Category Archives: *Written Interviews

From time to time we encounter an artist or producer toiling away at something pretty special. Here’s what they have to say, in their own words, about their work.

EdFringe Talk: Shaolin Clown

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

“I’m not here with any expectations rather than hone this new physical comedy show to perfection.”

WHO: Tom Corradini

WHAT: “Physical and visual comedy. A Shaolin monk relives his childish and clownish soul in his Zen practice, discovering a world always full of surprises and which finds its meaning in seemingly insignificant little things. Suitable for all ages and nationalities.”

WHERE: Banshee Labyrinth – Chamber Room (Venue 156) 

WHEN: 19:20 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s my second time at the Edfringe. Previously, I was here in 2012 with another solo show (titled ‘Superheroes’). Then, sotospeak, a lot of water passed under the bridge. I produced and written several shows (you can find some of the scripts on Amazon), set up my theatre company, created a physical theatre festival, became a full time YouTuber and also set up a talent agency for film and TV during covid which has taken a life of its own. I did A LOT of festivals around the world (Brighton, Prague, Tallinn, Adelaide) and attended for 6 years AVIGNON OFF (I’ have written the only guide available in English for non-French speaking companies interested in attending Avignon off, titled “The Avignon Off Rough Guide”). Now I’m back to Edinburgh as the final step of a summer tour that took me to Prague Fringe, Athens, Avignon Off and now here.

I’m not here with any expectations rather than hone this new physical comedy show to perfection. As a matter of fact I’m not even listed on the official guide of the festival (I’m part of PBH Free Fringe and I’m listed there).

I just wanted to do as many performances as I could with my show and also go back to Edinburgh to feel its vibe. When you are a full time performer like me and travelling like I do (this season China, India, Germany, France, Italy, etc.) it’s easy to isolate yourself in your own bubble. I like watching shows and see what’s around.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The most important lesson I learned in 2023 is to care less about what other people think of me and to follow my way. I’m very much into alternative comedy. In 2023 I decided to go full time on YouTube impersonating MUSSOLINI. I have a live feed every Wednesday where I take questions as Mussolini and my channel made over 1 million 200 thousand views in 2023.

I’d like to take this show I have in Edinburgh to countries I have never touched: Iraq, Iran, Algeria and other countries in Asia. The New World… as the old one is crumbling to pieces. I’m not trying to follow mainstream. I don’t want to be ‘discovered’ – I want to create my own destiny.

Tell us about your show.

The idea of the show was born in 2014 after I read a book titled “Shaolin – Du musst nicht kämpfen, um zu siegen!” (Shaolin you don’t have to fight in order to win) by Bernhard Moestl. At the time I was living in Berlin and going through a major transformational period. I started to develop the clown character of a Shaolin monk in Berlin, doing lots of open mic nights there. Then I carried on with my other shows (in 2018 I performed 169 days out of the year) and kind of forgot about it.

In 2022 I performed in Vietnam and South Korea with another show I produced and I had to retrain an actor to perform with me (I usually play this show, titled “The Lehman Brothers” with another actor, you can find the photo catalogue of that experience on Amazon if you search for “The Lehman Brothers Asia Tour”). The whole experience was tyring for me so I finally decided to go solo with a silent comedy show. This is the 3rd silent comedy show I’ve produced (and I written tons of others)

In 2023 I partecipated in the Tallinn Fringe festival and used that opportunity to premiere the show there. Then after a winter/spring pause I’m now touring with it all over the summer.

As I said I’d like to take the show to the Middle East and Asia.

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

It’s a funny question. Edfringe is soooooooooooo DIVERSE, so much to see. I’d say watch another show of the PBH Fringe. Discover tomorrow’s new artists. Stay away from the mainstream.

I’d also say go watch Tim Licata A MAGIC MORNING! (for kids) and James UNBEFLEAVABLE! A FLEA CIRCUS MAGIC SHOW – they are before and after my show. Incredible guys.

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EdFringe Talk: Showtime!

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I truly feel Edinburgh Fringe is the most magical place on Earth; it is one of my happiest places in the world.”

WHO: Em Hoggett aka EM The Master

WHAT: “If Tim Burton met Stephen Sondheim in the KitKat Club… and they were a woman… This twisted one-woman musical is an electric exploration of the life of the artist. As Amelia’s prime source of inspiration, her charismatic alter-ego, The Master, gradually becomes her sadistic captor, we travel through the depths of workaholism and the lengths one will go in pursuit of “the dream”. A frantic Dad, dodgy agent, oh… and that 65-year-old boyfriend, all come to life through The Master’s larger-than-life ‘Show Dahling!’, while Amelia believes one thing is more important than entertaining an audience: the truth.”

