Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Liz Guterbock: Geriatric Millennial

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“The one I hope I’ve really absorbed is “never flyer next to a magician.” That’s just plain good advice.”

WHO: Liz Guterbock

WHAT: “Dual national. Bisexual. Halfway to death? In her debut show, California native Liz Guterbock explores belonging and whether it’s possible to stay in love with life as we grow old(er). ‘Punchy, slick and accomplished… Liz Guterbock[‘s] zippy performance – including a solid English accent – is refreshing, and the gags breezily amusing. A club ready act, for sure’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – The Cellar (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 16:15 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This isn’t my first Fringe, but it’s my first time doing an hour long show, and the first time at The Pleasance. It’s a dream come true, really. I’m excited and appropriately nervous. I think what makes EdFringe so special is everyone there is willing to take a chance: audiences take chances seeing new, possibly weird and wonderful shows, performers take a chance bringing something to the largest arts festival in the world, and we all take chances climbing Arthur’s Seat fuelled by nothing more than coffee and deep fried Mars bars.

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

The biggest thing I’ve learned since 2022 is to know what I have control over and what I don’t. The serenity prayer comes to mind: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” For example, I don’t have control over how my show will be received, but I do have control over the energy I bring to my performances every day. EdFringe is an enormous beast, and has the potential to bring up a lot of self-doubt, worry and exhaustion. However, if I look at it as more of a training ground, a place to practice my craft, take risks, fail, and try again – it becomes easier to manage. Yeah, I think I’ve absorbed some of these lessons. The one I hope I’ve really absorbed is “never flyer next to a magician.” That’s just plain good advice.

Tell us about your show.

Geriatric Millennial is my debut hour of stand-up comedy. It’s about identity, ageing and belonging. Oh, and silly voices. Don’t forget the silly voices. Maria Bamford’s comedy, with all of her amazing vocal work, is a huge influence on me. The concept for the show started after I read Erica Dhawan’s article in Medium which coined the term “Geriatric Millennial.” Millennials were so upset with the term “geriatric.” So, I wanted to find a fun way to talk about ageism and how it affects women in particular. I’m excited to bring Geriatric Millennial to The Pleasance Courtyard for it’s debut. Since I’m self-producing the show at EdFringe, I don’t currently have plans to take the show elsewhere as it’s hard to think that far ahead. But it would be totally dreamy to take the show around the UK and then end up back at Soho Theatre!

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

There are so many incredible people to see at the Fringe this year, so audiences are in for a real treat. Here are some folks I can’t wait to see:

It would be a good idea to buy your tickets to see Joe Leather’s show Wasteman at Assembly right now, because he’s going to sell out. Wasteman is such a special show. It’s based on Joe’s real life experience working as a bin man who has big dreams of becoming a drag queen. Joe is a world class singer and dancer, and he’s going to be huge. Book in!

Matty Hutson is a very funny man with a gorgeous voice and impeccable comic timing. His show Don’t Hold Back at The Pleasance is going to be such a fun hour. I saw him at Chortle’s Fast Fringe and he had us in the palm of his hand. Another incredibly talented musician and comedian. Go see him.

The extraordinarily talented, driven and funny Kirsty Mann is debuting her show Skeletons at Pleasance. It’s a true confessional show about living a double life as a doctor and comedian. Kirsty is a sensationally good performer, and the stories in this show will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. She’s an expert story teller, and an amazing human being. Again, this is a show that’s going to sell out pretty fast so it’s worth getting your tickets now.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Bronwyn Sweeney. She’s an ad writer turned comedian, and her jokes are slick, tight and just plain funny. Bronwyn is doing her debut hour this year as well, called Off-Brand. I genuinely think she’s gonna give us some excellent life advice and we should all go see her show.

And finally, go see lots of shows on PBH’s Free Fringe. PBH has, year-on-year, helped performers (including me) be able to afford EdFringe by offering free venues for performers. It’s a place where acts can develop, find their audience, and just generally have a great time with a community feel and less financial risk, and it’s a place where audiences can experience great shows for free. Grab yourself a Wee Blue Book and take a chance on someone new. PBH is the spirit of EdFringe.

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EdFringe Talk: In Memoriam

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“Our founders are the driving force of this show; writing, producing and managing the production ourselves – it has been a passion project of ours to work together to create new and exciting theatre.”

