Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Phil Green: Four Weddings and a Breakdown

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I look at the generational influences on older millennials/young Gen X and how the internet came along and altered our worldview halfway through our lives.”

WHO: Phil Green: Writer and performer

WHAT: “After attending four weddings from four different generations last year, Phil finally figures out the reasons behind his breakdown a decade ago. Following a sell-out debut at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, an Amused Moose Best Show Comedy Award nomination, and a sold-out night at London’s Soho Theatre, Phil now brings us his highly personal new show. Are millennials the last generation to be trapped by parental expectation? Did the internet make or break us? Is a midlife crisis really even a crisis? As heard on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.”

WHERE: PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth – Cinema Room (Venue 156) 

WHEN: 14:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second Edinburgh solo stand-up show following a sell out debut last year. There are many great comedy festivals in the UK now with new ones emerging all the time, but the sheer scale of Edinburgh is what makes it special. Walking down the Royal Mile seeing performers from all over the world promoting their shows is amazing, even if it is like running a flyering gauntlet!

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

That’s it’s ok to get personal on stage, in fact, it’s quite liberating. I still enjoy doing silly material (and there is plenty of that in my show), but audiences really seem to connect with a personal story. Also Red Bull does not cure hangovers. Even the bigger cans. They are just setting you up for an even bigger comedown. I have not learnt this lesson.

Tell us about your show.

My show is all about making sense of a breakdown about 10 years ago. I look at the generational influences on older millennials/young Gen X and how the internet came along and altered our worldview halfway through our lives. I’m currently previewing it all over the country in places like Manchester, Buxton, Norwich and Newcastle as well as a few London dates.

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

Definitely check out the debut stand-up shows of Kuan-Wen Huang, Louise Atkinson and Kathryn Mather. Also, if you want to see something completely bonkers and brilliant go see Stephen Catling’s show for a unique take on the experiences of an autistic person in a conventional workplace. I’d also recommend Grubby Little Mitts who are a wonderfully funny off-the-wall sketch duo.

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“He excelled as a military leader!” – Author Simon Elliot talks about ‘Pertinax’

Posted in *Written Interviews, Books & Film by

“Being worthy can come at a cost!”

WHAT: Born in Italy, the son of a freed slave, his early years were spent in obscurity. After earning his living as a teacher, Publius Helvius Pertinax would undergo one of history’s most successful professional reincarnations. With the support of influential patrons, he joined the Roman legions rising through the ranks along the cursus honorum, in a spectacular career which included senior commands from Syria to Brittania as well as key civil and military postings in between.

Pertinax was last confidant and friend of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius to survive the tumultuous and violent rule of the philosopher/statesman’s son, Commodus, who was killed in a palace coup on 31 December 192. Then serving as Urban Prefect of Rome, Pertinax found himself in the right place at the right time to unwillingly don the purple, yet his reign would last for just three months in before he too was assainated, this time by the rapacious and unruly Praetorian guards.

“Is Rome worth one good man’s life?” asks Connie Nielsen as she stands over the fresh corpses of Russell Crowe (as Maximus) and Joaquin Phoenix (as Commodus) at the end of Gladiator. “We believed it once. Make us believe it again.” Step up, step forward Derek Jacobi wearing Pertinax’s beard and less of Claudius’ drool.

Gibbon narrates the election of the Roman Emperor Pertinax with more precision than Ridley Scott, though with no less drama. “The measures of the conspirators were conducted with the deliberate coolness and celerity which the greatness of the occasion required. They resolved instantly to fill the vacant throne with an emperor whose character would justify and maintain the action that had been committed. They fixed on Pertinax, prefect of the city, an ancient senator of rank, whose conspicuous merit had broke through the obscurity of his birth, and raised him to the first honours of the state.”

Macchiavelli would write of Pertinax, “hatred is acquired as much by good works as by bad ones, therefore, as I said before, a prince wishing to keep his state is very often forced to do evil; for when that body is corrupt whom you think you have need of to maintain yourself—it may be either the people or the soldiers or the nobles—you have to submit to its humours and to gratify them, and then good works will do you harm.”

