Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Charlie Vero-Martin: Picnic

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“After the pandemic I wanted to make a big, fun, silly sketch show full of characters and puppets and joy – so I did!”

WHO: Charlie Vero-Martin

WHAT: “The planet is melting and life’s spinning out of control. Can Charlie save it with a nice picnic? Sneaky salamanders, sexy fishies and passive-aggressive pinecones try to distract her attempts to put the world right. Just beware, this summer ritual might turn into a one-woman Wicker Man… Get ready for big laughs from Scottish comedian Charlie Vero-Martin (BBC Radio 4, BBC Scotland, Sketch Off finalist 2023) in her seriously joyful sketch show full of characters, puppets and surprises. ‘Jam-packed with laughter… charming, hilarious and beautiful. An absolute must-see’ **** (EdFestMag.com).”

WHERE: Underbelly, Cowgate – Delhi Belly (Venue 61) 

WHEN: 18:55 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

First off, I’m from Edinburgh so I’ve been quite a lot! But in terms of the Fringe, I’ve taken three solo shows and done runs with my previous improv groups, Glitch – The Improvised Puppet Show and Blind Mirth. However, this is my first time taking a show since 2019. I’m making up for lost time though by doing two shows! I’ll be doing a play called Super at Pleasance Courtyard at 13:45 and my own comedy show, Picnic, at Underbelly Cowgate at 18:55. Plus a few other guest spots and gigs with nights like ACMS. So busy busy…

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

It’s been really nice taking the time to develop this show. Pre-pandemic there was a feeling that you should bash out a new show every year. In a way, I really liked the push to create new work and experiment but taking longer on this show has allowed me to work with new people and experiment in other ways.

Tell us about your show.

After the pandemic I wanted to make a big, fun, silly sketch show full of characters and puppets and joy – so I did! But I realised a lot of that was born out of my panic about the world feeling out of my control: lockdowns, climate crisis, being in my 30s, housing crisis… so in the show I decide to take matters into my own hands as a result. Let’s just say this picnic turns into a bit of a Midsommar ritual.

I’ve done work-in-progresses at VAULT fest, Glasgow and Leicester comedy festivals but really happy to be bringing it home to Edinburgh. This is also my first time working with a director. I met Kat Cade when she was with her sketch group Kitten Killers years ago but was reintroduced through the Soho Theatre and it’s been a match made in heaven. The show also involves a cameo from Daniella Finch who I met while studying Clown at Gaulier last year. She’s hilarious even though she says nothing.

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

There’s a really fun looking show on right after me in the same venue called Robo Bingo by Fox Dog Studios that I’m hoping to catch if they don’t mind me at the back covered in fake blood. They’re from Manchester and have some mad looking props, which I approve of. Before me is Pleasure Little Treasure by Elina Alminas about growing up in a post-Soviet strip club in Estonia. She’s also 8 months pregnant! I’m really excited to see her show as she’s a great performer and it sounds incredibly interesting. I’m also so happy to hear that Mike Birbiglia is coming to Edinburgh as he’s been one of my favourite comedians for well over a decade. There are also lots of fellow character comedy gals such as Lorna Rose Treen, Kathy Maniura, Laura Ramoso and Rosalie Minnitt who are all nuts and delightful.

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EdFringe Talk: Breaking Open

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“It was mind-blowing to be in an environment where everyone was so free to be, well, free..”

WHO: Oskar Saville

WHAT: “Why would a woman leave her career as the lead singer of a multi-platinum band? Was it fate, family, or something else? Fate had brought Oskar to her husband – which she hoped would create the ideal family and shield her children from the pain of her own childhood. When she hears a compelling voice within her closet, urging her to leave her marriage, Oskar must make a choice, stay and continue as is or take a bold step to find her voice and make a new beginning for herself and her three children.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Surgeons Hall – Theatre 3 (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 10:45 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time coming to the Fringe Festival as a performer, and actually, my very first time putting on any form of theater. I was able to go to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 20 years ago as a spectator, and it was such an incredible experience. I went to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival it was on the suggestion of a friend in London, where was living at the time. I had no idea what I was walking into. I had never really experienced the joy of theater before; I didn’t grow up in that kind of family. So it was mind-blowing to be in an environment where everyone was so free to be, well, free.