WHO: Fiona Winning

WHAT: “From a troublesome priest to a mystery guest and a very, very late hearse, expect family fallouts, secret affairs and lots of chaos. Graham Stephen Woodman is a grandad from nowhere. Or was. But today he takes centre stage, or at least that’s what you would expect. It is, after all, his funeral. In Memoriam invites you to join his nearest and dearest, in mourning on the morning of his big day. Watch closely as a solemn occasion becomes an ever so serious affair and this sweet memorial takes a preposterous turn….”

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

WHEN: 13:15 (50 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

We actually all came to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year where BossyB*tchProductions grew from AND where our idea for In Memoriam was conceived! The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is such an amazing hub for encouraging creativity which we ourselves took so much from last year, inspiring us to form our own production company and produce our own new writing! I think what makes EdFringe so special for me personally is the atmosphere created throughout the festival. Just being surrounded by so many amazing artists, even for a week, is such an incredibly inspiring thing that you can’t find anywhere else!

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

The biggest thing I have learnt from last year’s Fringe is that within the theatre industry there will always be more to learn and therefore, you can never know everything! As someone fresh out of university embarking on a career in the arts, the continuous opportunities to learn are what makes the industry daunting yet exciting, as each day presents new challenges and new learning curbs.

Tell us about your show.

In Memoriam is piece of new writing by Fiona Winning and Lucy Way who are two recently graduated theatre makers, debuting their first play at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. In Memoriam is a dark comedy that looks into the messy and tangled lives of the Woodman family and all the chaos that unravels an hour before a family funeral. The show is produced by BossyB*tchProductions, a new theatre company founded by three University of Exeter graduands, striving to uplift and give platforms to femme theatre makers. Our company was founded after working together on ‘The Last Words’ at the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is why we wanted to debut our first piece of work where the idea for our company began.

Our founders are the driving force of this show; writing, producing and managing the production ourselves – it has been a passion project of ours to work together to create new and exciting theatre. Lilly Butcher, Fiona Winning and Harriet White, all of whom worked together at the Fringe last year, have co-founded this company which is an exciting step into our professional careers in the industry. The show has been co-directed by Fiona Winning and Lilly Butcher, and stage and production managed by Harriet White. In Memoriam had a short tour of the South West as part of our Research and Development process, and will make its full length debut now in August in Edinburgh! We don’t know where we will lead In Memoriam next or whether it might lead us somewhere itself! BUT, what we do know is that this is just the beginning of BossyB*tchProductions – all pursuing creative careers in London from September, BossyB*tch will be back again soon with new and exciting productions!

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

Some shows that we are really excited to go and watch are…

1) ‘Arcade’ by DARKFIELD – We absolutely loved all of their immersive shipping container experiences last year and went to every one they had – we will definitely be back this year!

2) ‘Almost Adult’ by Charlotte Anne-Tilley – As a creative team just leaving University we are hoping to find a quick fix of catharsis and reinsurance from Charlotte Anne-Tilley’s ‘Almost Adult’. We are really eager not only due to Charlotte’s comedic style but also to support the inspiring female talent that is Charlotte #femifringe !!!

3) ‘Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story’, Linus Karp and Awkward Productions – We have all been chatting away about how excited we are to go and support ‘Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story’ by Awkward Productions. The brilliantly talented Linus Karp has planted a seed in co-writer Lucy Way’s head and now she can’t stop doing Princess Di impressions 24/7!!!

4) ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ – Probably the best and only show in Edinburgh that you could go to every single night and never see the same thing! Completely improvised musicals from audience suggestion – a great recommendation if you want to go and watch something as a big group!

5) ‘DUSK – a bite-size love story’ – A few of us in the creative team are huge Twilight fans so we are super super keen to go and watch ‘DUSK – a bite-size love story’. Their social media presence has also been amazing so we can’t wait to see what they have in store!

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EdFringe Talk: Siân Docksey – Pole Yourself Together!

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“In a way I guess I’m now still in a double act, but with a pole.”

WHO: Siân Docksey

WHAT: “Pole dancing comedian Siân Docksey (as seen on BBC Three, ‘Joy and bewilderment in equal measure’ ****(Skinny)) cheerfully ignores climate disaster, another recession and the steady creep of fascism to see if hanging off a stick can make you stop thinking about death. A brand-new genre-smashing philosophical dance-comedy party. And/or just a woman having an existential crisis on a stick, probably. Co-created with Jake Wood. Directed by Alexander Bennett. ‘It’s awesome and like no comedy you’ve ever seen’ (FunnyWomen.com). ‘Upsetting burlesque’ (Audience review).”

