Category Archives: EdFestivals

EdFringe Talk: Casting the Runes

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“The towering monoliths of trash owing to the bin strike at the end of last year’s Fringe, made us 100% glad that chosen to go completely flyer free! We invited people to take photos of our poster board or scan the QR code instead of handing out paper.”

WHO: Noel Byrne

WHAT: “‘Who is this who is coming?’ You are invited to the edge of your seat, on a journey to the darkest corners of the night… Expert on the so-called supernatural, Edward Dunning, is a scholar and a sceptic. But when he crosses paths with the mysterious Mr. Karswell, Dunning’s life becomes a waking nightmare. A chilling new adaptation of MR James’ classic ghost stories featuring remarkable puppetry and a haunting original soundtrack. Our advice? Don’t come alone… Praise for Box Tale Soup: ‘They are wonderful’ **** (Times). ***** ‘Remarkable’ (TheWeeReview.com). ***** ‘Brilliant’ (ThreeWeeks).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Above (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 11:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is far from my first Edinburgh Fringe. My company started bringing shows to the Fringe in 2013, and we’ve been every year since. However, I first came to the Festival when I was just sixteen years old, and it just blew my mind. I was into theatre and circus, and just fell in love with the atmosphere and feeling of possibility. I’ve performed at every Fringe since then, often as a street performer, and it’s an important part of my year. In addition to providing a platform for my company to share work, it gives me a chance to connect with artists from all over the world, and even after all this time, I still leave feeling inspired!

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

The towering monoliths of trash owing to the bin strike at the end of last year’s Fringe, made us 100% glad that chosen to go completely flyer free! We invited people to take photos of our poster board or scan the QR code instead of handing out paper. We make most of our set and puppets from reclaimed, recycled or sustainable material and avoiding waste is important to us – ‘Don’t be wasteful, be creative’ is a kind of unofficial motto for the company. We’ll definitely be taking the flyer free route again this year.

Aside from that, last year was our boldest and most creatively challenging show yet – we really had no idea what our audiences would think, which was nerve-wracking to say the least! But it paid off, so we’re determined to be brave and keep pushing ourselves, and hopefully ‘Casting the Runes’ reflects that.

Tell us about your show.

The show is called ‘Casting the Runes’, and it’s a supernatural thriller, a classic ghost story with two performers, several of the most beautiful puppets we’ve made to date, and a fantastic original soundtrack. The promo for the show says ‘don’t come alone’, and there’s definitely some truth in that – it’ll set spines tingling and hearts racing, with a few good scares in there too! The script is a new adaptation written by myself and Antonia Christophers, based on the stories of M.R.James, generally considered the grandfather of British horror.

After meeting while playing Romeo and Juliet (yes, really) Antonia and I founded Box Tale Soup in 2012, and since then we’ve created 14 shows, usually involving a lot of puppetry and inventive design. We’ve worked on ‘Casting the Runes’ before, near the beginning of the company’s life, but for 2023 we thought we’d re-invent the show using everything we’ve learned in the last ten years!
After the Fringe, the show is touring the UK, and many of the autumn dates are up on our website already.

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

I will definitely be going to see Police Cops – absolutely hilarious, they’ve gone from strength to strength, and they’re one of the tickets I’ll buy without a moment’s hesitation!

Adam Lenson, who directed our show, is also doing a solo show at Summerhall, called ‘Anything That We Wanted To Be’, which you should catch. He’s a very smart and witty writer, with a passion for tech and musicals, which makes for a very entertaining, funny and moving bit of autobiography.
Stuart Goldsmith, host of the Comedian’s Comedian Podcast is an old friend of mine, and he’s doing his stand-up show ‘Spoilers’ at the Monkey Barrel. He’s a brilliant joke writer, and his shows are always beautifully crafted, but this show in particular is more than just stand-up -it’s a very honest and informative look at climate issues, without sacrificing the humour for a second.

Also, take some time to go and see some of the street performers. The Fringe attracts some of the greatest buskers and circle shows from around the world, and you can see some truly amazing stuff if you keep an eye out!

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EdFringe Talk: Sad-Vents

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“It’s probably the biggest platform for the show in the world but the financial and mental health pressures are intense.”