The rest of the world that I had experienced was in black and white, and I was standing in a world full of color. People got to express who they were: funny, sad, all of it. I really just felt like a kid in a candy store. The talent was just incredible, I must’ve seen at least six shows a day over the week that I was there. Who knew that so many years later I would not only get to come back, but come back as an artist expressing my own self and telling my own story. I can’t wait!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The end of 2022 felt like the end of a six-year healing period for me. Six years prior to 2022 I heard a compelling voice in my closet telling me to leave my husband. The next six years were the space in which I tried not to leave, left, and then started the healing journey of the wounds of my marriage and of my childhood. It felt like every floor beam had been pulled from under me and finally, just as 2022 was just about to end, I could feel I was on a totally new foundation. Today I can say that I am a totally different person from who I was.

My idea of a one-woman-show, something I never dreamed of doing, came in December of 2022. This show came out of the culmination of that long period and the blessings that came out of that time for me. It feels like I’ve been handed back the reins of my life with an exciting new direction.

Tell us about your show.

This is the grand premiere of my one-woman-show, Breaking Open. The show is about how I hear a compelling voice in my closet telling me to leave to my husband. At first, I don’t want to. I mean isn’t this what we call a happy life- being married and having a family? I must be brave enough to see and acknowledge that I am only repeating my abusive childhood and take the journey to free myself and my three children from the cycle of pain. As I take the audience across three continents, I must also reckon with the fact that I gave up my career as the lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs in order to please my husband. Through this intimate journey, I find the real meaning of love and family.

My production team, like myself, is not conventional. I wrote this show and I have an amazing friend Douglas S. Hall who is directing it. Douglas is a director, actor and teacher who has worked at theatres across the US including The Williamstown Theater Festival, the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival, Merry Go Round Playhouse, Mountain Playhouse, and Seven Angels Theater. My production team is mainly me and my three kids, 17, 15 & 10. My eldest daughter helped design the posters and flyers, my second daughter is helping me with social media, and my youngest, well he will be part of the flyering team. I also want to acknowledge all the amazing people who donated and just gave me lots of encouragement -no artistic endeavor is ever done without a lot of support.

As for where I am taking my show after Edinburgh, who knows? My hope is that by bringing Breaking Open to Edinburgh, I can create a launching pad that will bring this show to many different places. But, I am in talks with The Naked Angels and Public Theater in New York City to perform it back home in New York City, and Who knows, maybe Broadway is next…But really I am just so excited to be in Edinburgh and play in front of a live audience. There is nothing better than a conversation with an audience.

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

At the moment, because I am a total newbie to this all I only know of one amazing show performing at the Fringe, which is Breaking Up With Jesus. It is written by my talented friend, Joseph Richards.

Having said that though, as having been a spectator before, I would encourage people to see as many shows as they possibly can! In New York City it’s around $125 to see a single show. Here it’s only £11, which opens up the possibility of seeing a plethora of shows without emptying your wallet. Go see everything and anything. I would encourage people to see things they aren’t sure of, and step out of their comfort zones because theater is about being moved, sometimes in ways that you like, and sometimes in ways that you don’t. I know that I am going to be taking my three kids to as many shows as we can.”

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EdFringe Talk: Aidan Sadler: Melody

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I’m stripping back all the bells and whistles and hoping that the quality of the content will shine! And if it doesn’t I’ll just shout “COST OF LIVING” really loudly and hope people take pity on me!”

WHO: Aidan Sadler

WHAT: “Join award-winning queer cabaret icon Aidan Sadler as they take you on a journey to the end of the world! Nothing is safe from ridicule, so be led on an exploration of normalising the apocalypse, the price of a meal deal, and having a quick visit from your dead nan. Here you’ll experience belting original synth-pop tunes punctuated by world-class stand-up comedy. Featuring electrifying hits that you’ll be humming to armageddon, Melody is the highly anticipated successor to Tropicana, following a central London residency, three sell-out theatre runs and a national tour.”

