Category Archives: EdFestivals 2023

EdFringe Talk: Laufey Haralds: Pip

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“I’ve slowly been learning that there are things in life that matter more than performing. Like family, friends, love and stability.”

WHO: Laufey Haraldsdóttir

WHAT: “Pip is a whimsical hour of stand-up from Icelandic comedian Laufey Haralds. ‘A joy to watch’ (Scotsman). After living in the UK for over 5 years, Laufey realized that her nickname, Pip, had taken on a personality of its own. Turns out she had a few lessons to learn from that version of herself. Ghosts, curses, and a conversation with a mugger all come up as she recounts tales of her alter ego. As seen on Channel Hopping with Jon Richardson and Icelandic television. ‘Batshit crazy, but still good clean fun’ (Elektra Fence).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Snug (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 16:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 3rd time as a participant, but my 5th time coming to Edinburgh during the festival. Since my first brief visit in 2017 the festival has taken root in my brain like a little parasite who obsessively whispers to me that it’s a good idea to spend copious amounts of my time and money on doing this festival. And I listen, because the parasite has a point, this festival is unlike anything in the world and I’m lucky I’ve gotten to experience it multiple times.

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

Over the last few years I’ve slowly been learning that there are things in life that matter more than performing. Like family, friends, love and stability. I’m still unsure how exactly to apply that lesson to my life, so until I do I’ll just keep trying to make people laugh whenever I get the chance.

Tell us about your show.

The show is about my experience as an Icelander living in the UK. My show is standup comedy so I wrote the show, I’m performing the show and I’m producing it myself. Doing it all by myself has its ups and downs, I’ve got less people I can disappoint but I imagine I’ll be sick of the whole company by the end of the run. I performed the show at Reykjavík Fringe and Gothenburg Fringe last year, two lovely festivals that I’ll hopefully get to perform at again.

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

My biggest recommendation is always to take a chance on a show you know nothing about. I love to go to a venue’s box office and ask for a ticket to whatever show is next on, I’ve seen some weird and wonderful performances that way. That being said, it’s also a good idea to take people’s recommendations, so here are mine:

My favourites at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe were the comedy duo Crizards, their show about cowboys was hilarious so I’m sure this year’s This Means War will be just as funny.
I’m a big fan of musical comedy and I think Matty Hutson is one of the best musical comedians around.

If you fancy seeing more Icelandic people you can catch THEM by Spindrift Theatre, a theatre piece about masculinity, performed by women.

If you want standup you can’t go wrong with Liz Guterbock: Geriatric Millennial.

If you want a guaranteed good time and to leave with a song stuck in your head go for Dizney in Drag: Once Upon a Parody.

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EdFringe Talk: Scott Murphy: About a Buoy

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“I’ve lived in Edinburgh for about 8 years now – working the festival as a summer job in-between studying. It’s so exciting to finally be part of it as a performer.”

WHO: Tom Whiston

WHAT: “Everyone’s favourite sailing instructor is back, and ready to rock the boat (but only if everyone’s wearing a buoyancy aid, and comfortable getting splashed… but only a little bit). Join Scott Murphy – ‘Hilarious’ **** (FourthWallMedia.wordpress.com); ‘Fun, dark and playful’ **** (GutterCulture.com) – as he takes you on a wild sailboat adventure about one man’s love for his buoys. A new show from celebrated Scotland-based character comedian and clown, Tom Whiston – 2021 Brighton Fringe sell-out; 2022 Glasgow Comedy Festival; Stamptown.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Snug (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 17:40 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time as a performer here! I’ve lived in Edinburgh for about 8 years now – working the festival as a summer job in-between studying. It’s so exciting to finally be part of it as a performer.

Edinburgh is so great because people are willing to try things they normally wouldn’t. A punter is more likely to hear a bizarre one-line pitch from a flyerer and go ‘Hmm.. that actually sounds fun!’ here than anywhere else in the world. And whats more, in Edinburgh, the weirdos can actually find the other weirdos who love them.

Obviously the balance of work and play is vastly different as a producer/performer, as a venue worker, and as a regular punter

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

I think 2022 taught me that I need to be able to pace myself over the festival. It’s way too easy to find yourself working three jobs, drinking every night AND trying to see every single show that you possibly can. It’s a lesson I’ve definitely learned, but we’ll see if it sticks this year…

Tell us about your show.