WHO: Eleanor Hill

WHAT: “An irreverent, ‘brilliantly original one-person show’ (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk) that makes Fleabag look like CBeebies. This tech-heavy tragicomedy uses livestreaming, projections and music to explore the hilarious and heartbreaking realities of mental health, heartbreak and trauma in the age of social media. Somewhere between Euphoria, Instagram Live and a Bo Burnham special, ‘audience members are encouraged to use their phones throughout, transforming this show into a zoo-like experience’ (TheUnderstudy.co.uk). Together we’ll scroll through reels to find what’s “real” and maybe stumble across the answer to the ultimate question: do we consume social media or does it consume us?”

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

WHEN: 14:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is the first show I’ve taken to the Fringe and I really see it as a test of mental and physical stamina as I’ll be there for a month. I’ve never done a show for 24 days in a row so I’ll see if i can survive. I’d imagine that’s more of an intense challenge than my bronze silver and gold swimming awards which were very hard thank you very much.

It was my first time as a punter last year at Ed Fringe and the buzz is amazing, jumping from show to show – everything is alive and open. It feels like you can see anything and anything goes.

As a punter you think constantly about how many shows you’ll see and if you’ll get fomo but as a producer / performer you’re constantly thinking about selling your show.

It’s probably the biggest platform for the show in the world but the financial and mental health pressures are intense. There’s a lot more to it than doing the show itself – flyering, networking and trying to keep you life as routine as possible – intense but exciting. In my mind if I can get through this with some of my sanity intact then Sad-Vents will go on!

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

Since 2022 I’ve learnt a lot about who to hire and have around me – this is a big thing. Putting in place people, places and things that are going to support and understand what I need as a human during the process. Whether that’s making sure I have an hour a day off my phone or go to a pole class or people who are on the same page as me with the marketing we need for the show.

I’ve learnt a lot about trying to actively put on and take off hats when needed – so that I can make space for each role (me as a writer or actor or producer or just a person). I’ve grown as a writer and performer – not a conscious learning but something that happens as you continue to practice and create.

There’s also a more deep and coherent plan for the show itself – making the work we do more focused and less abstract and much more exciting. Final word advice to myself – never do a show that relies on tech so heavily ever again – next show is just me on a stage nothing else.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it and am performing it. We don’t have a company which is worth noting as it can make it a little harder to obtain funding and support. But we have had a lot of people working on it from the top, Annie McKenzie (directing), Velenzia Spearpoint (producing and marketing), Matt Powell (video design) and Constance Villemot (set design). Nearly everyone who was involved in the original R&D is still involved in some capacity in the fringe version of the show over a year later.

After two weeks of R&D we opened the show at the White Bear in Kennington and after some reworking earlier this year took it to The Vaults Festival. Next we are going to the Soho theatre whether they like it or not and then the National I’m sure that’s how it works?

SAD-VENTS is an irreverent, tragicomedy about mental health, heartbreak and trauma the age of social media. It’s sort of what would happen if you took a sad girl’s instagram and out it on stage (reminder here it is still a comedy 😂) Basically the whole show is done live streamed to my phone which is projected onto a screen behind me and onto Instagram live. So audience members (who are encouraged to use their phones) are able to watch me in real life on stage, the projection and or their phone. There’s also quite a lot of direct messaging to the audience and extra content (can I get a ohhhhh) on social media through the show. It really is a show where tech was built in from the beginning so it should feel really like you’re walking into instagram or tiktok on stage!

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

Sikisa for a bit of comedy who was my stand up tutor at the Soho Theatre, who did some stand-up at our Sad-E-Vents Fundraiser at The Bread & Roses Theatre – https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/sikisa-hear-me-out

I’ve not seen it but I will be going to see Fabulett by Michael Trauffer https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/fabulett-1933 – who broke his foot last year so I hope he doesn’t do that again! We interviewed him for our SOLO SO HIGH networking events which will be taking place online and at Edinburgh Fringe – you can find out more @solosohigh on instagram if you’re a solo show and want to get involved!

Charlotte Antley with Almost Adult who also gave us a taster of one of her new pieces at our Ed Fringe fundraiser – https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/almost-adult

I’m giving the solo shows a lot of love because I know how hard it is!

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EdFringe Talk: Frigid

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“It’s been an incredible journey so far and it’s taught me that when you put your heart and soul into a project, people will connect with it.”