WHERE: theSpace on the Mile – Space 3 (Venue 39) 

WHEN: VARIES (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is actually my third time at Edinburgh – I kept telling myself this year would finally be the year I get to put my feet up and enjoy the festival as a punter.. Yet when the offer rolled in I just couldn’t help myself to get stuck in for another year! I love being able to sell myself on the royal mile as opposed to the bins round the corner for Aldi! The festival has this weird intoxicating atmosphere that draws you back in, like a delicious packet of your mums sterling menthol superkings.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I overworked myself waaaay too much last year! I ended up doing something silly like 35 shows in 26 days and it was a right slog. This year I’ve got a much shorter run, a much smaller venue – I’m stripping back all the bells and whistles and hoping that the quality of the content will shine! And if it doesn’t I’ll just shout “COST OF LIVING” really loudly and hope people take pity on me!

Tell us about your show.

The show is an apocalyptic cabaret – kind of satirising how we’ve become quite desensitised to the economic, political, environmental turmoil unfolding around us. It’s funny though! A comedy!!! Weird Wood is one of those typical grassroots “just a bunch of mates making fun stuff” companies, however it’s since expanded now we’re making original music – adding instrumentalists, producers and more caffeine to the mix. The show was originally due to debut last year, however when we didn’t get funding it got shelved and I’m so glad we did as the show is much better now it’s had time to mature a little bit. We’re angling for a London transfer with views to eventually tour it nationally! I miss travelling!

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

Oh my god too many to count!!! Where do I begin? Posey Mehtas Mitzi Fitz’s Glitzy Bits is going to be an absolute riot, Natalie Durkin is bringing Angles of the North up which I can already tell is going to be some northern goodness, Burlesque icon Belle De Beauviour is bringing some fabulous London Blues and Burlesque to the edfest which I must recommend! Oh and finally that big gay idiot Aidan Sadler MAY be making an appearance in some other gorgeous nonsense so keep an eye out!

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EdFringe Talk: Midnight Building

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“We did not come halfway across the world to make people feel sad. What we’ve strived to create is a show that pulls on our audience’s heartstrings, makes them question our character’s moralities, but not without a little laughter and community.”

WHO: Makaio Toft

WHAT: “A selfish hero and a heartless lover battle for the moral high ground. Think you’re a good person? Think again.”

WHERE: Greenside @ Infirmary Street – Mint Studio (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 15:00 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I came to the EdFringe as part of an ensemble show in 2019, and knew I wanted to return ASAP with a show of my own. The shows I saw at the Fringe completely changed my understanding of theatre and remain some of my key inspirations as an artist. I am so thrilled to be returning with a play of my own this year. I hope my work sparks conversations among the audiences that see it, as well as some laughs.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

To wait for no one to give you permission to go after what you want. Taking a show across the world is no small feat, but I’ve known for a while that taking this play to the EdFringe was something I needed to do. Despite the headaches and stress it has required, I could not be more excited to share this piece of work with the world.

Tell us about your show.

Midnight Building asks its audience to judge if our characters are “good” people. While our play touches on difficult themes and is very personal to our own life experiences, we did not come halfway across the world to make people feel sad. What we’ve strived to create is a show that pulls on our audience’s heartstrings, makes them question our character’s moralities, but not without a little laughter and community.

Aryan and I met about a year ago in a class taught by playwright Steve Drukman, and I was quickly astounded by his ability to tell a story, on the spot, and completely capture my attention. It wasn’t long until we realised we share the same kind of crazy ambition, so before we were even friends, we agreed to take this show to the Fringe. Lucky for us, we’ve now become lifelong collaborators and pals.

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

Catherine Cohen: Come For Me

Catherine’s stage presence and ability to weave serious themes into her comedy has been a huge inspiration for my show. I am so lucky to have seen her show live in NYC, and I can’t wait to see it again in Edinburgh!