The show follows hapless kiwi sailing instructor Scott Murphy as he discovers a new love (of Buoys) under the direction of a dark new figure in his life. It’s a very thinly veiled metaphor for my own complicated experiences with queer relationships at a young age, specifically being groomed by an older man, that’s trying to pluck something really bright, silly and hopeful from something quite serious.

I’ve been performing as this character for years, and in trying to find the new journey for Scott, I realised there were a lot of aspects to him that were an idealised version of my own life. I meandered for a while, but eventually came to the conclusion that if I was ever going to make a show about this experience of mine, this is the character, and now is the time.

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

There are so so many great Scotland-based comedians doing shows at the festival – David McIver’s show will be fantastic, as will Krystal Evans. Pete Carson and Cobin Millage are doing a duo-show which is going to be hilarious.

Outside of Scotland there is too much to recommend, but Lorna Rose Treen is doing her debut hour at the Pleasance, and that is the number one not-to-be-missed show going on this year.

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EdFringe Talk: Wage Against the Machine

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“The sheer scale of the festival is like no other festival I have performed in the presence is undeniable all over the city.”

WHO: Matt Harvey

WHAT: “Sex shops, Robodebt, and roller coasters! ‘Unfailingly funny’ **** (Artshub.co.uk). ‘Bursting at the seams with extraordinary stories’ (TheatreThoughtsAus.online). A fast-paced hour of stand-up and storytelling, set in the surprisingly angry world of customer service. From illegal government debt, wage theft and breaking a 100-year-old roller-coaster saving the lives of 18 people – all in a day’s work when you earn minimum wage.”

WHERE: PBH’s Free Fringe @ Canons’ Gait – Lower (Venue 78) 

WHEN: 20:15 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second time in Edinburgh. I was fortunate enough to be able to do it last year and despite the increased cost of living/travel I have made sure I included EdFringe as one of my destinations this year as it was not only an extremely unique experience, the sheer scale of the festival is like no other festival I have performed in the presence is undeniable all over the city, but it is a chance to perform alongside some of the biggest names in the industry and meet a lot of performers who I might otherwise never encounter.

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

2022 was a year of big lessons, especially as a travelling performer. The cost-of-living crisis was just beginning but learning to navigate the costs while on the road has helped me a lot.

But also being in the mixing pot of Ed Fringe has shown me how far my work can travel as the wide variety of audiences from all over Europe that come and tell you that your work would do well their is extremely comforting and humbling. It has taught me to think wider and be prepared to adapt a little the work I bring as the ability to travel a cultural or pop-cultural reference has potentially limited milage.

Tell us about your show.

The show is a fully one man show, written, performed, and produced by me. Edinburgh is often down the road for me, I have generally taken on many local and a few international festivals before even considering bringing it to Edinburgh, though the show I did last year (I Got Bit By A Monkey Once) has toured past Edinburgh – going to the US in 2023. So likely this will serve as a great testing ground for international traveling with this particular show.

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

It does depend on who will be there this year.

But I can recommend Laura Davis: Well Don’t Just Stand There Dancing – saw this in the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and it’s an incredible show. We have themes that cross over so it’d make a great paring.

Andrew O’Neill – Geburah – Haven’t seen this show in particular but based on last year’s showing Andrew’s work and mine will line up nicely.

The Gargle: Live – This is a great podcast that covers the news in a hilarious way. Only a few shows so get in quick.

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EdFringe Talk: How to Find a Husband in 37 Years or Longer

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“My process definitely lines up with that old artist’s adage. This is awesome. This is tricky. This is shit. I am shit. This might be ok. This is awesome!”

WHO: JJ Pyle

WHAT: “JJ Pyle finds herself accidentally, unfortunately, home for Christmas and stuck in this little truck with her dad in Indiana, where everything is surrounded by cornfields. In an unconscious search for acceptance and emancipation, a tale is told through their conversation and memories revealing criminal activity, dysfunctional family cycles, heartbreak and hope (and, if we’re honest, obsession and lust)… a coming of (middle) age story. ‘…an absolute master of storytelling. Sneaky even… we are not only charmed and entranced, but we also understand a little more about ourselves…’ (NoHoArtsDistrict.com).”