WHO: Rosa Bowden

WHAT: “Niamh O’Reilly is a Frigid, meaning she’s never been kissed. And at 14, she’d want to hurry. Tonight at the local teenage disco, her friends are on a mission to change that – whether she wants to or not. Set in Dublin in 2007, it’s a coming-of-age comedy about frenemies, first times and figuring it out. Winner of the Bewley’s Little Gem Award at Dublin Fringe Festival 2022. Written and performed by Rosa Bowden with live DJ Ciarán Gallagher. ‘An amazing comedy, with heart wrenching and tender moments’ ***** (TheReviewsHub.com).”

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

WHEN: 12:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s not! My first Edfringe experience was in 2017 when I directed BUMP&GRIND Theatre’s debut show Bump. Before that I’d never been to fringe so I remember being completely blown away by how much there was going on. There’s literally something to see at every hour of the day. Being in the city for fringe feels like you’re at the epicentre of culture – there’s weird and wonderful shows, cutting edge comedy and breath taking performances. It’s a great place to discover new artists, make connections and get inspired for your next work.

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

Since 2022 I’ve learned to try relinquish the blocker that is self doubt. When Frigid was first performed at the Dublin Fringe last September, I never thought people would connect to it as much as they did. Since then we’ve sold shows, won an award and staged Frigid at 2 esteemed venues in Dublin before bagging our slot at the prestigious Underbelly Cowgate. It’s been an incredible journey so far and it’s taught me that when you put your heart and soul into a project, people will connect with it.

Tell us about your show.

Frigid is a coming-of-age comedy written and performed by me and also features on stage DJ Ciaran Gallagher. It’s a hilarious and tender tale about a 14 year old girl who’s never been kissed. Set in Dublin in 2007, it’s a nerve wrecking trip down memory lane, soundtracked to 00s teen disco bangers. The show was developed in 2020, when we presented a work-in-progress version at Scene&Heard Festival in Dublin. Then the pandemic happened so it wasn’t until 2022 that a full production was staged. We premiered at Dublin Fringe 2022 and won the prestigious Little Gem Award and was also nominated for Best New Play and Best Performer. It’s produced by Bump&Grind Theatre, who’s debut play Bump was labelled “the next big thing” at Fringe 2017. We’ve got an incredible team consisting of Joe Murphy, the producer, Hildegard Ryan (director of Fringe First 2019 winning show Mustard) the director, Sophie Fuller, associate director and SM and Shane Gill, lighting designer.

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

I’m really excited to see Sunday’s Child’s new production Chicken at Summerhall. From the genius mind’s of Eva O’Connor and Hildegard Ryan (Frigid’s director), it’s about a famous Irish actor who just so happens to be a chicken. I think it’s going to be a really unique show from this Fringe First winning Irish company. Another show from an Irish artist I’m so excited to see is Tom Moran is a Big Fat Filthy Disgusting Liar at Pleasance Courtyard – it took Dublin Fringe by storm last year and from what I hear it’s a hilarious and honest and moving! The Northern Irish company SkelpieLimmer are bringing Scaredy Fat to Pleasance Dome and apparently it’s sexy and spooky – I’m sold!

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EdFringe Talk: Hysterical

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“In 2022, we learned that when performing and touring, you have to take care of yourself and really carve out that time to rest and recharge with some reality dating shows and pizza.”

WHO: Carrie Rudzinski

WHAT: “Fierce, feminist, and f*cking funny. Women are frequently told they are too emotional – too hysterical – to be taken seriously, to be leaders of countries and companies, to be believed when pointing to their own hurt. Hysterical challenges these myths with poetry that confronts body politics, systemic sexism, and weeping uncontrollably in the supermarket. Winner of Best New Aotearoa Play and Outstanding Performance Poetry at Auckland Fringe. Internationally acclaimed poets Carrie Rudzinski and Olivia Hall deliver powerhouse performances that will leave you feeling empowered and alive.”