Police Cops: The Musical

Police Cops has remained one of my biggest comedic inspirations ever since I saw them in 2019. They prove that all you need to have a great time is a wild imagination. I cannot wait to see them (multiple times) this year!

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EdFringe Talk: Liam Withnail: Chronic Boom

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“I wanted to do something a bit more ambitious this year. Then I was hospitilised… so thanks universe for providing the ambitious show theme I wanted.”

WHO: Tamsin Hurtado Clarke & Scarlett Plouviez: Performer & Director

WHAT: “Join the gifted comic storyteller with over 10million TikTok and Instagram views as he battles chronic illness and hilariously reckons with his new reality during a hospital stay. This enlightening stand-up show about how we adapt when life throws a curveball takes audiences on a rollercoaster of laughter and packs an emotional punch. Winner: Amused Moose Award for Outstanding Show 2019 and Scottish Comedy Award. Finalist of both Scottish and English Comedian of the Year. ‘Consistently hysterical’ ***** (TheWeeReview.com). ‘A natural talent for comedy. One of the most complete and affirming shows I’ve seen’ ***** (EdFestMag.com).”

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

WHEN: 19:10 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I live in Edinburgh! And have done for 14 years. So the fringe comes to me, which is really cool. It means my accommodation is my flat, so the only stinky comic I have to share with is myself. It also means I can never taker a year off, which would be nice sometimes. I love the fringe and get so excited to see the city taken over, it feels like the centre of the uniiverse for a month.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest lesson I learnt is that I shouldn’t eat from Kurdish Best Kebab 13 times throughout the month. Also, last years show was a lot of fun – it was a classic stand up show. But I wanted to do something a bit more ambitious this year. Then I was hospitilised… so thanks universe for providing the ambitious show theme I wanted.

Tell us about your show.

I’ve been my own producer for the majority of fringes. I’ve learnt how to DIY the fringe over the years and now wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve been previewing the show up and down the country since Feb, but the official premier will be in Edinburgh!

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

Too many great comics to name. If you like my show you’ll like Krystal Evans, whose show is dealing with some traumatic life events in a funny way. I’ve previewed a lot with Jay Lafferty who is always fantastic – she’s been learning pole dancing and is incorporating that into her stand up. My friend Stuart McPherson is one of the best acts on the circuit at the moment, we’ve been helping each other with our shows since the beginning of the year, so if you like me, you’ll love them!

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EdFringe Talk: The Ghost of a Smile

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“As a younger guy I had my own share of ‘imposter syndrome’, I’ve successfully banished that to where it belongs!”

WHO: Gavin Robertson

WHAT: “Two of Charles Dickens’ creepy tales – with a comic twist. Told on alternate days. Tales with a tingle, but also a giggle! Two yarns to chill and charm: a traveller encounters a ghostly chair and, in a deserted Edinburgh carriageworks, a tipsy reveller is spirited away by, well… spirits! Like The Woman in Black – but funnier, with fewer people! Adapted and directed by Gavin Robertson and performed by Nicholas Collett. From the team who brought you last year’s hilarious detective mash-up, Done To Death, By Jove! ‘Hilarious and quite brilliant!’ (InternationalTimes.it).”

WHERE: theSpace @ Surgeons Hall – Stephenson Theatre (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 13:05 (35 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No – I first played in 1987 at Assembly in the 350-seater Ballroom with THUNDERBIRDS F.A.B before it went to London’s West End in 1989 and broke the box-office record at The Apollo Theatre set by Sir John Gielgud in 1936! It then played a further five seasons in the West End up to 2001.

I also was in the infamous “12 Angry Men” at Assembly with Bill Bailey and a host of stand-up comedians which went on to Australia and NZ. I was in “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” with Christian Slater and McKenzie Crook before its two West End transfers, amid the furore of cancelled shows when Christian got the measles and everyone thought it was a publicity stunt! (It wasn’t!)