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

WHEN: VARIES (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first Edinburgh Fringe. It has been a bucket list thing for me for years! My first Fringe experience was in 2009 in NYC. It was the first time I performed in New York and we were assigned the Cherry Lane Theatre, which is one of the oldest, iconic, cute AF, small theaters in the West Village. It was a super lucky draw. I was mesmerized with the city… this neighborhood… and this little theatre. I was playing Matchgirl in Paul Hoan Zeidler’s, Time’s Scream and Hurry. Matchgirl, a nurse by trade, was giving a seminar at an adult entertainment expo about how to get into the business of being a dominatrix.

This role is what started my addiction to solo theatre. We had done two runs in Los Angeles and doing this play in the Fringe Festival is what moved me to New York. What I love about festivals is the energy of a community getting together in a place to perform, seeing each other’s shows, talking about each other’s shows, hearing about everyone’s process and experiences and just the general buzz in the air of art in process and progress.

Producing a show in a festival is the best and the worst, debilitating and self-satisfying, experience at the same time. My process definitely lines up with that old artist’s adage. This is awesome. This is tricky. This is shit. I am shit. This might be ok. This is awesome! It’s so much work and it drains you physically, emotionally, financially, but it also builds confidence and street cred and just all around makes you feel productive and purposeful. Punter? I did have to look that up as how it relates to theatre (I’ve been watching too much Ted Lasso. lol) “a member os an audience or crowd”, Yes, this is the best part, the reward in a way, when it’s time to sit back, take a break and watch and see what I can learn from someone else.

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

Trust my gut. Listen to people. Ask for thoughts and notes, from everyone, colleagues, friends, audience, mentors… But don’t feel obligated to take every note. Early in my process, I felt I needed to correct everything anyone had a question or comment about, but later in my process, and this past year of workshopping the whole show, I realized it’s my story and there are things that are important for me to say even if someone else doesn’t think it needs to be there. That may be the thing that resonates for the next person.

Everyone feels something different based on their own mind and heart, and my experience and my performance will hit each person differently, and that’s ok. Also I was really lucky to find a director, a stage manager, and a projection designer who all went above and beyond and each helped my vision come to life from the get-go. I learned as the process went along if I bring in someone and I’m not feeling it right away, it’s ok to part ways on a gut feeling. I kept trying with some people and maybe spent too much time and money to get somewhere, when I knew it wasn’t working right away and should have said, thank-you…next, sooner than I did.

Tell us about your show.

How to Find a Husband in 37 Years or Longer is more about how I’ve managed not to find a husband in longer than 37 years… And my father is the main character. It was sorta by accident and writing this play that I realized the blatant family patterns that have been staring me in the face, that I’m dating aspects of my father AND I’m on the same life trajectory as him. Although he’s had 4 ex-wives, that he talks about throughout the show.

Sometimes the same can actually be the opposite (wink-wink). And my father’s words are recorded straight from his mouth, unbeknownst to him, on-a-whim, not knowing I was going to write a play about it. That being said, I wrote it. I produced it, with the help of a group that I co-founded called Solo Heroes. I met Ivy Eisenberg in a class at The Primary Stage’s Einhorn School of Performing Arts. Comedian, Judy Gold was our teacher. We reached a point where we needed a bigger audience than just our classmates, in order to try out our new writing. So we found rehearsal space, performance space, we took submissions and cast other artists who were writing shows, we invited, we posted, etc. etc. And we started making solo theatre.

We would have nights of 5-6 performers trying out 15-20 minute excerpts from shows in development. It’s inspiring and rewarding to see finished shows that are touring and off-broadway after working with them in our humble little showcase. We finally did a 3 day workshop of the whole show, How to Find a Husband in September 2022, made changes based on audience notes and tapes and took that to LA and tried it out again at Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest (where we won a Best of Fest) and then we cut again to a 60 minute version for Edinburgh. We will try out this version for four shows at 59E59 in NYC in July in their East to Edinburgh Festival, before we land in Edinburgh at theSpaceUK, Surgeon’s Hall, Haldane Theatre in August.

