2023 and it paid dividends.

And the third thing (we all like things in threes don’t we!) is to take time out away from the madness. 2023 was the first year I deliberately took a proper day off and took myself away from the festival after 4pm when the show finished. It was a revelation. Even just an hour spent walking round the Meadows or in the National Museum made such a difference.

Tell us about your show.

We specialise in telling untold stories and Sara’s is a classic case of someone being written out of history. This election year (and the centenary of the first Labour government) it feels especially important to be shining a light on working class history and illustrating just how hard women and other minorities, despite some progress being made are still having to fight for their voices to be heard and how important it is for all of us workers to never be complacent. That all makes the show seem terribly “worthy”. It isn’t – it’s got a strong message and will make you think but it’s also full of humour. Sara led the “singing strikers” so of course we have music – it’s been a joy to hear audiences spontaneously join in with some of the songs too.

It’s an in-house production by my company, Blue Fire (I’m wearing two hats) and was written by J.J. Leppink, with whom we’ve collaborated twice before. Our director, Laura Killeen is a genius and has made us all fall a little bit in love with Sara. Musical direction is by James Hall who has been with us since our first Fringe in 2018.

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

This is such a tough question – there is SO much to see and with almost 4,000 shows across the month it can be difficult to fit everything is. This year I’m determined to be organised and book everything in advance (top tip – doing that allows you to factor in that all important free time too)

Anyway – can’t put it off any longer. You can’t go wrong with any of these. I might even see you there – I’ve booked for them all!

Chatterbox – Lubna Kerr
The Scot & the Showgirl – Frances Ruffelle & Norman Bowman
Ghostlight – Orange Works
22 (Brooke’s Version) – Brooke/36 Expressions
A Montage of Monet – Threedumb Theatre
Gruoch: Lady Macbeth – Burns Unit Productions
Gwyneth Goes Skiing – Awkward Productions
Light – Gerry Carroll

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EdFringe Talk: Twelfth Night Fever

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“What’s great about the Fringe is that it provides such a wide range of cultural experiences. It’s a real melting pot of talent and a privilege to rub shoulders with so many other artists and kindred sprits.”

WHO: David Aldred

WHAT: “‘If music be the food of love, play on… get on the dancefloor!’ Our fresh take on the bard’s gender-bending comedy, set to a disco soundtrack, will have you on your feet. This glitzy show is performed with singing and dancing by an all-male cast for that authentic Shakespearean experience. Featuring classic disco numbers including Night Fever, Rock The Boat, I Feel Love, Boogie Wonderland and That’s The Way (I Like It)… it’s a brand-new genre: Shakespeare Disco. From the same people that brought you last year’s Fringe Sell-Out Show Laurel winning smash-hit Rockbeth.”

WHERE: theSpaceTriplex – Big (End On) (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 14:40 (70 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities, at any time of year, but especially during August for the Fringe, come rain, sunshine and rain again. I have been to the festival on many a tour – as both producer and punter, and in the company of friends, family and students. It’s a joy to have introduced so many young performers to the festival as a teacher of drama, director of theatre, and trip leader. What’s great about the Fringe is that it provides such a wide range of cultural experiences. It’s a real melting pot of talent and a privilege to rub shoulders with so many other artists and kindred spirits.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Last year, I brought Rockbeth, my modernised and musicalised adaptation of Macbeth, to the Fringe with a group who had never been before. We were an unknown company with new material and there was little fanfare. One of the few people to show an interest was Get Your Coats On – thank you! Anyway, despite fairly low expectations, the play must have hit a nerve because it became a smash-hit, winning a Fringe Sell-out Laurel and receiving excellent reviews to boot. Having come out of a difficult period, which had resulted in a completely new direction for me, that experience was so joyful and life affirming… I think to quote Ted Lasso, I learned to ‘believe’ again. Still believing… let’s do it again with Twelfth Night Fever.

Tell us about your show.

Twelfth Night Fever is my adaptation of Shakespeare’s gender-bending comedy with lots of disco music and dancing involved. As lovers of the bard’s comedies will know, you can expect in-jokes about boys dressing up as girls, mistaken identities, general confusion, and melodramatic conflict, but all ending happily with lovers coupled up. In other words, just like Love Island. In my version, the play ends with a massive dance off. Shakespeare is probably rolling his eyes somewhere.