WHERE: Pleasance Dome – 10Dome (Venue 23) 

WHEN: 19:10 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first solo hour but I’ve been up to the Fringe before with shorter stand-up shows, and as a sketch double act. In a way I guess I’m now still in a double act, but with a pole. I think I’m going up with both the fresh optimism of someone who’s been away for five years (my last Fringe show was in 2018) and old veteran skills like being able to navigate towards the pie shop from absolutely anywhere and dodge the silent disco on pure instinct.

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

Honestly just have fun. If you’re having a blast then it’s more likely your audience will. And if they don’t, well, at least it’s a jolly and hopefully not financially ruinous hour for you.

Tell us about your show.

I’m doing a pole dancing comedy show about trying to banish my existential dread. Pole dancing has genuinely been the best thing for my mental health and life in general, so I decided to write a show about it. I did an earlier version last year called “Work In Pole-gress” where I asked the question “can pole dancing be funny?” and that was fun so, I took the best bits of that forward and developed it into this one. I guess it’s a kind of very sincere, evangelical infomercial about why you should take a pole class, plus stand-up, while hanging off a stick.

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

Come to Alternative Comedy Memorial Society! It’s a rolling compilation of all the best wonderfully weird comics and acts letting rip with stuff that wouldn’t work at a regular gig. I’ll be co-hosting some of the nights and it’s always joyfully nuts. You should go see Alexander Bennett who directed my show, and the show I’m most excited about this year is Jodie Mitchell’s.

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EdFringe Talk: The Collie’s Shed

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“I’ve been reluctant to throw the company’s hat into the Fringe ring from a producing standpoint owing to the insane rising costs of everything associated with this event we love so much.”

WHO: Fin Ross Russell

WHAT: “Based in a Men’s Shed in East Lothian, The Collie’s Shed follows four retired miners as they discover how a review into the policing of the ’80s mining strikes and a potential Miners’ Pardon Bill by the Scottish Government suddenly affects them, their friendships and their relationships. Journey with us through time as we hear how one unforgettable and violent day of striking at Bilston Glen Colliery leaves our characters wrestling with what is right and wrong. Learn who our characters are, who they once were and where they stand on the picket line…”

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

WHEN: 13:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Island Life Productions is an Edinburgh-based community interest company working with emerging artists and members of the public to create high quality art. This means that although we know the creative landscape of Edinburgh well, this is our first time engaging with our hometown Fringe festival (which casually just happens to also be the biggest arts festival in the world).

August in Edinburgh is a marathon and having experienced it previously as a flyerer, performer and journalist, it’s a festival that is magical because of the sheer number of faces it has to all the amazing people that engage with it. Admittedly, I’ve been reluctant to throw the company’s hat into the Fringe ring from a producing standpoint owing to the insane rising costs of everything associated with this event we love so much. As a company committed to paying all the artists we work with, I knew we couldn’t commit to doing Fringe without making a risk-laden promise to our artists that they would be financially recognised for their talents. However, when I saw ‘The Collie’s Shed’ at last year’s festival, I immediately knew how much I believed in Shelley’s script, her incredible team and the brilliant potential of the play as a complete artistic package.

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

Fringe 2022 was an interesting one given that it was the first full fringe following the COVID-19 pandemic. In that time, the world changed so much in terms of discourse on a range of issues, our tastes as audiences and perhaps most importantly, our comfort in sitting in small rooms next to strangers for hours at a time in August. On top of that, the cost-of-living crisis and associated severe inflation meant that the expenses associated with the Fringe were front and centre in the minds of many artists. It’s unfortunate that this has led to a reduced theatre programme this year and many questions need to be asked about the responsibilities of both the Fringe Society and the venues in protecting this delicate ecosystem through such a complicated period. For all the difficulties though, last year still showcased some of the most innovative work I’ve ever seen at the festival from audio walk-based shows to plays in shipping containers to musicals about grief and theatrical adaptations of government leaflets.

This year is massive for the festival as we as artists and audiences question our roles in solving the major crises that face our world today both on and off stage. From our stand-point, we’re delighted to have made a show that engages with strike culture in the UK, a topic that has affected everybody across the country in some way or another. We’ll be forcing our audience to question their role in history repeating the mistakes of the 1980s whilst teaching a new generation about the events of the Miners’ Strikes. We won’t have all the answers and we won’t change the world overnight but I’m proud that our offering to this year’s festival is one which offers audiences a provocation to engage with an urgent issue in 2023. As the world evolves quickly, the Fringe evolves equally fast alongside it so although we’ve done our best to keep up with where the Fringe is at in 2023, we won’t know how accurate we are until we’re all in Edinburgh come August.