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

I love solo theatre because it takes such courage to get up there all by yourself and tell your story (or someone else’s story as if it were your own) in front of strangers. I love watching other people’s journeys and I always learn something and feel compassion towards humanity. It’s often hard to “get audience” in the beginning stages of solo development because it’s just you. I find it important to support other solo artists.

So I will start start there, seeing my fellow performer’s shows. I was introduced to a community of solo performers when I was doing my show in LA at the Whitefire’s Solofest because Lisa and Cindy (listed below) came to my show. I had never met them before that. Lisa started a FaceBook group so we could all share information about our producing paths. It has been very helpful and encouraging. Laser even interviewed me on #10MinuteFringe, an Interview segment about Fringe shows. Many of these shows explore love, sex, relationships, gender, identity, and generally how to fit in (or not) in this big bad (or not) world. Some of my favorite themes to watch and learn from. And a friend, Lia Romero, who I am in a theatre company (InViolet) in NYC wrote and immersive Yoga show which I am definitely getting to right away.

Hollywoodn’t is by Lisa Verlo at The Gilded Saloon @rocknrollinmom
Cat Sh!t Crazy is by Cindy D’Andrea at theSpace Triplex- Studio
Yoga with Jillian – Pleasance Courtyard by Lia Romero With Michael Biacosino
Breakup Addict by Paige Wilhide at Gilded Balloon Teviot @paigetostage
A Shark Ate my Penis by Laser the Transboy/ Rhymes with Purple @shartatemyp
Rise by Diana Marco at theSpaceUk at Surgeon’s Hall @dianavarco
Too Big for Her Britches by Lisa Pezik at theSpace Triplex- Studio @lisapezik
Wendy, My Darling by April Wish at theSpaceUK at Surgeon’s Hall @girlthatgrewup

This list goes on and on… but I’m starting here. Hope to see you there!

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EdFringe Talk: Junk Monkey

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“I limped away with empty pockets and plans to beg, borrow, or steal my way back the next year.”

WHO: Olivia McLeod

WHAT: “Olivia just met the love of her life on a train. If only she can find her again. And if only her own stupid boyfriend would stop calling her. In a shameless account of 12 hours of sheer desperation, this is a new solo show about missed connections, crushing obsession, and the power of a single day. She’s not insane. She’s just in love. Properly, this time. For sure. ‘Brilliantly comedic’ **** (ThreeWeeks). **** ‘A talented newcomer’ (MaygansReel.com). ‘Joyfully off-kilter’ **** (FringeBiscuit.co.uk). ‘Powerfully relatable’ **** (TheatrePeople.com.au).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Coorie (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 17:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This year I will be two-Fringe-years-old, and I’m not sure if I’m on the edge of a professional breakthrough or financial meltdown. For legal reasons, that was a joke…

I adored my first Fringe. It mentally and physically pushed me to my limit, but I made the most fantastic friends. The support between artists absolutely blew me to bits, and the opportunities are just phenomenal. I limped away with empty pockets and plans to beg, borrow, or steal my way back the next year.

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

My main Edinburgh lesson: Use the &@#$&! out of Twitter. I made my best friends at the Fringe through smashing Twitter threads every nights in the months before I left, and the people I continuously connected with online ended up being real-life legends.

My main life lesson: You should feel inspired and supported after chatting with your creative friends. If you feel icky, lazy, or sad after hanging out with them, they may not be the right friends for you. Creative life is hard, and the friends you make are the way to get through.

Tell us about your show.

My solo show Junk Monkey is about being absolutely obsessed with someone – we’re talking ruin-your-life-to-be-with-them obsessed. It’s a show for the obsessives, the romantic addicts, and the oversharers. I wrote it, I’m performing in it, and I’ll also be producing it!

I’d love to say I have a company behind me, but really the show will be made by myself, with a sprinkling of the goodwill and thoughts of my astonishing peers. I’m constantly sending the script out to people I trust. I’ll be doing hands-on work with the wonderful Charlotte Tilley and Lou Wall in July!

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

You should see:

Almost Adult by Charlotte Tilley – Funny and incisive coming-of-age tale about sexual harassment in the workplace. Charlotte also created the FemiFringe Podcast which is absolutely worth checking out, she is the absolute best.