Where did it all begin? After last year’s success with Rockbeth, we thought: let’s have another romp with a Shakespeare play. So far, we have performed Twelfth Night Fever to audiences at our school in Surrey and we are now transferring to Haslemere Hall, before taking it on the road to Edinburgh. We have had so much support and generosity along the way – with many kind sponsors making it possible for us to do the tour.

Our theatre company is More The Merrier and we are promoters of neurodiversity in the performing arts. All our performers are neurodiverse and have overcome many personal challenges to appear on stage at the world’s largest arts festival. We believe in the rich potential of the human spirit to triumph over adversity, and to take performance to the highest level, whatever the ability, regardless of neurodiversity. Our journey has taken us from the humble beginnings of a small stage in a specialist school in Surrey to the bright lights of the Edinburgh Fringe, and who knows where next?

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

Take a punt! There is so much on offer. It’s like an all-you-can-eat theatrical buffet. We will go and see as much as possible – from stand-up to musicals to improv to experimental theatre. A good way to discover stuff is to speak to other playgoers on the Mile and find out what’s got the buzz. That’s how Rockbeth got its audiences last year – the word-of-mouth buzz worked for us then and let’s hope we can do the same with Twelfth Night Fever. Plus if you like our show, then you should also enjoy Shakespeare For Breakfast, similar fare to ours but they also give you a croissant.

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EdFringe Talk: Mime Club

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“It’s full of chaos, clowning and psychical comedy with the simple aim of making people laugh!”

WHO: Oliver Fife-Nilsson

WHAT: “Sexy dads, vacuum cleaners, the German State Theatre… Welcome to Mime Club. Enjoy the pandemonium. From the minds of acclaimed idiots Jon and Ollie comes a new show packed with psychical comedy, chaos and clowning. Prepare yourself for an hour of multi award-winning sketches from the Jon and Ollie universe, each one more ludicrous than the last. Mime Club is a dream* come true for comedy lovers. *If your dreams are about Kenneth Branagh and houmous-loving fauns.”

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

WHEN: 14:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my fourth time at Edinburgh Fringe and I’m as excited as if it was my first! Edinburgh Fringe is THE arts fringe – the biggest, the best and the most diverse. You can come back with the same show and still have a new experience – there are always new audiences – or you can come back with a new show each time and every night can feel like the first night. It’s all fresh and new, and the community is a supportive one. For me, every year has been like a new experience. The last two years at Edinburgh I was part of a kids show, Strictly Barking, and this year I’ll be performing some alternative sketch comedy for MIME CLUB – a very different show with an adult audience in mind! I can’t wait to see how it will be received.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I want to say that I’ve learned to schedule myself better and will make a packed lunch every day this year, but I don’t know if I have yet! Last year I definitely tried to do both, but it takes just one night of ‘oh yeah, let’s stay and see this!’ to make you oversleep so you don’t have time to make food to bring with you so you have to visit Mosque Kitchen again for some delicious curry (which I love, but I think my bank balance does not! At least, after the 10th visit it doesn’t). We all know that being at the Fringe can be a bit pricey and I’d rather spend my budget on supporting fellow artists and creatives that on another vegan sausage roll. Everyone works so hard – and as I said before, Edinburgh is THE fringe to be at – so you want to make sure that people don’t miss their shot at touring and support them with a ticket to their show. It’s hard work and you want it to pay off for everyone.

Tell us about your show.

MIME CLUB is absurd, alternative sketch comedy show we’re performing at Gilded Balloon in the Patterhoose. It’s a new show having previewed at Glasgow Comedy Festival in March this year. MIME CLUB is totally mad – think dinosaurs, sexy dads, the German State Theatre and vacuum cleaners and you’ll still never guess what’s going to happen next. It’s full of chaos, clowning and psychical comedy with the simple aim of making people laugh!

This year we were amazingly grateful to be a Keep It Fringe funding recipient from the Edinburgh Fringe Society. It’s genuinely humbling to see them have faith in MIME CLUB. Now we just want to show them that it was all worth it!