In Pertinax: The Son of a Slave Who Became Roman Emperor Simon Elliott brings together the threads of this remarkable life, setting a stage set at the high noon of Rome’s imperial power and prestige. The portrait that emerges is a flash of lightning which illuminates much of the moment and the man as it and he was, whilst also illustrating why Pertinax has been so much admired down the interveening centuries.

WHO: “Simon Elliott is an historian, archaeologist, author and broadcaster based in Kent. In 2017 he completed his PhD at the University of Kent in Archaeology, where he studied the military presence in Britain during the Roman occupation with a particular focus on the Classis Britannica regional fleet. Simon is now an Honorary Research Fellow at the University. He has a Masters Degree in War Studies from KCL and a Masters Degree in Archaeology from UCL, both completed part-time in the past decade and an original BSc in History and Politics.”

MORE? Here!

Why Pertinax?

I have great interest in the emperor Septimius Severus who ruled at the height of the empire’s power in my opinion. He also launched the last, but ultimately failed, campaigns to conquer the far north of Britain (now the region of modern Scotland) in AD 209 and AD 210, before dying in York in February AD 211. Severus was the ultimate victor in the Year of the Five Emperors in AD 193, with the first incumbent being Publius Helvius Pertinax. The more I studied this emperor the more fascinated I became, he the son of a manumitted slave who eventually rose through hard work, grit and diligence to become the emperor. He was also Severus’ mentor throughout much of his life.

What’s the one thing everyone should know about Pertinax?

That he was initially a Grammaticus teacher until his mid 30s when he suddenly decided to join the military out of knowhere, then rising through the ranks to become the most senior trouble shooter in the empire for the great Marcus Aurelius and mad and bad Commodus.

How did Pertinax feature in the minds of later generations down to our own time?

In the Roman world through to late antiquity, and even later, he was as famous as Julius Caesar or Augustus. The man who had risen from the bottom of Roman society all the way to the top. Further, in standing up to the Praetorian Guard when they demanded he pay them off, he upheld the highest of Roman ideals of worthy leadership. That this cost him his life only added to his contemporary fame. Since then, certainly from the 18th century, he has been used as an example of the worthy ruler, willing to stand up for his beliefs, even if at the cost to his own life.

Without his own legions to overpower hostile local power structures in Rome (including the Praetorians), could Pertinax have ever been anything more than a caretaker emperor?

I actually think Pertinax became emperor because of his standing as a civil leader, being the right man in the right place as city prefect at the point when Commodus was killed. Indeed, he could have called on his loyal legions to support him in power at any time but chose not to do so, making him vulnerable to the Praetorians. Being worthy can come at a cost!

A month on campaign / assignment with Pertinax; a long weekend with him at his country retreat; or a day in the Library of Alexandria – which appeals most?

Oh a month on campaign definitely, and north of the Danube against the Marcomanni in enemy territory. He excelled as a military leader!

If you could own one object described in the book what are you having and why?

An original copy of the Historia Augusta, one of the key primary texts for the period, in the hope I might find out who wrote it!!!

Clearly, Pertinax is overdue the attentions of a novelist. They’re all waiting outside your office to be interviewed for the job. Rosemary Sutcliffe, Gore Vidal, Robert Graves, Margaret George etc. Who are you picking and why?

Blimey they are all amazing. But for me Rosemary Sutcliffe given she was such an inspiration for my love of all things Roman!

If you could ask Pertinax one question what would it be, and what would you expect his answer to be?

Why oh why oh why oh why didn’t you call out your personal guard when you heard the Praetorians were on their way to the palace to confront you! And he would answer…because I thought they would listen to reason from such a seasoned veteran.

What’s the one primary source on Pertinax you know in your heart once existed, but which has been lost? What could it tell us?