Lou Wall Vs. The Internet by Lou Wall – Insanely talented musical comedy about career jealousy. Cannot recommend either of these enough.

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EdFringe Talk: Rosalie Minnitt: Clementine

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“Though I wish I had picked a slightly cheaper, less [potentially] soul-destroying hobby, like bouldering? there’s nothing quite like the Edinburgh Fringe festival.”

WHO: Rosalie Minnitt

WHAT: “Lady Clementine has until her 27th birthday to find The One. When her latest beau goes missing, she embarks on a hilariously unhinged quest to solve the mystery of her ill fortune. But with neither sense nor sensibility, will our romantic heroine find love in time? Set roughly “in the past”, this is a story about sickly sisters, self-love and Sylvanian Families. Bonnets at the ready, ladies, for the debut character comedy show of the (Scorpio) season. ‘Bridgerton-meets-Gen-Z-Jane-Austen-on-Adderall’ ***** (FringeBiscuit.com). ‘Cheeks ached from laughing’ ***** (Voice Magazine). ‘A comedy star in the making’ ***** (RachelReviewed.com).”

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

WHEN: 14:25 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my fourth fringe but it’s the first time I’ve ever done a full show for the month on my own which is as obnoxious as it is terrifying. I remember seeing my favourite ever show in Delhi Belly in 2017 so when I got the venue offer through it felt quite serendipitous. Although it doesn’t take much for me to see proof of universal intervention – when I was younger I saw a cloud that looked a bit [not at all] like Napoleon’s hat and decided it was a sure sign from the heavens to study history at university – a famously lucrative career path.

Though I wish I had picked a slightly cheaper, less [potentially] soul-destroying hobby, like bouldering? there’s nothing quite like the Edinburgh Fringe festival. It’s such a specific microcosm where the laws of society don’t work in quite the same way – the audience is judge, jury and executioner and when people talk to you about doing ‘your debut year’, you’re treated like a slightly foolhardy, ill-prepared young prince heading into battle before you’re quite ready. Except your troops consist of just you and the only weapons at your disposal are your supposed ‘wit’, blind faith and the ability to fill the void where the audience should have laughed with lots of pints drunk in quick succession.

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

I learned SO MUCH. Doing a ten day work-in-progress run of the show last year taught me some unbelievably valuable lessons about my writing, my performance style, but most importantly, that people become a slightly different version of themselves in Edinburgh. It’s such a special festival, filled with some of the best artists I’ve ever met but, when people have so much riding of their run, both financially and creatively, the pressure can manifest in strange and unexpected ways. All that to say, last year taught me to remain grounded and kind, no matter what’s happening in my day.

It also helped me develop as a performer – especially because I hadn’t really been on stage much during the pandemic years. I learnt how to work the room a bit more, feed off the audience’s energy and, crucially, pick myself up after a tough show. It also made me realise just how important it is to have a really strong community up there – it’s such a rollercoaster and having genuine, kind people you can trust and depend on makes such a huge difference.

Tell us about your show.

I conjured this bizarre character in a kind of lockdown stupor and performed it for the first time last year in April. I’ve been working on it ever since, and taken it to festivals across the UK – tweaking bits each time. I’ve worked with some absolutely brilliant creatives who have helped me bring the whole show to life, none more so than my wonderful director and Clementine world-building in-chief, Tristan Robinson. Most of the show is a joint fever dream/ stream of consciousness that we’ve cobbled together over dms and feverish days trapped in poorly ventilated rehearsal rooms. We’re thrilled and surprised, in equal measure, that people even understand it.

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

I have SO many recommendations and gorgeous friends bringing their shows up to Fringe this year. I can’t wait to see @dominicmcgovern’s split bill, Tied for Second at Just The Tonic. I did my first ever comedy show with Dom, he’s such a brilliant comic and this hour of mischief promises to be nothing short of excellent. I’m also super excited to see Maria Telnikoff’s ‘My Dad Wear’s a Dress’. Maria is a wonderful creative and the show is all about navigating a world in which all the dads she knows are men. Abbie Russell is also bringing her character comedy show GUSH up to the fringe. Abbie is one of the most hilarious, witty people I’ve had the joy of meeting and I can’t wait catch her show. Ted Hill is bringing his show, Ted Hill Tries and Fails to Fix Climate Change. He’s a super talented comic and a power point whizz. I saw a twenty minute preview of his show last week and, if that’s anything to go by, this show will be a must-see. Kathy Maniura’s Objectified is also one to watch – she’s effortlessly hysterical both on and off-stage. I can’t wait.