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

There are so many things people should see but some highlights include – I am Claire Parry, we met while studying at Jacques Le Coq and I can’t wait to see their new standup show and Just Aretha at Greenside. My wife performed with her previously and saw an early piece of the show – it’s a self-biographical tale of what it really means to be a black woman living with disability in the UK, with a good amount of humour too! I’ve also got to recommend Old Man at Summerhall, performed by my colleague Jon (and I directed it!) for his funny yet moving performance (only on until 11th August so don’t miss it!), as well as MUSH by Jeromiah Detto (Underbelly) for an hour of clowning fun. Sam Blythe’s hour-long one-man-show of Hamlet, Method in my Madness, is something I am looking forward to seeing at Assembly, as well as Josh Glanc: Family Man, which is a new show performing at Monkey Barrel. He’s an amazing comic and I can only imagine that his latest show will be as brilliant as his previous ones. Also – John-Luke Roberts is going ALL TEN of his previous shows and I recommend all of them.

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EdFringe Talk: UK Pun Off

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“It’s a great festival because there is something for everyone, and now I get to perform in it!”

WHO: Stevie Vegas

WHAT: “The hit online show UK Pun Off has made the transition to a live show and is coming to Edinburgh! Four top comics will have three jokes on different topics and it is up to the audience to decide the winner of each round to crown the winner. We also look for the audience’s best puns on each of the topics to be read out at the end of each round and prizes are up for grabs for the audience member with the best pun. ‘Exceptional’ (NottsComedyReview.wordpress.com). Winner of Best Panel Show 2022 (Late Stage Comedy).”

WHERE: Laughing Horse @ City Cafe – Nineties (Venue 85) 

WHEN: 13:10 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been attending EdFringe as a punter for over 20yrs now. My favourite time of the year, especially as I now live in England. I get to move back home with my Parents in Stirling and travel in each day! It’s a great festival because there is something for everyone, and now I get to perform in it!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I performed twice on the UK Pun Off show last year. I have won it since at Leicester Comedy Festival, so I have an idea how better to present my jokes to the audience this time round!

Tell us about your show.

The UK Pun Off is hosted by the punderful Iain MacDonald, who is doing the full-run.

It features 4 punsters who have been given 4 topics in advance (eg Sport, America, Winter, Drinks), and they each get to tell 3-4 jokes on each topic. After each topic, the audience clap and vote for their favourite punster, and whoever wins the most rounds… wins! Different topics and different lineups each day.

I am competing from 16-25 August as that’s the dates that I am up for (after the shows, I’ll head out and enjoy watching loads more shows as a regular punter!)

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

They should go and see Iain MacDonald’s Around the World in 80 Puns. They should grab the leaflets from the 4 punsters who have competed in the UK Pun Off on that day, and consider seeing their shows also! You will find many of these one-liner comedians also taking part in “Aaaaaaaaaaargh! It’s the One Liner Show” (this doesn’t have a twitter address, but I want to give it a big shout out!)

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EdFringe Talk: Chelsea Birkby: This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky

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“In the buzz of it all it struck me that part of the magic of the fringe is that instead of that energy being generated for one superstar, it’s being generated for hundreds of performers, many of whom you’ve never heard of.”

WHO: Chelsea Birkby

WHAT: “Following her award-winning debut and sell-out run, Chelsea Birkby’s back with a meditation on lust for life. Playfully combining pop culture and philosophy in this smart and silly show unpacking being in the moment, desire and also ass. ‘Very funny… There’s a sharp mind behind the sweet exterior’ **** (Telegraph). ‘Brilliant… Hugely promising and already accomplished’ **** (Scotsman). ‘A real star’ ****½ (Sunday Post). ‘Deceptively smart’ **** (Fest). Amused Moose Best Debut 2022. Comedian’s Choice Best Show Nominee. Best Jokes 2022 (Telegraph, Times). Writer on Mock the Week. Ass seen on BBC Three.”

WHERE: Just the Tonic at The Caves – Just Out of the Box (Venue 88) 

WHEN: 21:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I just got off the LNER back from Edinburgh! I was lucky enough to get tickets for Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour (How? I sold 4 kidneys). It was magical, life-affirming and kinda unhinged- the shows triggered earthquake monitors! As a fringe goer, it was funny walking around town because, for a second, you could imagine it was August with the festival in full swing, just with more cowboy hats, bejewelled bodysuits and ‘tay-keaway frose’. But in the buzz of it all it struck me that part of the magic of the fringe is that instead of that energy being generated for one superstar, it’s being generated for hundreds of performers, many of whom you’ve never heard of.