Difficult to say given we probably have less than 5% of anything ever written about Pertinax from the classical world, and maybe even less!

What are you currently working on?

Proofreading Great Battles of Early Imperial Rome thru Pen & Sword out in November, and writing Vandal Heaven, my brand new take on post-Roman North Africa after my extensive travels there, this for Casemate Publishing.

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Bedfringe 2023 Interview: Agnes

Posted in *Written Interviews, Bedfringe 2023 by

“Our show follows Agnes after her ascension to sainthood as she reckons with her powers, identity and legacy, with the audience joining her on a time travel revenge mission to track down her murderers in order to exact vengeance.”

WHO: Ella: Director

WHAT: “In 304 AD Agnes of Rome was executed at the age of 12 after rejecting the advances of grown men. We follow Agnes after her ascension to sainthood as she reckons with her powers, identity and distorted legacy. The audience join Agnes on a revenge mission through time to track down her murderers.

Combining shadow puppetry, music, and a healthy dose of time travel, Agnes is a new show by ‘THE company to watch’ Ricochet Theatre with their signature humour and poignancy.

Earlier this year Agnes was shortlisted for the Charlie Hartill Award, and Ricochet can’t wait to come back to Bedfringe with this work-in-progress performance, where they were awarded ‘Pick of the Fringe’ in 2021.

Agnes is a historical piece, but her story raises vital and timeless questions surrounding the way history is moulded and the desire to control our legacies; Do we have that power? If we don’t, who does?

“Ricochet Theatre are THE ones to watch” ★★★★★ GET YOUR COATS ON”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 29 July @ 16:00 + 30 July @ 12:00 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This will be our third stint at the wonderful Bedford Fringe Festival. We first came to Bedfringe back in 2021 with our first ever performance of our first ever show as a company The Same Rain That Falls On Me which won that year’s Pick of the Fringe. We returned in 2022 with the same show for a one off performance whilst also bringing along a new show Intricate Rituals which was a dark comedy one woman show using shadow puppetry.

Both experiences have been incredibly fulfilling – as a theatre company starting out we are so lucky to be able to access such a well-facilitated venue. The team are so friendly and supportive of our work. Bedfringe is quickly becoming the place we come to test out our new work and grow as artists – there simply isn’t a better festival to do that!

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

Since 2022 we have finished a tour of a double bill of monologues and put together our new show Agnes. We’ve embarked on a series of Research and Development rehearsal weeks, bringing together our team across the UK (not an easy feat!).

Agnes was shortlisted for the Charlie Hartill Award with the Pleasance theatre – something we weren’t expecting! Although we didn’t win, it was an incredible experience to connect with and share the stage with other budding new theatre companies and to have a chance to share a story we’re care so much about.

We’ve also launched Bulletpoints, a writers’ showcase event – since beginning this we’ve read over 100 scripts and connected with so many exciting new artists!

Tell us about your show.

In 304 AD Agnes of Rome was executed at the age of 12 after rejecting the advances of grown men. She subsequently became the patron saint of girls, chastity and sexual abuse victims, though her story has become distorted and obscured over time. Our show follows Agnes after her ascension to sainthood as she reckons with her powers, identity and legacy, with the audience joining her on a time travel revenge mission to track down her murderers in order to exact vengeance.

Our version of Agnes’ story encapsulates several topics of interest to our company – artistic and historical legacy, forgotten stories, adaptation, staging time travel and revenge, to name a few. These concepts echoed our prior interest in staging the impossible, subverting narrative structure and exploring themes and stories from unfamiliar perspectives. In our previous show, we staged a character eating a dead mouse – this time we want to send a woman through time, perform miracles and bring paintings to life.

We are not interested in naturalistic staging but we are interested in revealing the artifice of the performance through methods including overhead projection, on-stage set and costume changing, on-stage lighting operation and perhaps even puppetry. Combining shadow puppetry, music, and a healthy dose of time travel, Agnes is a new show by Ricochet Theatre with our signature humour and poignancy.