Tell us about your show.

Based in a Men’s Shed in East Lothian, ‘The Collie’s Shed’ follows four retired miners as they discover how a review into the policing of the ’80s mining strikes and a potential Miners’ Pardon Bill by the Scottish Government suddenly affects them, their friendships and their relationships. It’s a story that reflects on union culture in the UK, a subject made all the more urgent by headlines of constant strikes across the country over the last year and the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike itself.

The play was written by Shelley Middler and produced by Island Life Productions. Shelley auditioned the company last year as part of their run at The Space during the second half of last year’s Edinburgh Fringe and we’re delighted that they’ve all remained on board for their second bite of the festival cherry. This is our first time as a company at the festival but we’re so excited to be supporting a cast and crew who not only have Fringe experience but also a tight-knit connection with each other and a buzz to bring their show to a larger, higher capacity stage in collaboration with a Fringe institution in Gilded Balloon.

The aim post-Fringe is to tour the show to audiences around the country, performing our play and starting community-wide conversations about the Miners’ Strikes and their effects on Scotland to this day. We’re equally excited about the possibility of bringing it to smaller local spaces as we are to bring it to larger, established venues.

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

In performing with Gilded Balloon in their Other Yin space, we are extremely lucky to have been programmed next to two other brilliant pieces of Scottish new writing by emerging artists which audiences can experience back-to-back-to-back. We recommend that if you’d like to see a smorgasbord of fresh stories about the Fringe Festival’s host nation that you start by coming at 11:15 to see Alba by Action Theatre Scotland, a music-laden comedy exploring teenagers’ relationship to the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum. You’ll then have 30 minutes to grab yourself a bite to eat before coming back to the same space to see us at 13:15. Afterwards, have a walk or grab a coffee and then return to the Other Yin again to watch Crash & Burns by Amy Yeo & Jennifer Leigh Productions, a comedy about six young adults reuniting for a Burns Night supper.

We are blessed in Scotland to be home to an incredible array of emerging talent and even luckier that because of the Fringe, you can see three plays in the same space right next to each other (although be aware that Alba is only running from August 2nd-13th so this itinerary is limited). Other brilliant Scotland-based emerging talent on offer this year includes The Beatles Were a Boyband by F-Bomb Theatre and Brief Candle by Brushing Caligula.

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EdFringe Talk: The Strongest Girl in the World

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“Each one of their stories adds a new layer to my view of my dad. As I come to understand my father better, I also gain a new perspective of my own identity.”

WHO: Truly Siskind-Weiss

WHAT: “‘The best job in life is to be the father of a daughter. It’s like holding a little bird in your hand.’ Dark Skies presents The Strongest Girl in the World, a solo performance about one woman’s journey to learn more about her late father and her former self. Voicing family members, friends, story book characters and more, Truly seeks to understand who her father was. Telling a story of growth, grief and resilience, the play is a comedic and heart-warming look at childhood loss, and how we remember those we love.”

WHERE: Greenside @ Nicolson Square – Fern Studio (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 16:20 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! Our director, Ellie Stevens, is a seasoned fringe pro, but this will be my first time. I’ve been wanting to bring a show to fringe for years now, and am so happy to finally bring this goal to fruition. As an American living and working in the UK, it’s amazing to be a part of a festival that is recognized all over the world. Our team of emerging artists are all excited to get to meet and connect with other artists, and have the opportunity to have our work seen by a new, diverse audience. The Strongest Girl in the World is a completely autobiographical solo play that is deeply personal to me. I’m thrilled to be sharing this specific story at my first fringe, because there’s on better vehicle through which to introduce myself to the audience. The show paints a complete picture of who I am as an artist and a human being.

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

This is my director’s and my first experience producing our own work at this level. It’s been quite challenging, but we have also learned so much. Every time we are stressed or anxious about the logistical side of the work, we remind ourselves how good it will feel when we finally open our show at fringe. I don’t think I will have ever been prouder than I will be on August 4th.

Tell us about your show.

