Category Archives: Bedfringe

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.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

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.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

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.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

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.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

Bedfringe 2023 Interview: Sparky TKO: Neuropop

Posted in Bedfringe, Bedfringe 2023 by

“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.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

Bedfringe 2023 Interview: A Caravan Named Desire

Posted in Bedfringe 2023 by

“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

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Bee Story

Posted in *Written Interviews, Bedfringe 2022 by

“We have made a very physical and fun show with important environmental themes and want to share it with the awesomeness of Edinburgh Fringe and the world.”

WHO: Robbie Curtis

WHAT: “It’s a sticky situation. Queen Bee and Worker Bee need to work together to rebuild their hive, but things never quite go to plan… A Bee Story is a uniquely Australian physical theatre show for children and families incorporating a kaleidoscope of circus, acrobatics, dance and live music. It tells the story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee who must work together to rebuild their hive after being destroyed by a bushfire. Join the bees on their buzzy adventures and be enchanted by their pollen-collecting skills, honey-making abilities, and super-bee strength. A Bee Story has themes of environmentalism.”

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

WHEN: 11:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

My name is Robbie Curtis and I’m the Director of Arc Circus based on the Gold Coast in Australia. I’ve been performing internationally for over 15 years with Cirque Du Soleil, Circa, Circus Oz, Australian Ballet and more. Arc Circus has been running for the last 3 years, and it came out of a passionate pursuit to tell important stories through Circus, Dance and Theatre.

Second Time at Fringe. At Arc we are passionate about our work reaching a wide audience, and Edinburgh Fringe is an incredibly well regarded festival showcasing some of the world’s best work. We have made a very physical and fun show with important environmental themes and want to share it with the awesomeness of Edinburgh Fringe and the world.

Edinburgh Fringe brings great exposure for shows internationally. Edinburgh is such an inspiring festival, for many reasons but mainly because of the sheer quantity of work being performed at the festival. The city is incredibly buzzy, and we want to add to the buzz with A Bee Story.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We used the pandemic lockdown time to make a lot of new work with our company. We wanted to use the time as productively as possible, and we did that by making 5 shows in 2 years. We have learnt that time is precious and for me the best use of my time is being a buzzy bee and doing amazing acrobatics and sharing that with the world.

Tell us about your show.

A Bee Story is a uniquely Australian physical theatre show for children and families incorporating a kaleidoscope of circus, acrobatics, dance and live music. It tells the story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee who must work together to rebuild their hive after being destroyed by a bushfire. But things never quite go to plan…

Join the bees on their buzzy adventures and be enchanted by their pollen-collecting skills, honey- making abilities, and super-bee strength. A Bee Story has themes of environmentalism, sustainability, and community spirit, and was directed by performer Robbie Curtis (Circa, Cirque du Soleil, Circus Oz, Australian Ballet), and co-created with musician and performer Lizzie McRae.

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

There is so much great stuff to see at this year’s fringe. From Late night cabaret like Briefs to hilarious and poignant clowning like Assume People Like You, as well as other fantastic kids stuff like Chores. One not to miss is Collision by Casus, a super new acrobatic work mixing dance and circus. Cannot wait!

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: The Awkward Silence’s Big Break

Posted in Bedfringe 2022, EdFestivals 2022 by

“No other festival is as intense or all-consuming; at no other festival does Basil Brush rub up so closely against a one-woman comedy show about going through a divorce.”

WHO: Ralph Jones and Vyvyan Almond: Writers and performers

WHAT: “Louis Voler wants his dad, Mike, out of his life – which is difficult as Mike’s just got them sent to jail. Can Louis navigate life inside without his old man to guide him? Can Mike win back his son’s affection before it’s too late? Award-winning comedy duo The Awkward Silence present their dynamic father and son prison musical. Resentment. Redemption. Songs. Diamonds. Escape? Lovely.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Balcony (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 14:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s not our first rodeo, no. This is the first time we’ve attempted the entire month since 2014 when we went up with a narrative sketch show called The Voyage of The Narwhal. We’ve been up in various guises over the years but this feels like the big one. Ed Fringe is just an astonishing collection of the wonderful and the bizarre. No other festival is as intense or all-consuming; at no other festival does Basil Brush rub up so closely against a one-woman comedy show about going through a divorce. The Fringe is a great festival partly because, though there are shows happening in many disparate places, it does feel as though there’s a real unity to them: that everything is related. It’s a smorgasbord but a connected one. When it’s buzzing it genuinely feels like the most exciting place on Earth, and who knows – maybe even beyond Earth.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’m not sure we’ve learned anything since 2019, no. Just trying to think… nope.