We aim to surprise, move, entertain and provoke our audiences. Agnes is a historical piece, but her story raises vital and timeless questions surrounding the way history is moulded and the desire to control our legacies; Do we have that power? If we don’t, who does?

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

Well we’ve started up Fringe Friday on our social media channels so you should deffo check back in to hear about the exciting work going on at Bedfringe this year.

We have to give a big shout out to Yet To Be Theatre with The Geneva Convention of Human F**KS for their female centric witty gender commentary. We’re also keen to see Hidden Stories by Plays The Thing as we are interested in untold female stories in history (hence Agnes!) and Faustine by Light at Midnight Theatre – making Marlow’s Faustus female.

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Bedfringe 2023 Interview: Lana Soy

Posted in *Written Interviews, Bedfringe 2023 by

“I have been singing all my life. As a kid I have been touring around the world …”

WHO: Lana Soy: Singer-songwriter

WHAT: “‘Pure’, ‘softest’ , ‘soulful’, Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell like – are usually the words thrown to describe Lana’s voice. Originally from Moscow, Londoner since 18, and in love with Bedford for 2 years now, Lana’s music has been inspired by most 00’ Pop, Tori Amos, Regina Spektor, Evanescence, Des’ree, Brandy and Sade.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 23 July 2023 @ 16:00 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is my first time and I feel proud to be a part of it. I have heard a lot about it and am looking forward to my show. Not only it is great fun but also a proud addition to my performance experience.

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

I have been singing all my life. As a kid I have been touring around the world with the children choir. In London since 18 years old both gigging everywhere I could and studying Commercial Music (BA) at Westminster Uni and then Popular Music (Masters) at Kingston Uni. Highlights are an advert I sang on which aired on the main channel in Russia and a TV dance show used my original song for one of their entries.

Tell us about your show.

This is all about the voice. I love vocals the most in music, then melody. I do my best to show it in my performance. I write my own songs and play guitar/piano. I do play some covers as well to spice things up. I love playing music for people and give it my all. I hope it comes across in my performance.

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

I recommend Fran Pegg, Matt Bedford, Mat Roberts and Samantha Hughes. They are all brilliant.

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Bedfringe 2023 Interview: Dimensions

Posted in *Written Interviews, Bedfringe 2023 by

“What started out as a dance piece evolved into a multi-arts experience…”

WHO: Nisha Vyas-Myall: Director and Principal Choreographer

WHAT: “A group a young people, bored with their everyday lives, have their wish for adventure granted when they are pulled through a vortex. They find themselves in worlds of sweets and bright lights, stars, ice and fire, but soon find they miss the comfort of home. But will they be allowed to leave?”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 23 July 2023 @ 16:00 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is our third BedFringe performance, and our second on the Main Stage. Our students always have an amazing experience participating as it gives them the chance to perform in a professional theatre- for some of them, for the very first time.

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

After our last performance, the children started talking more about integrating more arts into our end of year production. What started out as a dance piece evolved into a multi-arts experience, with acting, singing and even video and lighting effects.

Tell us about your show.

Dimensions is a show about exploring the unknown whilst appreciating everyday life. Four young explorers get pulled through a vortex into a multi-layered world unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. Those who live there are eager to keep them, but is that something they really want?

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

I have to recommend the other dance performances at the Fringe- the Kinetic Vibes Burlesque themed show looks fascinating and I definitely think the Red Cuthbert Morris are unmissable.

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Bedfringe 2023 Interview: Life Under The Sun

Posted in Bedfringe 2023 by

“Turns out that when you’re the only person in the festival doing a show in English then you get a lot of the internationals coming to watch you.”

WHO: Stephen Bathurst

WHAT: “A theatre show that explores the biggest question of all: “What’s the point?”

Features underpants, pompous man-servants, self-deprecating witticisms, an existential crisis and one giant hangover. 