WHERE: Summerhall – Cairns Lecture Theatre (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 20:25 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our first time at Edinburgh Fringe! We’re so excited to represent Aotearoa New Zealand on an international stage and to be part of the amazing Summerhall programming. This is such an incredible opportunity to not only share a taste of the poetry talent currently in New Zealand, but to also soak up the creativity of artists from around the world. We’re thrilled to be part of the biggest arts festival in the world, especially after multiple years where our borders were closed due to the pandemic. Lots of great development has happened with NZ artists and we’re ready to share what we’ve been up to with Edinburgh!

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

In 2022, we learned that when performing and touring, you have to take care of yourself and really carve out that time to rest and recharge with some reality dating shows and pizza. We are definitely absorbing those skills and bringing them to Ed Fringe with us! It’s also kind of a scary time in the world – it can feel really overwhelming to just balance life, work, and the news, but we’ve found that leaning into creativity and being present with our emotions and bodies really helps us re-center what’s important to us.

Tell us about your show.

We are Carrie Rudzinski and Olivia Hall and we are the writers, producers, and performers of Hysterical! We are both poets and we started collaborating seven years ago not long after Carrie moved from the United States to Aotearoa New Zealand where Olivia is from. This is our second poetry theatre show that we’ve written and we toured it across Aotearoa in 2022. After 28 shows, we won Best New Aotearoa Play at the Wellington Theatre Awards and Best Performance Poetry at Auckland Fringe Festival. Hysterical is fierce, feminist, and funny – combining 16 poems with voice messages, props, and banter with the audience to create a powerful and uplifting experience. We are planning to tour nationally across New Zealand in 2024 and eventually to Australia as well.. We’ve long had a dream of coming to Edinburgh Festival Fringe and after the pandemic changed some of those plans, we’re finally making our dreams come true by bringing Hysterical to Scotland.

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

We can’t get over how many amazing shows are coming to Edinburgh Fringe and are ready to fangirl for all the other performers at Summerhall this year. Playing Latinx is on at Summerhall just before our show and we love a performer who can combine and blend talents. Grief Lightning is on right after our show, coming all the way from Australia and unpacking conspiracy theories on Grease? Sign us up. Help Yourself with Jess and Victoria sounds like the seminar we’ve been waiting for (we can’t stop crying and need help). Jade Anouka is bringing poetry theatre in the shape of HEART only for three nights to the Festival and we want to be front row. And we have to send people to see our fellow New Zealanders Foster Group Dance’s show Double Goer at Assembly – they are incredible – do not miss them!

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EdFringe Talk: Twenty People A Minute

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“So many lessons learned! I think the biggest one is not to be scared of putting new work out there.”

WHO: Tom Mullins

WHAT: “Set not too far in the future, Twenty People a Minute follows four refugees of tomorrow on a perilous journey across the earth. Over one hour we meet their dangers and the everyday angels who keep them alive. Twenty People A Minute is a play exploring the impact of global social, political, and environmental crisis on the individual, exploring what it could be like if you were forced to leave your home.”

WHERE: theSpace on the Mile – Space 3 (Venue 39) 

WHEN: 12:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I am Edinburgh born and bred, and Fringe is without a doubt the most special time of the year in our beautiful capital city. I think Edinburgh’s history and culture is what truly defines The Fringe as the most epic arts festival in the world, not just the largest. Having visited other Fringe festivals across the UK, none have an atmosphere as electric as The Edinburgh Fringe.

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

So many lessons learned! I think the biggest one is not to be scared of putting new work out there. It can be incredibly daunting, especially with a political or hard-hitting piece, but nothing ventured nothing gained! The Edinburgh Fringe is the safest space to explore and present new theatre to open and supportive audiences.

Tell us about your show.

We are Arthur & Redpath productions, a creative partnership based in Scotland aiming to produce unique works of theatre and a cultural space for all voices. We formed after several years in creative collaboration, and launched in the summer 2022 with our premiere production of ‘You Are Here: A Musical Revue.’

Our dear collaborator Samantha Robinson, recent winner of The Royals Shakespeare’s 37 Plays Project, has written our latest venture ‘Twenty People A Minute’, an astonishing new political drama that shines a light on the impending future of the refugee crisis. It’s beautiful, poetic, confronting, emotive, and shockingly urgent, and we really hope that audiences from all backgrounds and political perspectives come and experience the message of hope that we’re sharing.

We have been developing this piece with Samantha, and four exceptionally talented actors for the last 12 months, and we can’t wait to share it with Fringe audiences and see what’s next for this beautiful production.