I’ve brought several of my own shows and got into international touring as a result. I think I’ve been over 20 times, including as my Spoken Word alter-ego, ‘Greg Byron’, but I haven’t kept count.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

To appreciate the life I have! I love creating shows and touring them. It’s fulfilling to realise you’re a genuinely creative person and to have built a reputation that means an idea can become a reality and then share that not only in the UK but abroad. I’ve also accepted now that stories are a powerful means of sharing experiences, and whereas as a younger guy I had my own share of ‘imposter syndrome’, I’ve successfully banished that to where it belongs! Stories encapsulate our humanity – and whether a show is serious or comic, it provides a shared experience for however long it lasts that is escapist and short-lived, or stays with you for years, and both are valuable.

Tell us about your show.

I adapted the two Charles Dickens ghost stories as I wanted a show specifically for Autumn touring, and not necessarily in a theatre. (we’ve performed it in a crypt, for example). Nicholas Collett, who performs it, had to learn the show twice, a year apart, as the initial show was cancelled the day before as the venue went into lockdown! We’ve taken it to the USA, and will again – and have various dates in Autumn 2023 in the UK.

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

Casey Jay Andrews is a lyrical writer. I discovered her in Adelaide after she’d done her show “Archive of Educated Hearts” in Edinburgh. She’s also a designer so creates almost an installation (depending on the show). I’d say the design element has given way to the storytelling recently but she tackles big subjects with miniature props and set, and the informality of the style draws you in to her very descriptive writing style. I don’t care for award schemes myself, but she’s won heaps, if that’s how you rate work!

“How To Drink Wine Like A Wanker”- is a deceptively light-sounding show about wine (obviously) and Anna Thomas uses different wines to compliment different stories of her life. But be warned, there’s a sting in the tale, and the Patriarchy doesn’t come out of it well!

“Appraisal” at Assembly is an innocuous-sounding title. Based on true experiences, it took off last year before traveling to Adelaide. For many people in ‘normal’ jobs I think it touches a nerve as an generally unpleasant and judgemental, not to say manipulative, process. Be prepared to wince!

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EdFringe Talk: Anu Vaidyanathan: Blimp

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“Last year was tough because I came to Scotland thinking there were four venues for fringe artists to perfect their acts in. Turned out there were 400 (or maybe more).”

WHO: Any Vaidyanathan

WHAT: “Welcome into the meandering mind of a South-Indian somebody who could be anybody. Blimp is a stand-up show about a woman filmmaker’s view of the world as she attempts to survive between the words action and cut. A comic tale of a full-time mom with part-time attempts at sanity, sewing and show business. Unlearning her lessons as an engineer, when all she had to do was stick forks in toasters, Anu describes her great adventures and paints a nomadic picture of the life and times of a comedian, filmmaker and sometime triathlete.”

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

WHEN: 19:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my second visit to Scotland. My debut was last year and I was self-produced, doing all the footwork myself (and my show grew its audience into the last week consistently). I also worked 4 hours at night keeping up with some clients in America. This kind of overworking made me appreciate how a south Indian comic is an equal opportunity reject of two great nations who preach women empowerment =). I had to sell a kidney to afford the fringe last year. This year, I am considering hawking my gall bladder.

The Fringe is fantastic, even with all of its very real problems, because the congregation of that much artistic energy can only mean one thing; an immediate invocation of the fabulous memento mori -isation of one’s voice and faculties.

Last year was tough because I came to Scotland thinking there were four venues for fringe artists to perfect their acts in. Turned out there were 400 (or maybe more). Even with so many people, I felt extremely isolated on many occasions. My family managed to sneak in for a few days in the middle (and I send a heart-felt thanks to other comedians who are also parents who helped me figure this bit out with kids visiting), but it was an interesting couple of weeks. I felt I evolved by a lightyear in that month. Creatively I was hungrier than ever before. One year wiser, this year I have procrastinated on everything because filmmaking has been eating my head, as has touring my debut hour (which has really traveled all over the world now), so I feel like I am back to square one.