King Solomon was a man who had it all…

Life Under The Sun is a one man show based on the book of Ecclesiastes. Well described as Blackadder meets the Bible, it is a dark comedy with a unique mix of ancient verse offset against pantomime and the dry wit of stand-up.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 31 July 2023 @ 19:30 (60mins)

WHAT WE SAID IN 2022: Click Here!

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

Third time out for me.

First go round was 2016 and featured ‘While Mortals Sleep’, a show about Job. There was lots of angst, shouting at the heavens and having rotting banana skins dumped over my head.

Second was 2022 with an earlier version of this ‘Life Under The Sun’. I spent most of that show prancing around in my pants and was told my abs were too distracting and pulling focus from the text.

As I directed both these shows I have only myself to blame…

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

I have nearly hit the required residency period to acquire Finnish citizenship, a beautiful country and where I now abide. Happiest country in the world for the last five years. If you go there you’ll see why.

‘Life Under The Sun’ toured festivals in Britain, Sweden and Finland in summer 2022, selling out and breaking venue records in both the Nordic countries. Turns out that when you’re the only person in the festival doing a show in English then you get a lot of the internationals coming to watch you. And when many of the native audience grew up watching Monty Python and Blackadder then your show is quite popular with them too…

Tell us about your show.

Imagine King Charles doing his Christmas speech in his pants with a massive hangover and talking about how he can’t get it up any more. And he doesn’t have just 1 wife, he has 700.

Or old Joey Biden doing his State of the Nation address about the current economic performance, but he’s not slurring his words because he’s old, it’s coz he’s just hammered.

But instead of Charles or Joey Biden it’s King Solomon, supposedly the wisest man who ever lived. He’s trying to figure it all out. But he’s not quite sure what IT even is.

Blackadder meets the Bible is a good description…

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

I LOVE satire. And political satire especially. Very relevant and cutting edge with what’s going on.

So I’ll give a shout out to Rosie Holt: That’s Politainment! It’s got 4* and hit Edinburgh last year.

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Bedfringe 2023 Interview: The Evil Bat!

Posted in Bedfringe 2023 by

“Come see Vincent Price at his malevolent best.”

WHO: Jason Frederick: Composer / Performer

WHAT: “The Classic Horror Experience presents a brand new and never-before seen film experience starring Vincent Price and based on the classic 1959 thriller THE BAT, with a new original score performed live-to-picture by composer Jason Frederick.

Who is the mysterious murderer terrorising the citizens of Oakdale?!

The Bat! Who is The Bat? Come and find out! See Vincent Price at his malevolent and charming best in this unique evening of film and music.

Jason Frederick’s film and television credits include Disney’s 101 Dalmatians 2: Patch’s London Adventure, Top Gear USA and the recently updated classic documentary Bela Lugosi: The Forgotten King, amongst many others.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 26 July 2023 @ 19:00 (90mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

I’m pleased to say that I’m returning to Bedfringe for the second time.

I think this year’s lineup looks as interesting and creative as ever, something Bedfringe really seems to excel at, and it’s great to be involved once again.

And – it’s not necessarily evident to punters, but I’ve been involved in a few evenings like this now, and the operation of James and everyone else really is second to none.

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

Lessons of 2022 – I’ll have to double-check that.

The Classic Horror Experience has been continuing on its journey of live-to-picture filmscores to classic horror films, with performances in London, Colchester, Harwich-On-Sea and Southend, and preparations are in full swing for the next two extravaganzas, FRANKENSTEIN UNCHAINED and THE BRAIN THAT WOULDN”T DIE.

Tell us about your show.

THE EVIL BAT! is a new edit of the 1959 classic The Bat, starring the legendary Vincent Price and Agnes Moorhead, now with a completely new original score composed by me and performed live-to-picture.

Come see Vincent Price at his malevolent best and listen to the soundtrack on Spotify in the meantime to get in the mood!

https://open.spotify.com/track/3KHmEfGmpOLyzgJFuFtKKE

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

Well there’s just so much to see! I like the look of Twisted Tales and Frenzy, but there’s loads.