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

For Musical Theatre, we can’t wait to see Captivate Theatre’s new production of ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame’. It’s going to be truly epic.

For something more hard-hitting and political, we’d highly recommend our good friends at Viewpoint Theatre Company and their new verbatim piece called ‘Jane / Norma’, a play about the Roe vs. Wade case in the US. It’s brilliant. And make sure to check out Light The Match Productions’ ‘PRICK’, an exciting new piece of theatre that tells the story of The Scottish witch trials.

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EdFringe Talk: I’ve Got Some Things To Get Off My Chest

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“There’s really nowhere else in the world I’d be happy to stand in the rain for hours handing out flyers.”

WHO: Constance Eldon-McCaig

WHAT: “According to Google, Eva’s boobs weigh the same as: two and a half bottles of tequila; two bricks; or the average newborn baby. Quite a weight on your back and finding bras off the rack for a rack that size is near impossible. Despite being an ideal candidate, misogynistic medical standards leave Eva feeling like a tit for asking for a boob reduction – will the whole thing be a bust? This one-woman, two-mega-boobed comedy explores the failings of women’s healthcare – underfunded, under researched and, much like Eva’s boobs, under-supported.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Turret (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 13:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been lucky enough to attend the Edinburgh Fringe and walk the Royal Mile multiple times before now. In 2016 I attended as a stage manager for Musical Shot Heard Around The World, in 2019 I was co-writer and co-director for Salmon and now, in ‘23 I am back in the cultural hub of creative exploration with comedy, I’ve Got Some Things To Get Off My Chest, I could not be happier to be back! Fringe is such a special place for me, it’s where my love for performing arts really blossomed, a place to watch so many different forms of theatre, where everyone is welcome. There’s really nowhere else in the world I’d be happy to stand in the rain for hours handing out flyers.

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

To take things slow and enjoy the ride. With over 3000 shows at the fringe it’s easy to get caught up in the madness and forget what an incredible experience it is to be surrounded by so many talented people, doing extraordinary things.

This is something I’ve not just brought into my fringe experience but also my life in general!

Tell us about your show.

I’ve Got Some Things To Get Off My Chest is written and performed by my glorious partner in all things creative Eva Lily. We worked together to develop the original script and I directed our WIP preview at the Golden Goose Theatre in London earlier this year. The play is a comedic one woman show that follows the real life journey she undertook trying to apply for a breast reduction through the NHS. It’s a deep dive into the medical misogyny that permeates throughout female healthcare, examining how under-funded and under-researched healthcare is for women and other marginalised communities. There’s social commentary alongside lots of laughs and even more boobs.

For Edinburgh, the show is produced by Jamie Wilson Productions and Eve and Sea Productions, it is directed by Marieke Audsley supported by resident director & dramaturg – me(!), it really is the product of collaboration, sharing stories and finding light in darker places of the female experience.

We previewed at The HopeMill in Manchester in July and we’re hoping to bring the full version of the show back to London later in the year.

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

I’m really excited for F-Bomb’s The Beatles Were a Boyband which you can catch at the Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose, they’re a fantastic feminist theatre company who’ve won the Scotsman Fringe First Award and the Sit Up Award for social impact. This year they’ve created the FemiFringe guide, which is a programme of work led by women & people of marginalised genders, which is amazing! Also, Hooked: Mr Sister from Holly and Brooke are Hooked is a must see, they perform side splitting sketch comedy. You can see them at Just the Tonic Just Up The Stairs.

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EdFringe Talk: A Funeral for My Friend Who Is Still Alive

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“I realize bulling itself is not the most horrifying, but I did not recognize I was suffering, I was in pain.”