Last time I brought a show, it was my debut. I didn’t know what to expect or who would come! So I was over the moon to have busy rooms, lovely reviews and even leave with an award and a nomination! That’s only possible because a bunch of comedy fans liked the cut of my jib, thought ‘sure, why not’ and came to see me in my cave! That makes the fringe so special – I can’t wait to wander into pub function rooms and lecture halls and see what people have come up with to share with us!

This time I’m returning with show two. I also don’t know what to expect!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I didn’t set a New Year’s resolution this year because I’ve stuck to one in my life. I’m no stats expert, but that’s not a good hit rate. For 2024, I chose a word of the year: motion. I noticed that a lot of words about depression are frozen: ‘stuck in a rut’, ‘standstill’, ‘slump’ . Motion felt like the answer! And if it’s come as a surprise to you reading this that I’ve been depressed, can I remind you that in this interview alone you’ve discovered I’m a stand-up comedian and a Taylor Swift fan (she’s emo at heart, if you know, you know).

‘Motion’ has been so liberating. Somedays, I think ‘motion’ and go for a walk (turns out it’s good for your mental health, boo). Thinking ‘motion’ gave me the confidence to give up on books I’m two-thirds through because I’m just not invested in the plot (sorry, the Dictionary). And ‘motion’ has meant I’ve followed the flow of my writing, even when it leads somewhere I wasn’t expecting. Did I intend to write so much about this horse I met? NO! Did I intend to write about the meaning of ass in today’s society? No. But here we are.

Tell us about your show.

My show’s called ‘This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky’. It’s an hour of stand-up about not intellectualising everything and instead living in my body in the moment. And I do that by … intellectualising everything 🙂

I’m taking direction from Dan Emery and Molly Stacey, who are almost painfully perceptive hehe. I really trust them. They’ve encouraged me not to pull back from being silly and spontaneous, spotting my fear that it’s somehow “not allowed” in a finished show. And I’m on a mission not to be apologetic about my jokiest jokes and most smarty-pants stuff. As a result, the show is extra vulnerable, silly and cerebral!

I’m returning to the Caves with Just the Tonic. I love those rooms they’re just pure fringe. I’m in a bigger one for show two- scary/ exciting! Just a few more work-in-progress shows in June and July before stopping off at Tebay en route to Cowgate! Where it takes me after, we’ll see!

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

Grubby Little Mitts. They’re a sketch duo who get up to lots of mischief. Unabashedly silly and their chemistry is electric. Plus Rosie is a hair icon!

Louise Atkinson – I missed her first show and won’t make that mistake this time!

I can’t wait to see Olga Koch’s new show, she’s just the whole package.

I think this is gonna be Celya AB’s best yet, I’m so excited by what she’s talking about.

And if philosophy has caught anyone’s eye, one of my fringe faves is Stand-up Philosophy with Alex Farrow: comedians tackling the biq questions with big laughs, different lineups every day.

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EdFringe Talk: Old Man

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“The fringe community is a generous one, we’re all here to create and share art and comedy – I suppose trying to find a balance between pacing yourself and supporting others is what I need to learn. Or maybe I should just schedule things further ahead! That’s a problem for Future Jon.”

WHO: Jon Tilley

WHAT: “Turn on the radio, have a cup of tea – and don’t forget to take your pills! Get ready for an action-packed journey through the imagination of a playful, solitary old man as he discovers treasured memories of raising his late son. Mischievously recreating childlike memories with an undercurrent of grief, Old Man is a masterpiece of modern clowning, where the anguish of loss is beautifully juxtaposed with innocent joy. This show is non-verbal, and blends physical theatre, clowning and mime. Winner of the Brian’s Life Award, Prague Fringe 2023. Directed by Oliver Fife-Nilsson, produced by Ellen Fife-Nilsson.”