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EdFringe Talk: Alexander Bennett: I Can’t Stand the Man, Myself

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“Do go and see shows, and do buy a new boho bag from the leathermaker, but give yourself time to catch your breath.”

WHO: Alexander Bennett

WHAT: “Do you have a critical inner voice? Join Alexander as he interrogates his own, tries to kill it, then comes for yours. A show about hating yourself and, amongst other things, choosing not to. ‘Passionate and praiseworthy dark observational comedy’ (Skinny). ‘Courageous and thought-provoking’ (Scotsman). ‘His sharp interpretations of the world around him add a sinister spin to the everyday – Unique and hilarious’ (TheReviewsHub.com). ‘A producer and performer of some refreshingly different material’ (Chortle.co.uk). Creator of Hell To Play, Dan Vs Food and the Born Yesterday podcast.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Coorie (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 21:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is not my first rodeo, in fact I have many experiences of the rodeo, and I both fear and respect it. What makes a great rodeo? Pacing yourself! Either as a performer or a punter you need to pace yourself, if you keep drinking, eating badly and seeing relentless shows back to back you’ll burn out. Eat something healthy, go for a walk away from the fringe, make sure your horse’s saddle is attached correctly. Do go and see shows, and do buy a new boho bag from the leathermaker, but give yourself time to catch your breath. If you’re a punter, bear in mind how much every performer you see has put on the line to show you their work. If you’re a performer, bear in mind people have chosen to give you their time at the biggest arts festival in the world.

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

I think for me the major thing that has changed in my thinking is that I needed to reduce the number of projects I was working on and focus on giving the projects I went ahead with enough time, effort and, frankly, money to get them the attention I have been looking for. That and don’t lose your voice shouting in busy bars all the time. You need to be able to speak.

Tell us about your show.

So my show is a stand up show, developed by me over a few years, and it’s about realising how self-destructive self-hatred is, why it’s important and my battle against it. I have been working as a comedian for many years, but this is my first show on a big platform with PR backing and all the bells and whistles. There are no bells or whistles in the show.

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

Well, go and see the brilliant Sian Docksey (19:10 Pleasance Dome) as she is fantastic and I directed that show. ACMS (23:55 Monkey Barrell, various dates) is always the best compilation of absolute nonsense and genius. I’d go see Andrew O’Neill, Lulu Popplewell, Alison Spittle, Garrett Millerick, Pierre Novellie and How To Radiate Sexual Allure

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EdFringe Talk: The TUNEabomber

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” A musical comedy about an American terrorist may sound like a hard sell, but I think what we’ve made is a lot of fun.”

WHO: Michael Wysong

WHAT: “Set at a parole board hearing, Ted Kaczynski (aka The Unabomber) recounts his life through song in the hope of proving that he never wanted to be a monster, he only wanted to be a star. While he may have spent years sending explosives, this is one performance Ted can’t bomb. Written and performed by John Lampe and Michael Wysong, this new musical comedy dares to ask the question no one needed an answer to: What if this notorious eco-terrorist was the next Bob Fosse?”

WHERE: C ARTS | C venues | C aquila – temple (Venue 21) 

WHEN: 16:55 (75 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Not only is this our first time to Fringe, it’s also our first time in Scotland, and our first time performing outside of the US! We couldn’t be more excited. The Festivals I’ve participated in or attended in the past have been small local festivals, so I can’t wait to experience everything Edinburgh Fringe has to offer.

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

2022 has really taught me to bet on myself. I attended a masterclass with legendary director/choreographer Susan Stroman in New York, and she looked at all of us at one point and said “If you’re waiting for a call, it’s not coming.” She was encouraging all of us to get out there and make our own opportunities. I really took that to heart. And that’s part of the reason we’re self-producing this show at Fringe.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a two-man musical comedy about a real-life American terrorist, Ted Kaczynski, better known by his FBI designation: the Unabomber. This show started as a text from my best friend and collaborator, John Lampe. He said, “what if we wrote a musical about Ted Kaczynski called the TUNEabomber.” A musical comedy about an American terrorist may sound like a hard sell, but I think what we’ve made is a lot of fun. Before his death (just two weeks ago!), Kaczynski had been in prison for almost 30 years. Our show imagines a parole board hearing where he has decided to debut his cabaret act with the help of his lawyer/pianist.