WHERE: C ARTS | C venues | C aurora – studio (Venue 6) 

WHEN: 19:45 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! I’ve been as a punter many times, but this is my first time performing at the Fringe. It has been a lifelong dream of mine and I am so thrilled and excited to finally be realising it! I truly feel Edinburgh Fringe is the most magical place on Earth; it is one of my happiest places in the world. It is so unusual to have an entire city dedicate itself to the arts for a full month. Being surrounded by the energy, the creativity, the plethora of shows – it’s such a gift to be here. I know that being a performer will be a very different experience, but I can’t wait to jump in!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In January 2023 I was hit with a sudden, shocking vocal injury followed by general illness which saw me bed-ridden for months. At that point I was performing 1-3 times per week, and I suddenly had to cease all performances. I have not performed since, so this will be my return to the stage after 18 months. It was extremely challenging and led me into an identity crisis and feelings of low self-worth, as I came to terms with the fact I had associated my whole sense of being with my work.

This led me to write and complete a show which had been living in my brain for years. A one-woman-musical, about workaholism. My over-drive led me to collapse last year, and I’ve now written a show which explores to two sides of my mind – my day-to-day self, the artist, and my wild and charismatic alter-ego, The Master, who wants to fight for the dream at all costs. I realised that this side of me was killing me and leading me down a road of more and more destruction.

The major things I have learnt from this experience is that wellbeing MUST come first, that balance is essential, that there is more to life than my work, and that there is more to ME than reviews, applause and success. The experience massively opened up my life as I allowed myself to experience joys which I’d deprived myself of, due to being so obsessed with my work. I think that other artists may relate to this battle and I am putting on this show to confront the grind-culture we live in.

I have absorbed this lesson wholeheartedly, but it is still a daily struggle for me, especially in such a full on environment as the Fringe! One day at a time, I hope to value myself more and more and spread a message of ease and calm. We’ll get there! (I hope!).

Tell us about your show.

SHOWTIME! is a twisted one-woman-musical. It is autobiographical and tells the story of a young upcoming female artist and her wild escapades along the way. Told by Amelia, and her enigmatic alter-ego, The Master, we enter a world in which The Master intends to put on the greatest show you’ve ever seen, while Amelia is more interested in uncovering the truth. Hilarious and laugh-out-loud funny to begin with, we soon discover darker truths lying under the surface which cause us to ask… how far will one really go in pursuit of ‘the dream’? Is self-abandonment too far, or expected?

I wrote, produced and composed all of the songs for SHOWTIME! I am absolutely thrilled that Anessa Marie, a fantastic orchestrator/arranger (currently on Broadway in Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club), orchestrated all of the songs and brought them to life in such a magical way. Kris Engelstad choreographed the piece, and I am thrilled to have worked with an all-female team on this production.

This is the world premiere and I see a large life for SHOWTIME! beyond the Fringe. I ultimately hope for it to become a longer ensemble musical. But for purposes of the Fringe and finances… I thought ‘well, I guess I’ll just play all the roles myself!’

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

SHOWSTOPPER! the improvised musical – because it’s hilarious and we all love spontaneity! I go every single year!

The Bloody Ballad of Bette Davis – my pals with a brand new original musical!

My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) – years ago I went to school with Rob and it has been a joy to watch their success over the past years. This will be my first opportunity to see the show and I am so excited to see it!

David O’Doherty – hilarious hilarious at The Fringe every year! A must.

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‘Fountain of You’ (Venue 20, Aug 9, 13, 15, 18, 21, 24)

Posted in *Written Interviews, 4*, EdFestivals 2024, Rated: Nae Bad by

“Wróbel plays to the unambiguous ambiguity of the role in perfect contrast to Lucy McClure’s sweetness and light fairy Godmother archetype.”

Editorial Rating: 4 Stars (Nae Bad)

Bob Dylan once sang a song about how the tables can turn. How one minute you’re on top of the world and the next you’re on your own, with no direction home, a complete unknown, like a rolling stone. The Patriarchy is like that, always on the scrounge for a new Renfield, a new familiar to be standing by day and night to unquestioningly serve the needs of the bloodsucking sociopath lying in the coffin. So when a 30-something actress is suddenly aged-out of show business, she undergoes a wildly unconventional spa treatment to get her old life back. But it sets her on a whole new path to pursue true power and equality… at a cost.