WHERE: Summerhall – Red Lecture Theatre (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 11:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this will be my fifth time at Edinburgh Fringe and every year has been unique! I performed with university people way back when and then, the second year (2019) I was part of the Latebloomers performing Scotland! with Ollie Fife-Nilsson and Sam Dugmore. Then in 2022 and 2023 I was performing Attenborough and his Animals with Clownfish Theatre and in 2023 I was also performing with mine and Ollie’s company, Jon & Ollie for our kids show Strictly Barking at Gilded Balloon. The variety is one of the things that makes Edinburgh Fringe stand out as the world’s best fringe festival for both audience and performers – no two years are the same! This year I’ll be performing a solo show at Summerhall, Old Man, and also am part of a sketch comedy show called MIME CLUB.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Something I’m trying to learn (and might learn one day!) is how to pace myself. Having been part of multiple shows for multiple years – which I’m doing again this year – requires a lot of stamina both mentally and physically. Plus there is sometimes pressure when performing at fringe festivals to not miss out on anything and support fellow artists – you want to see everything, meet everyone, catch up with friends and make new connections. This year Old Man is on for 11 shows and MIME CLUB is on for 16, both in the first half of the fringe, so I’m not doing the full run as a performer this year (but still am in talks to tech things!). Maybe I am learning to pace myself?! But supporting everyone is crucial for me. The fringe community is a generous one, we’re all here to create and share art and comedy – I suppose trying to find a balance between pacing yourself and supporting others is what I need to learn. Or maybe I should just schedule things further ahead! That’s a problem for Future Jon.

Tell us about your show.

Old Man is a piece of non-verbal theatre that uses clowning, mime and physical comedy to explore play, grief, loneliness and storytelling. It’s a solo show that follows a nameless old man as he searches through a box of his absent son’s belongings, rejoicing in happy memories of parenthood and mischievously recreating childlike memories. But there is an undertone of grief lies beneath the surface, which leaves the audience with tears of laughter, sadness and a longing for family connections.

I created this piece with Ollie Fife-Nilsson, the other half of Jon & Ollie, who also directed the show. We met while studying at Jacques LeCoq in Paris in 2015 and formed our duo company during the pandemic. Jon & Ollie shows are produced by Ellen Fife-Nilsson. So far Old Man has won the Brian’s Life Comedy Award and the Catania Off-Fringe Award, both at Prague Fringe in 2023. We’ve since taken the show to Italy, England and Scotland and are looking forward to see where it can go next!

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

Of course, if Old Man doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, MIME CLUB is unhinged absurdist comedy sketches showing at Gilded Balloon. Also The Ceremony by Ben Volchok at Summerhall (I’d try and avoid spoilers but every show is different!), Murder She Didn’t Write is a terrific improvised classic murder mystery and Motorboat by Mel McGlensey is hilariously naughty, both showing at Assembly. I’m always a fan of Elf Lyons’ comedy shows and can’t wait to see Horses at the Pleasance, and if you missed out on seeing Jeromaia Detto’s MUSH last year you’ve been given a second chance to see it at Underbelly which I highly recommend.

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EdFringe Talk: Milo Edwards: How Revolting! Sorry to Offend

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“I’ve always kind of eschewed marketing as inimical to the endeavour of being in the arts and especially to being funny BUT we live in a brave new world and market ourselves we must.”

WHO: Milo Edwards

WHAT: “Milo is sick of it all. Disgusted with the state of things. No, thank you. Everything is getting worse. In 2023 he got a temporary tattoo on his arse. Award-winning comedian Milo Edwards returns to the fringe with a show about class, Britain, common decency and cum… and other revolting things that are best not talked about. ‘Edwards has quietly become one of the UK’s smartest, most vital stand-ups’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Near perfect’ ***** (TheWeeReview.com). ‘Milo Edwards’ comedy is a little like marmalade’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). Best Show nominee Leicester Comedy Festival (2023 and 2024).”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel Comedy – Monkey Barrel 2 (Venue 515) 

WHEN: 17:45 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, if anything I’ve been too many times at this point – the sixth-formers I saw perform a groundbreaking version of Hamlet set in the trenches of WW1 probably all have receding hairlines now.

But anyway I keep coming back, it’s a great time to really focus on my passion for late-night kebabs.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I think one of the biggest things I’ve taken on board since 2023 is how important marketing is (snore). I’ve always kind of eschewed marketing as inimical to the endeavour of being in the arts and especially to being funny BUT we live in a brave new world and market ourselves we must. So this year you can expect a much higher production value Marc Jacobs-esque: Milo Edwards Presents: Milo in association with Milo Edwards by Milo Edwards.