Tell us about your show.

The Awkward Silence’s Big Break is a comedy musical, written by us and starring us, about a father and son who are sent to prison together. The father, Mike, is a career criminal who immediately wants to escape with his son, Louis. But Louis is innocent and is having none of it: he puts his faith in the authorities. But is this unwise? Should he have accepted his dad’s offer?

We play all of the various characters in the prison and sing all of the songs, all of which were composed by Henry Carpenter. The show was directed by Julian Spooner of award-winning theatre group Rhum and Clay.

The Awkward Silence came together in 2010 in Oxford, when we met on the student comedy scene before stepping tentatively onto the London circuit.

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

Oooooh. They could and should see Colin Hoult: The Death of Anna Mann, or Police Cops: The Musical or Austentatious, or Showstopper. These are all fun, funny shows performed by people at the top of their game. Gorgeous.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Sammy Obeid

Posted in Bedfringe 2022, EdFestivals 2022 by

“New York City is next, but I’ll leave my soul in Edinburgh for the right price.”

WHO: Sammy Obeid

WHAT: “A hell of a lot can happen in the time you await the results of a pregnancy test. This is the story of a woman staring down the barrel of motherhood, torn between her own ambivalence… and an uncontrollable urge to push. Award-winning Popelei burst out of isolation and onto your screens with their darkly comic theatre production, reimagined for film. Blistering honesty, exhilarating choreography, and one extremely knocked-up performer.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Sportsmans (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 22:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time performing in Edinburgh! I’ve been here once when I was 13 years old (not sure what the conversion rate for American years to UK years is sorry, but 13 American). I’ve heard so many great things!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Don’t trust the government! Joking, I love the government if they are listening. In 2020 my show came out on Netflix called 100 Humans, where we did experiments on people (check it out really interesting stuff) and one thing I learned is that a man’s dancing ability is unrelated to his sperm count. Cheers!

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it! Perhaps a few joints as my writer’s assistants (it’s legal in California, relax!). Very fortunate to have teamed up with Gilded Balloon to present my one human experience: SAMMY OBEID THEM. A mix of stand up and obeying the demands of the live crowd. New York City is next, but I’ll leave my soul in Edinburgh for the right price.

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

My dear friends from LA Tehran and Leah Lamarr have amazing shows, go check them out. Also my pal from NYC Wyatt Feegrado’s show: Platonic Love Triangle.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

‘Jon Courtenay: Against The Odds’ (Bedfringe, 29 July 2022)

Posted in 5*, Bedfringe 2022 by

“He’s got to carry on like nothing is going on and he isn’t undergoing treatment.”

Editorial Rating: 5 Stars (Outstanding)

Jon Courtenay is a British singer, comedian, and entertainer who also has the gift of being a pianist. He’s was the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2020. In fact, did you know that Jon is the first ever golden buzzer winner to win BGT. [For those of you who still call ITV ‘The Other Side’, The Golden Buzzer is where the judges or Ant and Dec can push the Buzzer to put the contestant through to the live finals.]

Jon’s appearance at The Bedford Fringe was with his Edinburgh Fringe preview show AGAINST THE ODDS. The scene is set where it all starts, with his auditioning for BGT. During the next few months Jon keeps a big secret away from BGT, and the media, which is going to make a impact on his life.

The story is really POWERFUL and it’s one that really deserves to be heard. It’s all about a mole that appears on the side of his head which was eventually diagnosed as being cancer. Yet Jon can’t stop now that he’s reached the top. He’s got to carry on like nothing is going on and he isn’t undergoing treatment.

Jon’s show flows throughout and his gifted ability to perform is one that can’t be missed. You can really see how much Jon loves live audiences and the BUZZ he gets from entertaining. The way in which he turns the story in to comedy and music is very clever. The show’s opening song is his auditioning song called ‘The Third Person’ and each number that follows tells the story of what was going on behind the scenes.

This personal story told by Jon REALLY did make an impact on me. It was thought-provoking to me as to the importance of being checked out early with any health concerns. LIFE is valuable, LIFE is Important and LIFE is also to ENJOY which is what I’m doing.

That was an outstanding show, please go and see it at The Edinburgh Fringe you’re in for a great time.

This review was authored by Graeme Scott.

ALL our Town & Gown coverage? Click here!