As the 30-something actress, Martyna Wróbel is a flawless depiction of flawed humanity ready to get red in tooth and claw when the chips are down. The role demands sufficient sympathy to draw us in even as the horrible price to be paid gets reckoned. It’s Dorian Grey without the picture. It’s Sweeny Todd and Frankenstein but with less self-loathing. Wróbel plays to the unambiguous ambiguity of the role in perfect contrast to Lucy McClure’s sweetness and light fairy Godmother archetype, who dabbles in the dark arts by necessity, not choice.  

Selina Savijoki, Jadon Simone Trelour, Kaiyi Xu, and Bernice Jiaxin Zheng are billed as the ‘Esthettes’ and certainly, they deliver sensitivity and beautiful touches by the wheelbarrow full. These were four precision performances which instinctively demonstrated that they knew when to be seen and when to blend into the unfolding drama. Like a Persian rug possessed of a single tiny flaw to remind the viewer that total perfection is totally preserved to divinity, the single slip I spotted – a lighting mirror held the wrong way round during a dance number – served to amplify the meticulous striving for excellence we should expect from an RCS production.

There are plenty of good reasons to see this production, but the most compelling is David Joseph Healy who plays all the good guys as well as all the bad guys. Healy’s character work is funny, studied, striking, hugely impactful and… so my companion – a kittenish cougar – tells me both during and after… it’s sexy. Healy is clearly one to watch which raises the first of several question marks hanging by a horsehair over the banquet.

First, this is a show about how tough women have it, so why give the only male actor half the roles? It’s a glaring flaw in the script which should have sounded some alarm bells. This is a story about the impossible standards women face in the impossibly vain and shallow world of mass light entertainment as they age. And yet it is performed by horribly young and horribly attractive people who are horribly wonderful at everything they do.

Playing to a home crowd at Edinburgh is an incredible privilege, just ask a New Zealander. There’s nothing inherently wrong with privilege but, as Lord Acton did not say, absolute privilege corrupts absolutely. The single worst decision any EdFringe producer can make is to waste time. This was a one-hour story which was allowed to stretch on and on and on. The mantra, show me don’t tell me, works so long as someone is brave enough to make a cut or six where the ‘show me’ is killing the pace and packing. If this script were luggage it would be liable for an excess weight fee.

Still, as a showcase of what the RCS community can make happen, as a showcase of Olympian-level talent on stage and off this show is a triumph worthy of the great legacy and bright future of one of the nation’s most important centres for arts education. Get your Napoleon in rags coats on and go see this!

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EdFringe Talk: The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“The real victory — the daily victory! — is the opportunity to show up to rehearsal every day, and to feel my show, and myself, grow, evolve, and become something I never thought possible.”

WHO: Ben Kassoy

WHAT: “Author and dancer Ben Kassoy brings poems from his spectacularly original book to life in The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack, a genre-defying solo show celebrated as ‘inspired, powerful and thoroughly entertaining’ (LA Hidden Gems) and ‘intimate, affecting and revelatory’ (StageAndCinema.com) at sold-out shows in New York and LA. Directed by award winner Joanna Simmons (Mark Pleases You, Best Man Show), The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack is bursting with humour, heart and wonder, using spoken word, dance and physical theatre to reveal the connections between panic, poetry… and pancakes.”

WHERE: ZOO Playground – Playground 3 (Venue 186) 

WHEN: 17:10 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! First time to Fringe, first time to Scotland (I’m from the US), first time writing & performing a solo show! My friends have instilled enough FOMO over the last few years that I just HAD to be here this year. Yup, I decided I wanted to do EdFringe loooong before I even had a show. Kinda backward, sure, but hey — here we are! The journey has been amazing thus far: stellar reviews, sold-out shows in New York and LA, folks coming to see it from all over the US — I am truly ~thrilled~ to share my work in Edinburgh.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

When it comes to art (and, honestly, maybe even anything?) the joy is in the work. Regardless of outcome, the process is the gift that keeps on giving. The labor of love in making this show has been gratifying and challenging in equal measure, and the “success” of the show can’t be measured in ticket sales or reviews or awards. The real victory — the daily victory! — is the opportunity to show up to rehearsal every day, and to feel my show, and myself, grow, evolve, and become something I never thought possible.