Tell us about your show.

This show ‘How Revolting! Sorry to Offend’ is a show about class in Britain and how we the British, including me (Milo Edwards as mentioned earlier) find it disgusting. The show focuses both on me (Milo Edwards) and the things that happen to me, but also on the general state of affairs in the UK and the much, correctly, maligned field of ‘politics’.

The show has yet to premiere due to not being finished, but hopefully we’ll take care of that before the Fringe – and then maybe Australia in 2024 if it’s any good. Directed as always by the excellent Delyth Jones and produced by Ingenious Fools.

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

Honestly there are too many to list but you must go and see (in no particular order):
Olga Koch, Pierre Novellie, Aidan Jones, Erika Ehler, Chris MacArthur Boyd, Huge Davies, Ollie Horn and so many others I have forgotten.

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: Elizabeth & Jameson: Acoustic Harmony Duo

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“We are really happy to be performing in the main space this year, we have a great show lined up for those the folks who show their continued support by following us on our journey each year – and always checking in with us at the brilliant Bedfringe!”

WHO: Hannah Elizabeth

WHAT: “Hannah Elizabeth and Griff Jameson have joined forces to create a stunning acoustic folk-roots duo, with original songs rich in emotive storytelling and a harmony-driven sound featuring guitar, violin and exquisite vocals.

Their debut studio album, Northern Shores & Stories was officially released in 2020, receiving critical acclaim across the acoustic folk-roots community. Recent festival highlights include Cambridge Folk Festival, The Great British Folk Festival and The British Country Music Festival, and the duo were proud to open four shows for Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra as part of their 2019 Autumn/Winter tour.

Elizabeth & Jameson are currently in the throes of writing and recording for their second studio album, with The Old Town EP released in March 2024 alongside an album fundraising campaign. Plans for the rest of this year include the recording of new material and a busy schedule of live dates to showcase their new music far and wide.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 21 July 2023 @ 12:15 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

We are fortunate to have appeared at Bedfringe for several years now, regularly performing in the garden and foyer space at the wonderful Quarry Theatre. We were actually living in Bedford very close by to the Quarry Theatre until 2020, and this was such a brilliant local show for us. We loved our time living in this brilliant town and we still miss it a lot! Since moving just a little south to St. Albans, we have continued to perform at Bedfringe each year, this being the first that we will be appearing in the main auditorium of the Quarry Theatre. We are really happy to be performing in the main space this year, we have a great show lined up for those the folks who show their continued support by following us on our journey each year – and always checking in with us at the brilliant Bedfringe!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In the last year or so we have been writing and recording new material for album no. 2! We enjoyed a short tour in spring 2024 for our newest release, ‘The Old Town EP’ which also included our debut performances in Wales and Scotland. The material on this new EP and for our second studio album is inspired by the South Wales Valleys, with songs and stories themed around the history, the people and the place including our own personal links to the area of course, with Griff’s hometown of Ebbw Vale featuring on the EP cover artwork.

‘The Old Town EP’ features four new original songs which are all destined for album number two, presented here as first drafts and a taster of what the full-length studio album will hold. We are fortunate to have two fantastic guest musicians joining us on this EP with Lachlan Golder on 12-string guitar, mandolin, bass guitar and organ, and Gafyn Jameson on bass guitar and piano. We spent a few sessions arranging the new songs with these talented folks, and then recorded them all at home over a six-week period at the start of this year.

Our 2024 summer festival season is looking great with shows including Camp Bestival Dorset and Camp Bestival Shropshire, Harrold Summer Fest and St. Albans Folk Festival – as well as the excellent Bedfringe of course.

We are really excited and vert grateful to still be creating, writing, recording… and performing locally and nationally. Long may it last!

Tell us about your show.

Expect new material and warm harmonies to welcome you in the heart of this great festival! We will be sharing our newest songs and stories based around inspiration taken from the South Wales Valleys, plus a visit to some of our older material inspired by North Yorkshire, alongside the nostalgia of our childhoods and the strange times of 2020 and beyond…

Our favourite thing to do is to share stories with our audiences. We find that many people can resonate with these stories and the ideas behind them, which makes for a really special connection between the audience and ourselves. We share our songs and stories best in an intimate setting such as this – acoustic instruments, close harmonies and time to share the ideas behind the songs.