WHO: Kasen Tsui

WHAT: “‘Kasen Tsui’s work is not only a performance, but the embodiment of social memory and the spirit of humanity’ (Kuh Fei, the Hong Kong Theatre Libre). This is a brand-new dark comedy about farewell. One evening, Kasen decides to host a funeral in her tiny apartment for her long-lost friend who is still very much alive. So, she prepares a eulogy to celebrate this friend’s life. This theatre play is speaking to those who share the same stories of being forced to leave their homeland, striving for survival, freedom and hope.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Niddry St – Studio (Venue 9) 

WHEN: 10:00 (46 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is my first time to Edinburgh. My mentor Cathy, who is also the producer and director of the show, told me Edfringe is a magical place that you got to showcase who you really are as an artist, and got to meet a lot of people who are open minded with all kinds of idea. This festival is so great that it offers platform for young artist like me to develop new works, and at the same time, a space to connect with artists and producers from all over the world. The whole city is celebrating art which makes it so unique and makes artists feel like home. Cathy had her debut in Edfringe 10 years ago, and now she brought me here to Edfringe as a director and producer. I hope I can do the same to other young artist 10 years later.

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

Love yourself before you can love someone else. I realize bulling itself is not the most horrifying, but I did not recognize I was suffering, I was in pain. Because I think that’s normal, and I thought compromising is the way to handle, but it is not. To respect myself, is to love myself. And if I want to be able to trust and to love again, I have to know that I am worthy as well.

Tell us about your show.

Cathy and I wrote together, Cathy is the director and producer. We come together, because I shared a story with Cathy about me losing a friend from social movement in Hong Kong. Cathy encouraged me to put a show about my story, how my emotion changes during these few years. She asked me one question, “If you have one last chance, what are you going to say to your friend?” Then we started to create this show. Edfinge will be the world premier of this show, and hopefully we will take this show to Australia and North America after Edfringe.

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

Please do support other shows in theSpaceUK, they have given us huge support to put a show in Edinburgh. Cathy always said she had the best experience when performing in theSpaceUK and they have so brought so many great shows to Edfringe. I am very interested to see Beehavioural Problems: Something Something Autism the SpaceUK, and Ageless in Dance Base. Also there are also many shows from Hong Kong will be performed in Edfringe like No Dragon No Lion.

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EdFringe Talk: 17 Minutes

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“We wish this wasn’t a conversation that needs to be had.”

WHO: Scott Organ

WHAT: “The play 17 Minutes explores the communal and residual effects of a shooting through Andy, a man who struggles with his own complicity in the tragedy, and who seeks meaning in the wake of the shooting.”

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

WHEN: 14:15 (75 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, neither writer, director, nor any of the 6 cast members have been to Edinburgh and we are so excited. (Our stage manager Allison Parker, producer Marshall Cordell and London-based producer Dave Calvitto thankfully have been often.) This is also a first production for The Barrow Group, a New York theater company that’s been around since 1986. Edfringe has such a great reputation here in New York. Whenever we mention that we are going, we hear such positive reactions.

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

I’ll go a little further back in time: in March of 2020, we closed our critically-acclaimed and extended production of 17 Minutes Off-Broadway at The Barrow Group in NYC. Two weeks later, the city started shutting down and we went from performing this communal piece to locking down in our homes. Since then, I think we’ve all realised the absolute importance of live theatre in our lives. Additionally, and quite tragically, we’ve witnessed mass shooting after mass shooting since then in the U.S. We wish this wasn’t a conversation that needs to be had. But it is, unfortunately, and our hope is that these conversations might help move us toward a better future.

Tell us about your show.

17 Minutes is a show about Andy, an Ohio Sheriff’s Deputy charged with protecting a high school. One day shots ring out – 17 minutes is the amount of time he stands outside the school. This play, written by Scott Organ, explores everything that happens because of those 17 minutes. Though the material is heavy at times, the show is hopeful at its core. Our production, directed by Seth Barrish, had a critically-acclaimed and extended run Off-Broadway at The Barrow Group in 2020. The Barrow Group has teamed up with Edfringe veteran producer Marshall Cordell to bring this show to Edinburgh. The original cast will be intact. We are a group of actors, writers and producers who have worked together for many years.

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

Definitely see this new play by the amazing Barrow Group writer Arlene Hutton – Blood of the Lamb, B Street Theatre at The Assembly Rooms. Hutton’s play Last Train To Nibroc is one of my favorite plays and has touched me in the way that the plays of Horton Foote do. I always look forward to her new work, particularly this new play which delves into an important contemporary topic – the criminalization of abortion.

And don’t miss Shortlist, by two-time Fringe First winner Brian Parks at Assembly George Square. Though I haven’t seen this play yet, I know his work well. His Americana Absurdum ranks as one of the funniest and sharpest plays I’ve seen. His way with words and his poignant theatricality are always worth the price of admission. This new play about two novelists battling for a prize is a perfect world for Parks to take on.