I experienced the festival as a punter because I did not know what a producer was. In my second year, I desperately wish I had a producer but still cannot afford one. I think once a punter, always a punter. etc. etc.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

One very useful piece of advice I received before I went to the festival last year was to stay away from alcohol. I thought that was easily done since I was not a big fan to begin with, but I did manage to drink some wine with the legendary Camille O’Sullivan and pull an all-nighter before my departure. I think I’ve learned that any such dumb-assery of staying up past my bed time is a bad idea. I don’t think I will follow my own advice on this this year however. Check in with me on 20th August =)

Another lesson was that I should not be judgemental about social media. I am a luddite and have some difficulty with this, but I am learning to circumnavigate this better.

Tell us about your show.

Blimp is a one-woman show but it is also a one-independent-woman’s show. I was very eager to hire a producer and director this year but I was under resourced as usual and there was simply no time or money to achieve this. I have written it and built this bit by bit at various places with gigs and works in progress at Machllyneth, Prague and New York, and every friend I could bore for whatever length of time they allotted to my mesmerizing voice.

My debut hour BC:AD – Before Children, After Diapers, toured world-wide with appearances off-Broadway, in India and several places in Europe/UK. We don’t seem to be done yet! I have at least a dozen dates outstanding, some after August. With any luck, Blimp will travel to those same places.

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

I would watch the Blue Badge Bunch. I think this is the best show I have ever seen so far. I also think Ed MacArthur is a genius. I watched his solo show at SoHo Theatre and walked away very inspired. I would definitely go and watch String V Spitta. I would also watch anything by Sindhu Vee (her show at the Fringe last year was spectacular. I tried taking notes but was too engrossed in what she was saying to do anything else). I would watch anything by Vir Das (if he is back), Myra Dubois, La Clique, Circus Abyssinia, Bad Teacher, Drunk Women Solving Crime… I would also watch anything that an artist themselves were flyering for outside the hour before their show =)

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EdFringe Talk: Le Wine Club

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“I was keen to combine my cabaret work with my new found wine knowledge and create something a bit unique.”

WHO: Anna Larkin

WHAT: “Join chanteuse and sommelier Anna Lou in her wine bar as she invites you to discover the world of wine and solve the mystery of her lover’s death. Musical-comedy storytelling from cabaret performer and qualified wine geek Anna Lou Larkin. For anyone who has ever wondered what wine to pair with revenge. ‘The twisted lyricist your mother warned you about’ (ThisIsCabaret.com).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Nip (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

My first Fringe was in 2004 as a wee student in a play. Since then I’ve enjoyed Edfringe working in children’s theatre and late night cabaret, busking on the Royal Mile, even working as a Fringe steward on the High St. For me, performing is always the best buzz but I have had a few relaxing years as a punter too. Sleep is optional either way…

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

So in 2022 I had a baby so I ‘ve definitely been learning some very big things! I think the main thing is learning how to make time for work and remembering that your work is still important as a freelancer. When you don’t have the same neat maternity leave as your friends you have to work harder to hold onto your professional identity. I’m learning to be kinder to myself and getting there slowly!

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the show, with input from my director Michael (conveniently also my husband!) I was keen to combine my cabaret work with my new found wine knowledge and create something a bit unique. We premiered at Brighton Fringe then Guildford Fringe and have done a short run at The Other Palace Studio plus some one off nights. So it’s been around a bit already, though hoping we have a slightly revamped version for Edfringe. And then we take over the world, of course.

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

Ooh there’s so much exciting stuff on. I’m looking forward to Dracula In Space from brilliant comedy string quartet Bowjangles and also Drag Queen Wine Tasting because I can’t resist a bit of cabaret and a bit of vino!

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EdFringe Talk: Casting the Runes

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“The towering monoliths of trash owing to the bin strike at the end of last year’s Fringe, made us 100% glad that chosen to go completely flyer free! We invited people to take photos of our poster board or scan the QR code instead of handing out paper.”