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

There is SO much to choose from!

We recommend stopping by to catch anyone playing in the Quarry Theatre Garden and Foyer Bar…these folks are brilliant and deserve a listening and appreciative audience! SO stop by, grab and drink and listen to them.

Music in the theatre garden and foyer bar includes Lana Soy, Evie Atkins, Caroline Greene, The Bedfordians, David Jackson, Julie Simpson, The Moggies Band, Lois Powell, Jon Lane, Joe Bygraves and Heidi Browne…amongst others!

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: All Ages Abbi Jinks: Say YES to Life!

Posted in *Written Interviews, Bedfringe 2024 by

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“I love to plant seeds and remind folks of the alternatives.”

WHO: Abbi Jinks

WHAT: “Say YES to life!

Have you always had an inkling that there’s more to life than this? Do you wish you could believe in yourself and feel a bit more bliss?

Then come and meet Abbi Jinks Poet.

Through her transformational, uplifting and empowering poetry, Abbi will leave you feeling motivated and inspired. She will question old patterns, offer new ways of thinking and she might dare you to do something different in your life!”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 27 July 2023 @ 18:30 (40mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

No, it’s my 2nd year running!

Now I know what to expect, I’ve been really excited to write and share this year’s show.

Performing in and around such a diverse range of shows keeps the energy levels high too!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve been writing loads and performing more. And I’ve been experimenting! It’s so important for me to keep a sense of fun in my creative work so earlier this year I started experimenting with adding my words to music. I rapped one of my poems and also wrote a song!

I’ve definitely been using the year to consider my values and reasons for performing. I truly believe people need to feel good about themselves and realise there are many alternatives to a hum drum way of life.

I love to plant seeds and remind folks of the alternatives.

Trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone has become my compass which always keeps things interesting!

Tell us about your show.

‘Say YES to Life’ is like a creative self help book on stage. Alongside stories of following your intuition, taking opportunities and making things happen , there are poems and questions and invitations to ponder.

You will leave feeling inspired, energised and ready to say YES to the life you really want.

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

Make sure you see the 3 poets live show with Cameron and pals. He’s a brilliant local creative and works with ingenuity and style both on and off the stage. I can’t wait to see the magic their show brings to Bedfringe. If you’ve ever been to Bedford’s Eagle Bookshop or the regular poetry night the ‘Ouse Muse’ you’ll have met some of the literary trio.

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview & Review: Nerine Skinner: The Exorcism of Liz Truss

Posted in *Written Interviews, Bedfringe 2024 by

“The Bedfringe team are really supportive and on hand and so on top of everything. And the range of shows on offer is just fantastic. I really think there is something special about it the vibe of the fringe, especially nurturing the arts in the area and I love being a part of it.”

WHO: Nerine Skinner

WHAT: “Debut hour from Funny Women Content Creator 2023 Runner Up and Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist. In 2022, politically unaware Nerine Skinner went viral for her parodies of Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Outlasted in Downing Street by a lettuce, Liz Truss’s political relevance faded and the country moved on. But Nerine didn’t. Through hilarious, original oddball characters, award nominated political parodies and heartfelt storytelling, this is the story of Nerine trying to let go.

Examining how holding onto the past and her unconventional upbringing led to an unhealthy co-dependency with the former Prime Minister.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 20 July 2023 @ 18:00 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is indeed my first time at Bedfringe and I’m really excited! I have been to Bedford a fair bit and performed in Faulty Towers, The Dining Experience there and had a wonderful time but never as part of the fringe… until now! Everything I’ve heard and seen is great so far. The Bedfringe team are really supportive and on hand and so on top of everything. And the range of shows on offer is just fantastic. I really think there is something special about it the vibe of the fringe, especially nurturing the arts in the area and I love being a part of it. I feel very looked after so I’m sure the audiences will be too!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I have been busy making lots of online content, both political and non political and have really been ultra focussed on my comedy career and making my show come to life ahead of Edinburgh Festival in August. I’ve been doing work in progress shows since last August and have been continuously developing the show as much as I can. I feel like I’m leaning many lessons on my way of how to do and not do things and I’m very grateful to the audiences who have sat through many iterations of my shows. They have no idea how much they help me work it all out and I’m so thankful for them for taking the time out to come and watch my silliness, it really means a lot. As do all these fab venues I’ve been able to perform in. I feel like Bedfringe will be really special as it’s a bigger venue for me being in the Theatre and the show will have come such a long way since last August by the time I perform it, so I am very excited!