Not only have we written it, but John and I play Ted and the Accompanist, respectively. We’ve done a few workshops of the show in the US, but we’ve just added an amazing director/choreographer named Liz Power who has really helped bring the piece together in a new way. I think what Edinburgh audiences will see is going to be something very fun and incredibly unique. After that, who knows? We hope there’s a life for this show after the festival, so we’re open to whatever that could mean!

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

Oh I have an entire list! First up, everyone should see Benjamin Scheuer’s new piece “A Mountain For Elodie.” Ben is an incredible songwriter and storyteller. His show “The Lion” played in New York a few years ago and blew my mind. It’s part of the reason I became a writer myself.

Next up, folks should check out Mike Birbiglia’s “The Old Man and the Pool.” He’s fresh off a run of this show in America and it’s a wonderful time. Thoughtful, heartwarming, but most importantly: FUNNY!

Kelly McCaughin’s Catholic Guilt promises to be a fantastic time. The show looks absolutely hilarious, and she’s one-of-a-kind funny.

Lastly, Batsu! is going to be wild fun. Amazing comedians competing to avoid punishment? What could be better?

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EdFringe Talk: Wild Onion

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“Edinburgh Fringe sizzles in a way no other arts festival does – it’s immersive, all-consuming, and totally awe-striking.”

WHO: Rachel Coleman

WHAT: “This is the onion-smashing, cyr-wheeling, tear-jerking tale of friendship. Styled like a cabaret, told like a story, join three besties and 100 onions in this punk delight where growth gets messy. Meet Daisy, Jaide and Rachel, real life best friends, the day before the memorial service of their fourth bestie. Differently affected by the loss, and with gutsy teenage rage and compassion, they process raw emotions through raw onions and learn their collective strength to grow. With circus, lip sync, and techno bops, bring your bestie and beware the onion splash zone!”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Doonstairs (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our third Fringe as a company, but our team holds over a decade’s worth of Fringe festival experience under their belts!

Edinburgh Fringe sizzles in a way no other arts festival does – it’s immersive, all-consuming, and totally awe-striking. Every corner of the live becomes a host to artistry in all its forms. You’ll experience nothing else like it – and you’ll miss it when it passes you by!

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

It’s safe to say last year’s Fringe was a complete unknown – the Pandemic changed so much for our industry, and last year was a mystery that unfolded each day of the festival. This year we’re more open to the innovation COVID-19 will provoke within the festival, and excited for the opportunity for more community, solidarity and connection through the show and in the moments beyond it too.

Tell us about your show.

WILD ONION is the onion-smashing, tear-jerking, cyr-wheeling tale of friendship that smells like no other. using 100+ real onions audiences meet three real life besties, the day before the memorial service of their fourth bestie. Differently affected by the loss, and with gutsy teenage rage and compassion, they process raw emotions through raw onions and learn their collective strength to grow.

Featuring one of the hottest cyr wheel and acrobatic talents in the UK Jaide Annalise (recent credits include Nike, Mimbre and Simple Cypher), critically acclaimed writer, director and rising cabaret starlet Daisy Minto (Graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme with Gecko Theatre), and award-winning Eco-Activist and Movement Artist Rachel Coleman, this show is 3 real life best friends sharing a raw, powerful and poetic look into managing grief and complex stories of adoption, painting an authentic picture of their gusty teenage selves.

WILD ONION is Orange Skies Theatre’s return to the UK touring circuit, bringing about the unique integration of circus arts into theatrical storytelling. The show is supported by Norwich Theatre and has toured the UK to audience delight and critical acclaim.

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

We’re hyped that the Revel Puck Circus are bringing their Wing Scuffle Spectacular to Underbelly’s Circus Hub – an absolute must see if you catch the circus buzz from WILD ONION.