WHO: Noel Byrne

WHAT: “‘Who is this who is coming?’ You are invited to the edge of your seat, on a journey to the darkest corners of the night… Expert on the so-called supernatural, Edward Dunning, is a scholar and a sceptic. But when he crosses paths with the mysterious Mr. Karswell, Dunning’s life becomes a waking nightmare. A chilling new adaptation of MR James’ classic ghost stories featuring remarkable puppetry and a haunting original soundtrack. Our advice? Don’t come alone… Praise for Box Tale Soup: ‘They are wonderful’ **** (Times). ***** ‘Remarkable’ (TheWeeReview.com). ***** ‘Brilliant’ (ThreeWeeks).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Above (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 11:45 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is far from my first Edinburgh Fringe. My company started bringing shows to the Fringe in 2013, and we’ve been every year since. However, I first came to the Festival when I was just sixteen years old, and it just blew my mind. I was into theatre and circus, and just fell in love with the atmosphere and feeling of possibility. I’ve performed at every Fringe since then, often as a street performer, and it’s an important part of my year. In addition to providing a platform for my company to share work, it gives me a chance to connect with artists from all over the world, and even after all this time, I still leave feeling inspired!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The towering monoliths of trash owing to the bin strike at the end of last year’s Fringe, made us 100% glad that chosen to go completely flyer free! We invited people to take photos of our poster board or scan the QR code instead of handing out paper. We make most of our set and puppets from reclaimed, recycled or sustainable material and avoiding waste is important to us – ‘Don’t be wasteful, be creative’ is a kind of unofficial motto for the company. We’ll definitely be taking the flyer free route again this year.

Aside from that, last year was our boldest and most creatively challenging show yet – we really had no idea what our audiences would think, which was nerve-wracking to say the least! But it paid off, so we’re determined to be brave and keep pushing ourselves, and hopefully ‘Casting the Runes’ reflects that.

Tell us about your show.

The show is called ‘Casting the Runes’, and it’s a supernatural thriller, a classic ghost story with two performers, several of the most beautiful puppets we’ve made to date, and a fantastic original soundtrack. The promo for the show says ‘don’t come alone’, and there’s definitely some truth in that – it’ll set spines tingling and hearts racing, with a few good scares in there too! The script is a new adaptation written by myself and Antonia Christophers, based on the stories of M.R.James, generally considered the grandfather of British horror.

After meeting while playing Romeo and Juliet (yes, really) Antonia and I founded Box Tale Soup in 2012, and since then we’ve created 14 shows, usually involving a lot of puppetry and inventive design. We’ve worked on ‘Casting the Runes’ before, near the beginning of the company’s life, but for 2023 we thought we’d re-invent the show using everything we’ve learned in the last ten years!
After the Fringe, the show is touring the UK, and many of the autumn dates are up on our website already.

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

I will definitely be going to see Police Cops – absolutely hilarious, they’ve gone from strength to strength, and they’re one of the tickets I’ll buy without a moment’s hesitation!

Adam Lenson, who directed our show, is also doing a solo show at Summerhall, called ‘Anything That We Wanted To Be’, which you should catch. He’s a very smart and witty writer, with a passion for tech and musicals, which makes for a very entertaining, funny and moving bit of autobiography.
Stuart Goldsmith, host of the Comedian’s Comedian Podcast is an old friend of mine, and he’s doing his stand-up show ‘Spoilers’ at the Monkey Barrel. He’s a brilliant joke writer, and his shows are always beautifully crafted, but this show in particular is more than just stand-up -it’s a very honest and informative look at climate issues, without sacrificing the humour for a second.

Also, take some time to go and see some of the street performers. The Fringe attracts some of the greatest buskers and circle shows from around the world, and you can see some truly amazing stuff if you keep an eye out!

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EdFringe Talk: Sad-Vents

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“It’s probably the biggest platform for the show in the world but the financial and mental health pressures are intense.”