The Strongest Girl in the World is a solo performance that details my journey to learn more about my father who passed away when I was 10 years old. Because I lost my father when I was so young, I don’t remember him as deeply as I would like to. As I say in the show, “I know my father through other people.” Throughout the play, I embody those other people, becoming family members, and story book characters. Each one of their stories adds a new layer to my view of my dad. As I come to understand my father better, I also gain a new perspective of my own identity. I began writing this play about 5 years ago as part of a class assignment in University. That original script was 15 minutes long.

In the intervening years, I have added to the story, bit by bit; working slowly to make sure that the play was as honest as possible. I performed a version of the piece at the Alma Tavern Theatre in Bristol last August. That production was directed by Lowri Mathias. My current director, Ellie Stevens, came on board this year. Having had the opportunity to work with her numerous times during our master’s program at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, I knew that she would bring a thoughtful perspective and fresh energy to the piece. Ellie has understood the importance of humor and levity to the story, and has elevated the piece beyond what I could’ve imagined. Our designers and fellow Bristol creatives, Lorna Foster, and Mikey Cross have skillfully helped us to bring Ellie’s vision to life. We had a great preview run at the Bread and Roses Theatre in early June, where we were able to collect valuable audience feedback that we’ve incorporated into the show. After our run at the Fringe, we are hoping to tour the show throughout the UK, and ultimately bring it to my hometown, New York City.

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

We are so excited to see the other one woman shows on at Greenside. If you follow the hashtag #Greensidegals you can learn more about the other feminist shows on offer at our venue. We are also looking forward to seeing Charlotte Anne-Tilley’s show “Almost Adult.” We were thrilled to meet her at our London previews and hear all about her show. She’s also helping to spread the word about women-run shows on all of her social media so make sure you check that out! Finally, we’re excited to see BEASTS: why girls shouldn’t fear the dark. Mandi Chivasa is also sharing some great info about shows from working class artists.

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EdFringe Talk: Alison Skilbeck’s Uncommon Ground

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“Take a punt on younger unknown performers.”

WHO: Alison Skilbeck

WHAT: “A play about six wildly different people, coping and connecting during one year on the Common, telling their unexpected tales of love, life, death and downright dottiness, while a seventh character lurks mysteriously. Directed by Gareth Armstrong, with music by composer Simon Slater (Constellations) and lighting design by Mark Dymock (Once). With the world premiere of her latest play, this is Alison’s fifth time performing at Assembly. She is the writer and performer of three critically acclaimed plays: Are There More of You?, The Power Behind The Crone and Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London.”

WHERE: Assembly Rooms – Front Room (Venue 20) 

WHEN: 12:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I first came as a student in the Oxford University revue decades ago. This will be my seventh time this century, and my fourth one-woman show. Edinburgh is special, because of the size, variety, and range of shows on offer, the opportunity to meet amazing people, and the glorious setting of the city, which has its own character and energy. I’ve played the Buxton Fringe a few times, and had awards, but do you know, it rains even more in Buxton than in Edinburgh; and reviews often don’t come out until you’ve left!

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

I’ve learnt that the whole experience can be so distracting, with social media, and events to attend, as a perfomer you really must keep your mind on the job, and just place all your energy in that magical space, and give every fresh audience the best possible experience, rather than always looking ahead, or over your shoulder. It’s also important though, to energise, encourage, and value all your team, as they go out there, talking to people and getting the bums on seats.

Tell us about your show.

The show is called ‘Alison Skilbeck’s Uncommon Ground.’ I wrote it during the pandemic, and it’s set roughly from May ’20 to Jan ’21. I play 7 different characters, male and female, with minimal costume and props, so one one level it’s all about acting and theatre, and how ‘less is more’. It’s also about how actors CAN and SHOULD play anything; the 7th character is not even human… It’s very much about how our stories interconnect, and how much we have in common; it’s mad, funny, and sad too. Directed by Gareth Armstrong, whose ‘Shylock’ is still a classic among one-person shows. Jacqui Garbett of Hint of Lime has been my Manager/Producer since 2008, and now Publicist too, on all my shows, which I think speaks for itself. Can’t even recall who recommended her! When things go wrong, she just laughs! I did the show twice last year at the Buxton Fringe; and once for charity, for the Bedford Park Festival in London, in June. So it is a Fringe First.