Tell us about your show.

Based on the poetry collection I published last year, The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack is a solo show that uses spoken word, dance, and physical theatre to reveal the connections between panic, poetry…and pancakes. (By the way, silly question: are pancakes a thing in Scotland? For the uninitiated, pancakes are hot round pieces of bread that we Americans drench in syrup and feed to children for breakfast.)

ANYWAY, I wrote the poems in the collection about living with — and overcoming! — panic attacks, and I’ve adapted them from the page to the stage (#POETRY) into a genre-defying show that’s been celebrated as “inspired…powerful and thoroughly entertaining” (LA Hidden Gems) and “intimate, affecting…revelatory” (StageAndCinema.com). We have an incredible team, including director Joanna Simmons, musician Matt Lipkins, and choreographer Julio Medina.

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

Y’ALL. I’m totally biased, but the comedy scene in Los Angeles is truly BLOWING UP, thanks to some of the funniest, most brilliant performers in the world. And….so many of them are bringing their shows halfway around the world (a 10-hour flight!) to Edinburgh. LUCKY YOU. Do yourself a favor and check out as many of these shows as possible!

-“2lian Stern Keeps 2trying”: Come for the jokes, stay for the music — smart and hysterical, you’ll want to see this show over and over to pick up on every brilliant lyric and jam out to your new favorite earworms. Julian Stern is a singular talent.

-“The Dolphin I Loved”: This show is peak clown: slightly unhinged, totally brilliant, and belly-achingly funny. Kelly Reilly is an absolute star!

-“My Mother Doesn’t Know I’m Kinky”: Spicy, funny, and timely — this is for anyone who’s had sex or a mother. Jean will delight and move you in equal measure!

-“The Best Man Show”: Perfectly calibrated chaos, there’s a reason this won Best Comedy 2024 at Hollywood Fringe in LA!

-“My Little Phobia”: One review said, “Imagine if Lucille Ball did a bunch of acid, had a psychiatric break, and lived at Grey Gardens.” I couldn’t have said it any better.

-“Medicine Woman”: You’ll be spellbound and wildly entertained; see why Medicine woman has already won 3 international awards!

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EdFringe Talk: NoVa

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“Every year, we discover a bit more about all the ramifications of the festival.”

WHO: Remi Jacques

WHAT: “With gravity-defying acrobatics and dazzling juggling, this family show is full of warmth and side-splitting humour. Nova is proudly presented by Canadian ‘masters of slapstick’ (Scotsman) Les Foutoukours who previously brought you the five-star clown show Brotipo. Nova rediscovers the magic of circus, where dreams take flight and anything is possible. It marries clowning with a celebration of childhood creativity, set in an enchanting attic with towers of books and lit by flickering candles. The audience is left with a sense of wonder and reminded that even in dark times there is light to be found.”

WHERE: Assembly Roxy – Upstairs (Venue 139) 

WHEN: 15:45 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this is our fourth time at the Fringe! Each time is an incredibly fantastic but demanding adventure for the entire team. Every year, we discover a bit more about all the ramifications of the festival. Each of our visits has brought us new knowledge but also friends and collaborators that we meet again all over the world. The festival is also one of the most interesting places in the world, I would say, because of its quantity but also because of its diversity in artistic offerings. There is no judgment here, there is something for everyone: dance, theater, puppetry, circus, burlesque, cabaret…

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Many discoveries have been made from years to yers. One of the great finds of 2023 is the Meet the Media event! Having the chance to take 5 minutes with different newspapers and critics is a highlight of the month. We also have discovered plenty of small hidden spaces that can accommodate different forms of art. We have learned that having a strong presence throughout the festival is more coherent than coming with a small team that takes turns. This year we will have 7 people working full time during our stay, compared to 4 last year. We have also set up systems for appointments with professionals for meetings and sessions following the presentations. We are now also part of the companies that participate in the Best of the Fest and also give pitches in different networking events. Handing out flyers is good, but creating a parading team that represents the show works better and is more interesting for everyone, both the audience and the artists.

Tell us about your show.