WHO: Eleanor Hill

WHAT: “An irreverent, ‘brilliantly original one-person show’ (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk) that makes Fleabag look like CBeebies. This tech-heavy tragicomedy uses livestreaming, projections and music to explore the hilarious and heartbreaking realities of mental health, heartbreak and trauma in the age of social media. Somewhere between Euphoria, Instagram Live and a Bo Burnham special, ‘audience members are encouraged to use their phones throughout, transforming this show into a zoo-like experience’ (TheUnderstudy.co.uk). Together we’ll scroll through reels to find what’s “real” and maybe stumble across the answer to the ultimate question: do we consume social media or does it consume us?”

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

WHEN: 14:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is the first show I’ve taken to the Fringe and I really see it as a test of mental and physical stamina as I’ll be there for a month. I’ve never done a show for 24 days in a row so I’ll see if i can survive. I’d imagine that’s more of an intense challenge than my bronze silver and gold swimming awards which were very hard thank you very much.

It was my first time as a punter last year at Ed Fringe and the buzz is amazing, jumping from show to show – everything is alive and open. It feels like you can see anything and anything goes.

As a punter you think constantly about how many shows you’ll see and if you’ll get fomo but as a producer / performer you’re constantly thinking about selling your show.

It’s probably the biggest platform for the show in the world but the financial and mental health pressures are intense. There’s a lot more to it than doing the show itself – flyering, networking and trying to keep you life as routine as possible – intense but exciting. In my mind if I can get through this with some of my sanity intact then Sad-Vents will go on!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Since 2022 I’ve learnt a lot about who to hire and have around me – this is a big thing. Putting in place people, places and things that are going to support and understand what I need as a human during the process. Whether that’s making sure I have an hour a day off my phone or go to a pole class or people who are on the same page as me with the marketing we need for the show.

I’ve learnt a lot about trying to actively put on and take off hats when needed – so that I can make space for each role (me as a writer or actor or producer or just a person). I’ve grown as a writer and performer – not a conscious learning but something that happens as you continue to practice and create.

There’s also a more deep and coherent plan for the show itself – making the work we do more focused and less abstract and much more exciting. Final word advice to myself – never do a show that relies on tech so heavily ever again – next show is just me on a stage nothing else.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it and am performing it. We don’t have a company which is worth noting as it can make it a little harder to obtain funding and support. But we have had a lot of people working on it from the top, Annie McKenzie (directing), Velenzia Spearpoint (producing and marketing), Matt Powell (video design) and Constance Villemot (set design). Nearly everyone who was involved in the original R&D is still involved in some capacity in the fringe version of the show over a year later.

After two weeks of R&D we opened the show at the White Bear in Kennington and after some reworking earlier this year took it to The Vaults Festival. Next we are going to the Soho theatre whether they like it or not and then the National I’m sure that’s how it works?

SAD-VENTS is an irreverent, tragicomedy about mental health, heartbreak and trauma the age of social media. It’s sort of what would happen if you took a sad girl’s instagram and out it on stage (reminder here it is still a comedy 😂) Basically the whole show is done live streamed to my phone which is projected onto a screen behind me and onto Instagram live. So audience members (who are encouraged to use their phones) are able to watch me in real life on stage, the projection and or their phone. There’s also quite a lot of direct messaging to the audience and extra content (can I get a ohhhhh) on social media through the show. It really is a show where tech was built in from the beginning so it should feel really like you’re walking into instagram or tiktok on stage!

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

Sikisa for a bit of comedy who was my stand up tutor at the Soho Theatre, who did some stand-up at our Sad-E-Vents Fundraiser at The Bread & Roses Theatre – https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/sikisa-hear-me-out

I’ve not seen it but I will be going to see Fabulett by Michael Trauffer https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/fabulett-1933 – who broke his foot last year so I hope he doesn’t do that again! We interviewed him for our SOLO SO HIGH networking events which will be taking place online and at Edinburgh Fringe – you can find out more @solosohigh on instagram if you’re a solo show and want to get involved!

Charlotte Antley with Almost Adult who also gave us a taster of one of her new pieces at our Ed Fringe fundraiser – https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/almost-adult

I’m giving the solo shows a lot of love because I know how hard it is!

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