If the bops in the WILD ONION playlist get you wanting to groove, we can’t recommend TalkSmall’s Katherine & Pierre enough; they’re performing in the SAME VENUE as us later in the evening. An ode to pop queen Katy Perry, it’s safe to say this show will have you singing along and in stitches.

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EdFringe Talk: Marie Lloyd Stole My Life

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“Who was Nelly Power? she was the biggest star of her generation and real force to be reckoned with.”

WHO: Lottie Walker

WHAT: “The Victorian music hall: a hotbed of scandal and home of betrayal, discrimination, sexual exploitation, domestic violence and press intrusion. They don’t seem such “good old days” now, do they? Nelly Power lived a life that was its own Victorian melodrama. She was a trailblazer for women’s rights, darling of the gossip columns and headliner at all the major theatres – until her most famous song was stolen by the young Marie Lloyd. This is her story; It’s a bit Ripper Street and a bit Eastenders, with songs.”

WHERE: Greenside @ Nicolson Square – Fern Studio (Venue 209) 

WHEN: 15:10 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I personally have performed or produced at the fringe since 2018. This show made its debut here in 2019 and it’s exciting to bring it back after a few years of touring round the country.

There’s something special about Edinburgh – not least the amount of photo opportunities on the Royal Mile when I’m out in costume looking as though I’ve stepped off a Quality Street box.
It’s also great to catch up with fellow performers who we don’t see all year round – those of us performing solo shows, especially have a lovely supportive network amongst the Edinburgh Fringerati!

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

2022 has been an interesting year. After setting up the company and making this new work just before a global pandemic I seem finally to have caught up in terms of where I need to be to move on. So now I’ve got the show on the road properly I can be more selective about what I do with it. Producing but not performing at the Fringe last year gave me some time to assess and plan – and the perspective to do so properly. So going forward I’m being much more selective about the number of shows we perform and the venues in which we perform them.

The biggest lesson though has been to be kind to myself; it’s a tough business and although I’m a tough cookie the continuous flogging of dead horses does sometimes get to me – so I’m off for a spot of aromatherapy this afternoon!

Tell us about your show.

The show, written by the amazing J.J. Leppink who has an uncanny knack of getting into the minds of long-dead, forgotten women happened by accident. Back in 2019 I was originally producing another one person play for the Fringe. That performer thought they needed to be in London for a couple of days mid-run; everything was booked so I had no choice but to think of a show for myself to fill the gaps. I’d recently completed a tour guiding qualification in London and as part of my studies has discovered the dispute over a song between music hall stars Marie Lloyd and Nelly Power -this story was a gift for someone with music hall roots looking for a one woman show! And so Nelly Power joined Blue Fire Theatre Company’s stable of forgotten famous people of theatre history.

Who was Nelly Power? she was the biggest star of her generation and real force to be reckoned with. She was a male impersonator, burlesque act and panto performer and in an era where women had little or no power and influence, our Nelly managed to acquire two properties and a valuable collection of jewellery and manage an incredibly successful career. Her life was a Victorian soap opera – much more dramatic offstage than on and had a sadly tragic end.

We’re on the road with the show in the Autumn, but staying relatively close to home playing venues in Hampshire and Surrey. Next year? we could be anywhere and would LOVE to play a proper old music hall as a nod to the “Good Old Days” – watch this space, Leeds City Varieties – we’re on your case!

All together now….

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

I’m alternating this show with another from our company, Gilbert & Sullivan’s Nightmare, which is a hoot, so please don’t miss that!
There’s so much good stuff on offer this year I’m going to be very busy checking everything out . A few of the shows I want to see are:

Fabulett 1933 – Michael Trauffer’s one man study of gay rights, and how quickly a liberal society can transform into something quite different

Ada Campe, Naval Gazing – a camp journey on the high seas!

Let the Bodies Pile – Harold Shipman, Covid – and a conspiracy? sounds intriguing!

Tickbox – Lubna Kerr’s semi-autobiographical one woman show about immigration from Pakistan to Scotland in the 1970’s

How to Live a Jellicle Life: Life Lessons from the Hit 2019 Music Cats – not only possibly the show with the longest title of the Fringe but a real laugh out loud hour of silliness!

The Grandmothers Grimm – how would you edit the darkness out of the Grimms fairy tales..?

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