We are a non-profit organization celebrating its 27th year of existence. The show we are presenting this year was designed and conceptualized to make its debut here! We wanted to offer a signature Foutoukours show. It is a high-level acrobatic clown performance for the whole family, with poetry, performance, and also dramaturgy. Following its appearance at the Fringe, the show will hit the road again in October for tours in Canada, and presentations in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia are in discussion! Rémi Jacques, the founder of the company, has ensured the dramaturgical writing of the show, the clown research, as well as the costume, set, and makeup designs. Jean-Félix Bélanger worked in collaboration with Jasmin Boivin to create the magical universe of the music. He also worked for over a year on the magic of the candles!

This show is above all about gentleness, hope, and perseverance. A show that draws its origins and influences from various tales. The universe is magical but also sometimes harsh. We wanted to present a show that touches both through laughter and dram. A show where poetry, movement, clowns, and hope are intertwined!

Both young and old will find their place attending this show. The youngest will find pleasure and wonder for completely different reasons than the adults, who will experience the same emotions. At the end of the show, young and old will leave with a sense of gentleness and beauty, and especially with a spark of hope in their eyes for everyone.

In these darker times, this show speaks of the quest for light within us and around us.

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

Bill’s 44th Because it is an intelligent, disturbing work that is so representative of life today. A must-see for its puppeteering dexterity! It was in our top 3 shows of 2023.

OH OH by Baccalà Because clowns who do their job well are extraordinary to see, and there are so few of them! A simple and joyful show to savor!

Yuck Circus Feminist as desired, offbeat, funny, and technically strong, Yuck is a must-see.

N.Ormes by Agathe and Adrien A show of poetry in body and movement. An important message for our times is conveyed in this show without moralizing. Circus at its best, raw and true, without artifice.

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EdFringe Talk: The Weight of Shadow

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“Flabbergast Theatre have the perfect mix of serious meets funny, which magnifies both sides due to their contrast. This inspired me massively to bring in humour into my show, and not be so ‘constipatingly’ serious the entire time.”

WHO: Sasha Krohn

WHAT: “Symbolically based on true events, The Weight of Shadow depicts mental health deterioration. Inspired by Sasha’s partner, Ciana Fitzgerald, it blends dance, mime and aerial acrobatics, reflecting the enigmatic language of the psyche. The show immerses viewers in the 24-hour struggle of a psychiatric patient to grasp reality, echoing Sasha’s artistic vision. Fitzgerald’s influence infuses the performance with emotional depth, portraying the complexities of mental illness through Sasha’s lens. The production serves as a poignant exploration of the human mind’s resilience amidst turmoil, resonating with audiences through its portrayal of inner struggles and external manifestations.”

WHERE: Assembly Checkpoint – Assembly Checkpoint (Venue 322) 

WHEN: 12:15 (55 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is the first time showing my own work at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which is equally exciting and nerve-wrecking. The Edinburgh Fringe has a high quality performance program that’s incomparable to any other performance event that I have experienced so far. The variety of shows and genres, the networking possibilities, the atmosphere throughout the month, are all something very beautifully unique. The large variety of shows, also attracts a very versatile audience, which is brilliant for performers and audiences alike.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

(As I wasn’t part of the Fringe in 2023, I’ll answer more generally.)

2023 was a very inspiring year for me. Towards the end of 2023 I had the honour to work with Flabbergast Theatre. As my work is mainly of darker-aesthetics and rarely uses humour as a tool of expression, it was eye-opening working with them. Flabbergast Theatre have the perfect mix of serious meets funny, which magnifies both sides due to their contrast. This inspired me massively to bring in humour into my show, and not be so ‘constipatingly’ serious the entire time.

Tell us about your show.

‘The Weight of Shadow’ was written and directed by myself, and only possible through the help of my fiancée Cíana Fitzgerald . She is the subject , the inspiration behind this show, as she was the one experiencing what I depict. Cíana helped me find the right physical language by explaining exactly what situations or surroundings feel like to her whilst navigating mental health issues. The physical languages that I used to facilitate these emotions and explanations, are composed of aerial acrobatics, dance/movement with different influences (locking, krump, contemporary) , mime elements and somehow a lot of rolling, getting stuck and collapsing …somehow.

As an aerial acrobat it was a challenge to use previously ‘clean presentable tricks’ and make them useful, expressive, dirty, without losing myself in the ‘need to show off’ , but also equally fulfilling to allow myself to perform movements for the sake of expression and emotion, rather than for claps & craic.

Finally, using the same emotions and elements that Cíana described, I then started writing and recording the soundtrack for the show over the course of 2 months.