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EdFringe Talk: Matt Hutchinson: Hostile

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“I should emphasise it’s mostly nowhere near as serious as that sounds – and a lot of it has ended up being about having a baby (my daughter is 15 months old).”

WHO: Matt Hutchinson

WHAT: “Matt is an NHS doctor – what a hero! Also a fast-rising comedian, finalist in the Leicester Square New Comedian and Hackney Empire New Act competition. The son of Jamaican and English parents, in this highly anticipated debut Hutchinson asks: how hostile is the environment in Britain? Who is welcome here? What does it mean to ‘integrate’? Against all odds, he finds hilarious answers. As heard on BBC Radio 4, as seen on BBC Three and NextUp. ‘An assured presence’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Safe hands’ (Chortle.co.uk… and some patients).”

WHERE: Assembly George Square Studios – Studio Four (Venue 17) 

WHEN: 14:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have done split bill shows several times in the past – but this is my first time doing a full solo hour. It’s quite a different experience doing a show that’s just me – as there’s no one else to hide behind!

The Fringe is great, as it is the chance to stretch yourself and try things you wouldn’t get to do with your club set (i.e. be much more self-indulgent and pretentious). There’s the opportunity to make the whole thing tie together, and also incorporate visual and musical elements (if that’s your sort of thing).

Having said that, thinking back to when I was coming as an audience member, I’m not sure all of that effort gets noticed by everyone – I’m pretty sure I was going to comedy mainly to see something funny, rather than someone’s magnum opus.

I also love being somewhere where there’s a massive range of things to go and see right there on your doorstep for a month – although, I’m actually pretty bad at going to see shows while I’m up there.

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

I only came up for a few days in 2022, but put on a couple of one off shows, including “Comedians Wine Tasting” – it was a reminder that regardless of how good an idea/show you think you have, you still have to market it like crazy.

Over the longer term, I’d say I’ve learned to try not to get pulled too much into watching how everyone else’s fringe is going – as you’ll just make yourself feel bad. I’m not sure I have managed to stick to this however!

There’s then the sensible grow up advice to pace yourself – you’re in a city surrounded by loads of friends (or for the more sociopathic comedians friendly rivals) – and there is the temptation to go out every night and drink. You’ll quickly learn however, that trying to do that will mean your show and your wallet both suffer pretty quickly. Trying to whip up a matinee audience of arms folded, stone-faced retirees on a hangover is never fun.

Tell us about your show.

Hostile is an autobiographical show – that discusses my life, although against the backdrop of Windrush/other issues relating to Black life in Britain (my dad is originally from Jamaica). I should emphasise it’s mostly nowhere near as serious as that sounds – and a lot of it has ended up being about having a baby (my daughter is 15 months old). This is largely because that’s mostly what I could think of jokes about while sleep deprived and changing nappies.

This is a solo stand up show – so it’s just me performing, and I wrote it myself. I have worked with a director however, and this has been very useful in terms of editing and thinking of new directions to take sections in. I have also been working with Mark Watson’s production company Impatient – which has been great in terms of support and guidance.

Hopefully there will be the opportunity to take the show to some other UK festivals post Edinburgh – and I’ll almost certainly do a couple of shows in London, perhaps to film it.

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

Fellow doctor comedians Benji Waterstones & Ed Patrick – as well as being funny, they are also both clearly NHS heroes…

Also Darran Griffiths, Fatiha el Ghorri, Josh Weller, Alex Haddow – all very funny people doing their debut shows, so this is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor and see them before they’re famous.

Lastly Tarot, Darren Harriott, Ali Woods – returning acts who never fail to make me laugh, so in a crowded marketplace, you can be sure your money won’t be wasted if you take a chance on them.

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EdFringe Talk: Name of the Dame

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“It’s a different level to be bringing your own baby for a significant length of time. I’m nervous. I’m excited. I’m nervecited.”

WHO: Kate McCabe

WHAT: “Dames, detectives, stylish hats, “car chases”… this parody of the noir genre has got a gag rate that fires faster than a Tommy gun and is marginally less painful. If you liked Airplane, the oeuvre of Mel Brooks, dicey puns and sight gags, this show is probably for you. Written by author and actor Adam Perrott and comic and improviser, Kate McCabe, this gut-busting play is in its debut year. See it before it tours the UK.”