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Bedfringe 2023 Interview: Sparky TKO: Neuropop

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“Punchlines and off-the-cuff quips will save this premise from drowning in earnestness.”

WHO: Sparky TKO: Performer + writer + producer

WHAT: “Sparky TKO is a poetical-cabaret artist, writer and musician from Bedford.

‘Neuropop’ explores the increasing awareness of neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD, at a time when societal barriers and mental health access are among their worst.

Sparky uses their music and poetry to share personal experiences and universal themes, celebrate their divergence and how it informs their queerness and politics, and discuss how we could eradicate obstacles that impact us all.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 26 July 2023 @ 20:00 (30mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This will be my eighth Bedfringe since 2015, only the pandemonium of 2020 has prevented a consecutive annual run. Bedfringe offers a fantastic range of shows and performers across the genres, and is often a decent chance to catch some nuggets of gold before they hit Edinburgh.
The biggest draw, though, is its proximity to my flat.

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

Well…I mean my day-to-day has gained a bit of traction and variety in the form of consistent employment, and I’ve been growing to love my effective “second home” of Glasgow, where most my family live. I’ve yet to invest in an air-fryer and I haven’t watched Succession, but neither of those things were on my to-do list, so I suppose I haven’t missed any targets. And who are you anyway, the “lesson police”?

Tell us about your show.

It’s a collection of songs and poems about my personal obstacles in navigating my neurodivergence, and the problems I’ve encountered that perhaps seem more explainable when viewed through their lenses. I look at neurodiversity through universal and relatable lenses, through there is also a bit of an insight into my off-kilter interests, behaviours and thoughts.
If this sounds too earnest, serious and pseudo-scientific, I do litter it with puns and off-the-cuff quips, and the tunes will get you PROPER(LY) PUMPED!!!

It’s in the bar, so if you’re not fully on board you can always spend the 40 minutes deciding what you want to drink next (I recommend water).

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

Well I’m absolutely looking forward to 2 of my favourite satirists, Sooz Kempner and Rosie Holt rocking up to the Quarry. Simon Munnery always has something off-kilter up his sleeve. Musically, I have to shout out Living It Up Performing Arts Centre who are putting two bands on in the garden, and Jess Gherman who is a unique dark-jazz influenced cabaret singer.

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Bedfringe 2023 Interview: A Caravan Named Desire

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“We probably still make some of the same mistakes but hopefully just not as bad!”

WHO: Alexander Millington: Writer / Performer

WHAT: “I am many things. I’m an entrepreneur and manager of a little online shop. I’m a model and independent film star. I’m an entertainer. But if you want to know more, come knock on my door.

Working from a caravan has its ups and downs. Clients come and go. Ask them no questions and they’ll tell you no lies, just take the money at the door. But something’s different about this new client.

Discreet, professional, clean and tested. For a good time, come to the caravan. Your desire for hire.

A Caravan Named Desire is a one-hour show exploring desire and sex work in the UK through interactive performances. A Caravan Named Desire is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 29 July 2023 @ 14:00 & 18:00 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is our second time at Bedfringe!

In 2022 we brought our award-nominated I Heart Michael Ball and had such an amazing time we really wanted to come again with our new show! The festival organisers were amazing to work with last year and have bene so supportive this year we cannot wait to get back to the Quarry Theatre and see what Bedfringe audience think of A Caravan Named Desire!

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

Since 2022 we’ve grown more ambitious with our productions. Our ’22 show, I Heart Michael Ball, was a one man show with lots of props but no fixed set. A Caravan Named Desire though has brought in our Director, Helen Millington, as a performer too! And we’ve now assembled a set made up of an old (some what working) caravan which we have repurposed.

With regard to lessons learnt…we probably still make some of the same mistakes but hopefully just not as bad!

Tell us about your show.

A Caravan Named Desire is a two-hander, performed by married couple Alexander and Helen Millington who are trying to produce a play depicting the relationship between a sex worker and their client. However, as Helen becomes aware of just how autobiographical Alexander’s play is, things don’t exactly go to plan.

