Bedfringe 2023 Interview: Sparky TKO: Neuropop

“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

“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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