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

What to see? well, obviously ‘The Trials of Galileo’ at Greenside, Infirmary St, also produced by Hint of Lime, and starring Tim Hardy; last seen here in 2015. Then I’d just suggest NOT seeing as a priority shows by celebs, they’ll be OK, but take a punt on younger unknown performers. And see things wildly different from yours – circus, dance, story telling.. can’t say more as have not yet had time to study the brochure!

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EdFringe Talk: The Trials of Galileo

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“The most important lesson of the last year has been that no matter what happens – pandemic, political upheavals, financial emergencies – theatre survives.”

WHO: Tim Hardy

WHAT: “In 1634, Galileo is ordered to stand trial for heresy. Galileo never understood his differences with the Church were not about reason, logic, and scientific fact. They were about politics. When he finally came to realise this, it was too late. Written by Nic Young, Hardy has toured the Trials of Galileo throughout the UK, America, Malta, and Spain and had a sold-out run at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe. Winner of the Best Actor Award, Buxton Fringe 2022. ‘The superb Tim Hardy triumphs as Galileo. His acting is outstanding in a spellbinding story…’ ***** (EdFringeReview.com).”

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

WHEN: 10:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve played ‘The Trials of Galileo’ twice before in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and happily it seems to be a piece of theatre which attracts a lot of attention. The Edfringe is special quite simply because it is so famous and attracts talent from all over the world. And by its very nature you can see outstanding and entirely unusual work it would be impossible to mount in any other context. It has been said that theatre brings people together, and this is never more true than in this festival.

I’ve also recently played The Brighton and Buxton Festivals, both of which – by their very size – had an intimacy which allowed a real sense of being part of the local community. Also, in Buxton I was very pleased to be awarded ‘Best Actor of the Festival’.

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

The most important lesson of the last year has been that no matter what happens – pandemic, political upheavals, financial emergencies – theatre survives. And this is most obviously true at a festival such as this, where almost literally a ‘hole in the wall’ or a converted classroom can contain a wonderful piece ofn drama: indeed ‘Two planks and a passion’ is all we need.

Tell us about your show.

The Trials of Galileo started life on BBC Television. A series called ‘Days that Shook the World’ included an account of Galileo’s trial. Written and directed by multi-award winner Nic Young, he subsequently developed our one-man show, which opened in America in 2009 and has been playing around the world ever since. The issues examined in our show resonate very much with a modern audience: freedom of speech, the courage of the outsider to speak his truth no matter what dangers might befall him. The show enjoyed a very successful run at one of the world’s great Catholic centres – Notre Dame University in America, and this gives a clue as to one of the reasons Nic’s text has been so well received; it is not a polemic against the church, it is much more even-handed in presenting the argument between a Pope who had to deal with the real world and a man who’s tragedy was that he never understood the issue was not about proof but politics until it was too late.

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

No question: ‘Alison Skilbeck’s Uncommon Ground’ at Assembly Rooms: a unique piece of writing and acting which is brilliant and all that this festival is about. Also produced by ‘Hint of Lime’. And anything else that just takes your fancy – follow your instinct and you may see something wonderful that you will never forget.

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EdFringe Talk: Breaking Up with Jesus

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I learned that if you ask a coffee shop/bookstore to host your fundraiser and they have never hosted an event like yours, you take the lead and give them the space to say no if necessary.”

WHO: Joseph Richards

WHAT: “Getting out of a toxic relationship is hard, especially when you happen to be dating Jesus Christ. Joseph Richards blends stand-up and dramatic storytelling on their journey back home to the Southern US to revisit their toxic ex. Along the way, audiences will meet a loving stepdad, a Baptist preacher and a pivotal nightgown. Join Joseph as they break up with Jesus nightly in this one-person show dealing with family, gender, sexuality, religion, loss and forgiveness.”

WHERE: theSpace on the Mile – Space 1 (Venue 39) 

WHEN: 21:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time to Edinburgh after a path that began with watching The Young Ones and Suzy Izzard whenever they appeared on US television in the 1980s and 90s. I soon learned that all that wit and mayhem ended up and was honed at the Fringe, which was a magical place for absurdity, failure and beauty, often at once. Now that I’ve created my own show, I finally have the chance to be a part of that. A great festival is one that is a mad jigsaw of possibilities where pieces are odd, yet they fit together. A great festival is a series of planned accidents and unplanned encounters. It is hearing human (and other animal) sounds emanating from a tent, or church, or street and dipping in with no expectations.