Tell us about your show.

Back in 2022 I started doing parodies of Liz Truss. It was going really well and then 49 days later everything stopped! I think I was the only one who was benefiting from Liz Truss’ premiership. Since then, whatever I do, I’m compared to Liz Truss and every time I think she has gone, she pops up with a new book, or a launch of a new party. My show explores my co-dependency with her, as well as concerning similarities as I try to move on with my career and life. The show features stand up and heartfelt stories where I look at what else I might be holding onto in my life, as well as songs, silliness, and many characters, both political and non-political, who help me throughout the show to exorcise her from my life. But can I let go?

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

Ah there are so many great acts at Bedfringe! I would love to see Lubna Kerr’s show “Chatterbox” because I’ve not only heard great things but the story of her growing up and being labelled a certain way sounds really touching, relatable and I’m sure very humorous too and I love it when you feel so connected to a piece of work for lots of different reasons. I’ve also seen and worked with The Falsetto Socks,who are just so funny, silly and topical and they never disappoint. It will be great to see their show “Superheroes”. I’ve also always wanted to see “Paul Foot: Dissolve”. He is such a renowned comedian and so off the wall and I would love to see someone I’ve admired so much doing their thing up on the same stage. I would also really like to see “Raul Kohli: Raul Britannia” as I’ve heard amazing things about him and as he does a lot of political comedy, it will be great to see his take on current affairs.

“The world needs to remember what a total chuffing mess British politics got (and gets) itself into.”

Editorial Rating: 4 Stars (Outstanding)

Nerine Skinner is a comedian (a very good one) with a problem. The character she has developed with skill, close observation, and an elegant genius for grotesque satire is politically speaking (for now) dead as Marley’s ghost with a pocket full of doornails.

I predict that the Prime Ministerial career of Liz Truss will have more words written about it than the Cameron, May, Johnson, and Sunak premierships combined. True, 49 days in office did not generate a lot of data points. True, a lettuce did better at staying around. Also true, our shortest-serving First Lord of the Treasury is subject to the same love-it-or loathe-it opinions of our first and longest-serving Prime Minister, Robert Walpole. The Truss Premiership contains all the great drama of great political history espresso-ed into a potent little beverage. The Truss premiership illuminates much about the surrounding themes of her longer-lasting immediate predecessors and successor.

But, and this is Skinner’s Predicament™, satire shares a shelf life with guests and fish. Truss is yesterday’s news which the auld wisdom and economic modelling of the auld fashioned press tells us is of zero interest – presumably because it’s easier to sell sensationalism to a public that keeps forgetting what just happened.

Which is why I hope Skinner’s version of Liz Truss will be alive and kicking (in some form) well into the future. The world needs to remember what a total chuffing mess British politics got (and gets) itself into. This show lampoons the everyday familiar banality of ultra-low-grade pride before an almighty, utterly predictable fall.

This is a very, very funny show with a very, very relatable premise. It’s about a totally unqualified individual thrust by a bizarre cocktail of events into a role for which they were emotionally, intellectually, and professionally unqualified. There are few finer real-world demonstrations of The Peter Principle, that people in a hierarchy tend to rise to “a level of respective incompetence.” Over and over again, Skinner lands punch after punch, pummelling the puffery and pretensions of her subject with brutally observed candour.

There was nothing hidden about the problems with Liz Truss, before or during her Premiership. The folks who made Liz Truss possible are the tailors in the story of the Emperor’s new clothes. Nerine Skinner is the little boy daring to shout, “Der Kaiser ist nacht!” What happens to that voice at the end of the fairytale has the potential to tell us much about the real world.

Gilray’s art remains beautiful even if we struggle to recall the context. Bremner’s comic crafting remains delightful even if the personalities he impersonated have faded from memory. Nerine Skinner will go on to produce successful new creations about new ultimately unsuccessful politicians. Let’s hope they are as sharp and as stinging as her totemicoclastic takedown of Liz Truss, the final premier of a reign that began with actual Churchill. For now, get your Thatcher-inspired faux fur coats on and go see this!

 

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