A play about sex workers and creative collaboration, A Caravan Named Desire is a dark comedy which invites the audience to join in with the narrative.

Supported by Arts Council England.

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

Strangers & Exiles’ Life Under The Sun – 21 July
The Play’s the Thing Theatre Company’s Hidden Stories – 22 July
Production by:Light at Midnight Theatre’s Faustine – 22 – 23 July
Avital Ash Workshops Her Suicide Note – 28 July

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“Set small goals that stretch you a bit but are achievable.” – Author Ian Robertson talks about ‘How Confidence Works’

Posted in *Written Interviews, Books & Film by

“An enhancer believes you can do it and communicates that belief. A saboteur fears you will fail…”

WHAT: “Why do boys instinctively talk bull more than girls? How do economic recessions shape a generation’s confidence? Can we have too much confidence and, if so, what are the consequences? Imagine we could discover something that could make us richer, healthier, longer-living, smarter, kinder, happier, more motivated and more innovative.

Ridiculous, you might say… What is this elixir? Confidence. If you have confidence, it can empower you to reach heights you never thought possible. But if you don’t, it can have a devastating effect on your future. Confidence lies at the core of what makes things happen.”

WHO: “Ian Robertson is Co-Director of the Global Brain Health Institute (Trinity College Dublin and University of California at San Francisco) and T Boone Pickens Distinguished Professor at the Centre for BrainHealth at University of Texas at Dallas. A trained clinical psychologist as well as a neuroscientist, he is internationally renowned for his research on neuropsychology.

He has written five books and numerous newspaper and magazine articles and comment pieces in the Guardian, Times, Telegraph, Irish Times, Time magazine and New York magazine, amongst others. He has appeared on BBC Radio and featured in several major television documentaries. He is a regular speaker at major futurology and business conferences in Europe, the USA and Asia.”

MORE? Here!

Why How Confidence Works?

Because confidence is the most precious resource a person can have – and it is therefore important to understand how it works.

What is anxiety and is there an alternative?

Anxiety is an essential emotion to get us to take action when we are under threat. The problem arises when our brain’s ability to project into the future extends and expands that sense of threat to lead to excessive or long-lasting anxiety. We need to learn to control our attention so as to control that sense of threat. Methods such as mindfulness can be useful for this, among others.

As there differences in how men and women experience anxiety?

Not really, but women are on average less over-confident than men and confidence is one of the most powerful antidotes to anxiety.

What has Padraig Harrington golf caddy got to tell us about confidence?

The words you say to yourself – particularly after failure – are crucial. These words help focus our attention on the next small goal and take our minds away from the what-ifs and potential bad things in the future that make us anxious and so disrupt our performance, creating a vicious cycle.

What’s the most important thing everyone needs to remember about confidence?

Set small goals that stretch you a bit but are achievable. Build on small successes that you define as success, not in comparison with other people. Congratulate yourself when you achieve them. Focus your attention on these small goals and not on big future achievements or risks.

What’s the difference between a confidence enhancer and a confidence sabateur, and is there a way to spot them while speed dating?

An enhancer believes you can do it and communicates that belief. A saboteur fears you will fail – or in some cases, maybe unconsciously or consciously wants you to fail to make them feel better.

I’m thinking about climbing a mountain. When I imagine my assent, what should I be doing to help me get to the top?

Talk yourself up – “I can do this’ – “push through this” …

What does it mean when a parent hides the ladder?

Most success is 90% luck, grit and persistence but too many successful people come to believe that their success is a result of some specialness in them. Their children pick this up and believe that they can’t succeed because they don’t have that specialness.

I’ve got daughters – an 8 year auld, a 5 year auld, and a 1 and some spare change year auld – what do I need to read next to better understand the road ahead?

When they are older get them to follow The Female Lead on social media.

What re you currently working on?

I’m working on a book on virtue.

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