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

Since 2022, I have learned that a homemade scone is better than one you can purchase because you end up with dough under your fingernails. I learned that if you ask a coffee shop/bookstore to host your fundraiser and they have never hosted an event like yours, you take the lead and give them the space to say no if necessary. I’ve learned that I like kombucha, which is embarrassing and feels like one step away from starting my own detritus-fueled tofu farm in California. I have absorbed none of these lessons because I prefer to relearn until the pain of the same mistakes finally etches knowledge on my skin.

Tell us about your show.

To paraphrase Joan Osborne, what if Jesus was one of us and what if that Jesus was a pansexual, cheating, jealous manipulative partner? This show is a way to reckon with my history of being an evangelical Christian, so wrapped up in Jesus that I “spoke in tongues, but forgot my own name.” And what better way to deal with the toxic effects of a judgy Jesus than through a classic break-up story that moves through the three major ways Jesus betrayed me. I wrote the show as part of a performance class during my doctoral program (still ongoing). The premise of the show originally started on a stand-up stage with a naughty and not-so-great punchline. Fortunately, the course instructor, Joseph Megel, saw potential and agreed to direct the show. I debuted it over four performances in North Carolina December 2021. I’m taking it wherever people will have me after Edinburgh. My biggest goal is to get this show into a church one day.

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

People have to see Untrue Diana by Linus Karp. It looks to encapsulate exactly what the Fringe is about. People also need to see Breaking Open, the debut show from my friend Oskar Saville, former lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs. I’ve heard her talking about the origins of the show and the story and I have a feeling that everyone who sees her perform will walk away moved. People should see Isabel Klein’s Showstopper. She’s hilarious on Instagram and the show will be a blast! Nicole Nadler’s Why Am I Like This? is a beautiful, funny and painful story of ADHD. YUCK Circus looks like it is going to be phenomenal! And I’ll end by suggesting Vanessa Larry Mitchell’s Teardrops on my Dildo. I mean, how can you miss that one?

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EdFringe Talk: Walking Home

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“The pandemic taught us to dream big and go for it, because you never know when the world, or YOUR world, will come to standstill.”

WHO: Chantelle Micallef Grimaud

WHAT: “It’s just another day in the office when news that a colleague has been sexually assaulted reaches the boardroom. Emotions run high, but deadlines need to be met. Walking Home is a devised performance exploring the politics and tensions within the issue of sexual violence against women and people of marginalised genders. Shedding a light on the community’s role in this conversation, it’s built on real experiences collected from people of diverse genders, nationalities and walks of life.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Wine Bar (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 17:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been fortunate enough to have been able to come up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for a number of years, twice as a performer and several other times as a punter. I love the energy, the creativity and I always leave the festival truly inspired and ready to create. What I love about this festival is that anyone can participate. I have seen the most beautiful work there but I’ve also seen, what I consider to be, some of the wackiest, daring and nonsensical pieces too. But they stay with me and I’ve taken something valuable from each and every one of them.

This year I return as a producer and director and – not going to lie – I am excited but also a little scared. I know I’m in for a tough month but I’m sure it’ll be truly rewarding. I have a great team with me that I am truly grateful for.

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

I myself am 31 and the other half of Prickly Pear Productions, my partner-in-crime, Zoe Farrugia, is 30. We spent our 28th, 29th and 30th years improvising, thinking outside of the box and trying to make theatre and projects happen during the pandemic. We managed, and we’re really proud of ourselves but I think by the end of the pandemic we were ravenous to get certain projects going again and we went all out chasing any opportunity we got a whiff of. The pandemic taught us to dream big and go for it, because you never know when the world, or YOUR world, will come to standstill. So, I’d say that’s the lesson we learned and now we’re here for this massive ride.

Tell us about your show.

Walking Home is a devised, political piece which explores the social issue of sexual violence against women and people of marginalised genders in public spaces.

Zoe and myself, at Prickly Pear Productions, started thinking about creating this piece when the world was angered and grieving after the rapes and murders of Sarah Everard, Sabina Nessa and Paulina Dembska, to name a few. We knew we had to do something with the cries, the outpouring of emotions and the stories and experiences people were sharing with friends and strangers over social media.

So, we did. Thanks to the support of Arts Council Malta, we carried out months of research and development which included a lot of reading, interviews with professors in gender studies, psychologists and activists and theatre-makers. We also published a survey and collected over 40 responses from people of different genders, all over the world. They shared their experiences and their opinions with us, which we took into a devised process with our fantastic cast of four actors, a movement director and intimacy director. Together we went through all the research and explored several forms until we settled on a language for the piece, we all connected to.