WHERE: Just the Tonic Nucleus – Just the Sub-Atomic Room (Venue 393) 

WHEN: 17:50 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This isn’t THE first, but it is A first. I’ve been coming to the festival since I moved to this country almost 18 years ago (I’m from the USA). I’d never experienced anything like it. It blew my mind. All this comedy, art, music, theatre, dance, circus, everything…all around me. Lots of it for cheap! Many of the shows were an hour or shorter. It is an absolute candy store.

I’ve ‘participated’ every year since then. I helped bring a sketch show up for a short run. I’ve appeared on compilation bills, guest-spots, fill-ins,…always accepting the hundreds of offers to get involved in small ways. I’ve done lots of that kind of work any jobbing comic can get at the Fest if they’re looking for it and available to jump in.

But it’s a different level to be bringing your own baby for a significant length of time. I’m nervous. I’m excited. I’m nervecited. I’m calculating the budget for the number of fresh fruit smoothies and clean dry socks I’ll need to make it through the month. The anxiety dreams are kicking in and I’m raring to go.

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

Since 2022, I’ve learned a few things. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to create your OWN thing to get the work that you want.

As a creative, I’ve also learned to stand by what I think is funny and take risks with it. I’ve got that ingrained comedian’s desire to please everyone in the room…but I think I’ve learned that it’s OK if maybe one or two of the jokes only land with a few people. Those few people, those are my people. (This will be YOU if you come to ‘Name of the Dame’ and get the reference to ‘gilt’.)

Finally, I’ve learned the difference between apes and monkeys. Monkeys have tails and apes don’t.

Tell us about your show.

The show is a send-up of film noir. It feels vainglorious to compare ourselves to artists who are LEGENDARY. But, I think if you like the type of humour in things like Airplane and Spaceballs, you’d probably dig our little festival-length diversion. It’s quick-fire jokes played straight in a genre backdrop.

This is the first collaboration of the writing team that Adam Perrott and I call ‘The Loose Cannons’. We’re just two ex-strangers who met doing screen background work, discovered we had a similar sense of humour, and went for McDonald’s breakfasts for two months straight to put together a script. My background is improv/stand-up/and comedy acting and Adam’s is acting/theatre/and publishing. We think we’ve written something that is great fun. We still laugh really hard at it, which I hope is a good sign. I ate a lot of hash browns along the way.

Sugar Punch, a theatre production company from Newcastle via Manchester got on board almost immediately. This was a massive confidence boost for us. It’s a real blessing to have professionals do lots of the heavy lifting around here and the two women who run it are brilliant. They themselves are very creative and funny and I dig it.

We are bringing it to Edinburgh as it is the UK’s best comedy and theatre marketplace. We’d be over the moon to be able to tour this play around the country afterwards and are looking to book dates in for late 2023 and into 2024. So, watch this space. Please.

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

Every year I revisit some faves and I also try to see stuff that wouldn’t normally be on my radar. A healthy mix of the reliable and the surprising.

Here’s a brief list of what I’m really looking forward to:

Tarot, one of my fave sketch groups will be there doing new stuff. You can always count on them to be disturbingly funny.

One I’d LOVE to see but who unfortunately clashes with my show times is Tom Lawrinson doing his solo show ‘Hubba Hubba’. I just think he’s got something special. He fully commits to very silly things and I like that. You should go seem him even though I can’t.

Salfunni will be back for a short run. They’re a great group of Uni of Salford students who put together a super compilation show.

Cheekykita is up there this year. Wonderfully weird clowning stuff.
Harriet Dyer is another one worth the money and the hour. She’s got funny bones and is a great storyteller.

Other shows that I’d love to plug because I’m also IN THEM:
Murder Inc (Improvised Comedy Murder Mystery)
ComedySportz (Short-form Whose Line Is it Anyway style stuff)
Dorks ‘N’ Orks (Dungeon’s and Dragon influenced panel show)
This Is Your Trial (Comedy roasts of the audience)

Truly, the city will be awash with brilliant and beautiful diversions for your entertainment. I hope whoever is reading this has the best time.

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