The actors were all asked to write sections that represented the characters they each had crafted. I then went away and connected the pieces, wrote the in-betweens and solidified the structure. The team gave me feedback throughout the writing/crafting process and the final result is a truthful reflection of our collaboration. We’ve performed six previews of the work so far in our native country; three at Teatru Astra in Gozo and another three at Spazju Kreattiv, Malta.

We’re excited to be premiering this work now at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with an entirely Maltese team.

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

Oh Lordy, there are so many. We think you should definitely check out F-Bomb theatre’s The Beatles were a Boy Band, happening at Gilded Balloon. It also discusses the issue of sexual violence against women and won a fringe first last year. They are also the team behind the FemiFringe guide at this year’s fringe! Do you need anymore reasons to see this show?!

On a lighter note, we think you should see Jesus L’Oreal: Nails It! I know him personally so maybe I’m biased, but Chris is hilarious and I’ve seen him perform as Jesus L’Oreal maybe four times now? It’s hilarious, respectful, witty, brilliant work.

We’re also really looking forward to seeing Laura Ramoso in Frances at the Pleasance Dome. Her reels are posted to my girls’ group every other day. We love her.

And we can’t help but suggest God Catcher the musical. It’s a show we are co-producing with the insanely talented Petrichor Productions team. It’s a retelling of the Greek myth of Arachne, the only mortal who ever dared to defy and successfully beat a god. It’s a show that addresses themes like the erasure of the female narrative and what happens when we hold abusive power structures accountable. It’s full of great songs too, promise!

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EdFringe Talk: Not My Audience! The Interactive Panel Show You Control with an App!

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“Ultimately, it is that dialogue and feedback loop between artists and the audience that I believe creates such strong art coming out of the festival each year.”

WHO: Stephen Case

WHAT: “The Fringe’s cult-hit stand-up comedy panel show that you influence in real time is back. Three top comics answer the daft questions you pick on our exclusive app, you vote on which answers you liked the best, and choose who will take on our fiendish stand-up challenges! Never the same show twice, a must for comedy fans who want to see some of the sharpest comedy minds at the festival be put through their paces. No need to reserve, just rock up with a charged smartphone!”

WHERE: Laughing Horse @ 32 Below – Main Cellar (Venue 442) 

WHEN: 15:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I am now in my fifth Fringe. Really, the special thing about the Fringe for me is the ability to experiment and try new things. I come from a video and board game design background where fast iteration on designs and ideas are incredibly important. I don’t think there is a better place in the world to be testing and trying out new comedy formats and ideas the Edinburgh in August. Acts are willing to try new things, people are willing to take a chance. Ultimately, it is that dialogue and feedback loop between artists and the audience that I believe creates such strong art coming out of the festival each year.

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

Obviously the shows we put on in 2022 were the product of three years of ideas and we wanted all those ideas to get showcased. Honestly, that was probably too much. In game design we often talk about is the game doing one thing well. This is also true of shows. There is a very natural tendency to want to show off absolutely everything you can do when you get the platform to do something. However, you only need one thing to resonate to make a connection and to have a good show. You will get other opportunities to put other ideas front and centre. There is more than one boat, so keep a focus on doing one thing well for this ride.

Tell us about your show.

Not My Audience is a panel show where the audience decides what stand-up challenges the panelists do. Ollie Horn, comedian and host of the show, knowing my design background, had the brilliant idea for me to have an idea for the show. I was keen on exploring the idea of how audiences want to feel part of shows but do not necessarily want to be the focus of them. So we designed the show ground up with these ideas in mind to create an experience where audiences could have a direct effect on the show but from the comfort of their own phone! The show flirts with the anarchy of this daily. I personally love the fact that despite having done the show hundreds of times all over the world I still just do not know what the audience have in store for the comedians. Comedians love it because they have permission to be a bit wild, after all, they can blame the audience – they told them to do it!

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

My favourite question! The show I go see again and again is The Dark Room by John Robertson. It’s an interactive video game and a show like no other. There is a kids version too! I will always get a ticket to Josh Glanc – stand-up comedy at its most joyous and silly. Tom Little and Adele Cliff are two comedians who always smash it on our shows. Go see them! Police Cops pack so many laughs and moments into their plays I always try and get a repeat viewing. Grubby Little Mitts was great last year, perfect sketch comedy, will see again.

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