The show started as a smaller project of 30 minutes and played in Donegal, Ireland in 2023 and was only possible through the incredible help by FidgetFeet Aerial Dance Theatre & Irish Aerial Creation Center, in Ireland. They gave me the finances, space and time to be able to start researching and developing. But it hasn’t been staged in the current format of 55 mins yet. Edinburgh will be the first time I’m staging it in its now final format, and hopefully will be followed by plenty of opportunities across Europe and beyond.

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

‘Paperswans’ is a visually beautiful, absurd theatre piece that draws its inspiration directly from Vyte Garrigas experience as a woman from a post-soviet country and shows and explores themes of oppression, self-discovery, the price of freedom and more. Absolutely stunning and must-watch in my opinion

Another show to watch will be Skedaddle Theatres’ ‘ A Brief Case of Crazy’ . A hilarious, heartwarming and deeply moving story about one persons quest for romance encounters a boisterous boss, a rather troublesome briefcase. Brilliant physical comedy !

‘Rebels and Patriots’ is another must-watch. It is an Israeli-Palestinian co-creation about the consequences of conscription to the IDF and call to end the bloodshed in the region. Floating Shed talk about their experience as young people in Tel-Aviv and their mandatory conscription into the IDF and the connected toxic masculinity and trauma that came with it. It’s a very very poignant piece that couldn’t be more relevant and needs to be experienced.

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EdFringe Talk: The Gospel of Joan (Crawford)

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I’ve never gotten the opportunity to attend theatre festivals or even arts festivals in a deep capacity so I’m extremely excited.”

WHO: Amanda Whyte

WHAT: “Five would-be somebodies find themselves united in Hell, part of a trial run to solve Hell’s oncoming population problem. Faced with a poker match with the devil’s right-turned dealer – the one and only Joan Crawford – these women must vie against each other for a spot in Heaven, all while contending sins, histories, sexual identity, and their own dispensability… because in this game, winning is more than eternity – it is fame.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Venue45 – theSpace @ Venue 45 (Venue 45) 

WHEN: 21:40 (75 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is indeed my first time at Edinburgh Fringe! In my lifetime, I’ve never gotten the opportunity to attend theatre festivals or even arts festivals in a deep capacity so I’m extremely excited because my team has been like “This is THE festival to be in and THE festival to experience.” Already, without even being in the country, I’ve received so much love from other shows as well as positive feedback from past performers and creatives.

I can’t even fathom there being so many creatives in one space all performing outside of a place like New York, so that’s what makes this special to me. I want to be able to walk down the street and run into as many creatives as possible. (Maybe I’ll even make a bingo card and knock certain titles off when I meet them!)

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

So much has happened since last year that I’m so grateful for! Off the top of my head, I got to lead in an action film, a psychological thriller, a drama, a horror film, and a period piece—some of which are in the festival circuit as we speak and some that are just wrapping up on post-production. I also very recently made my off-broadway debut at 59E59 with the show I get to perform in at Fringe! (We sold out for opening and closing which was crazy!) I was also trusted with some really amazing beauty campaigns that are actually coming out very soon…so stay tuned!

I’m so thankful that I’m busy in this industry but one thing that all of these projects continue to teach me is that kindness and professionalism go a long way. I was able to get many of my auditions solely through word of mouth and to those directors and CDs, I’m so honoured they thought of me for the role.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a crazy, wacky, campy, queer show about these five women from different time periods (who, in my opinion, all have ego issues) who end up in hell after death. All is fine and dandy and HOT in hell until they realize hell is very much overpopulated. The solution? A game of poker of course. The winner gets to go back to earth and redo life. (You can imagine five women who all think they’re the poop all want that ticket back.)

But why is the show camp you ask? Oh, because the poker game is led by Joan Crawford. And who is Joan Crawford??? Some old washed-up Hollywood star that is somehow worse than the rest of them. (When you meet the five, you think, “There’s no way Joan is worse”…and then somehow…she is…TRUST ME.) There’s love, there’s laughs, there’s melodrama, there’s bad dancing and bad accents…what more could you want? After watching this show, you can then die happy.

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

After you see The Gospel of Joan (Crawford)—which you MUST see—you absolutely 100% have to, have to, have to, see Company Della Luna’s, Love’s Concordia Bar. It’s a pop musical/play style of theatre and I saw it in New York when it first opened under Eduardo’s direction (the director/playwright and fellow actor of the theatre company). I fell in love with it and I think everyone should see it. It’s so fantastical and they do a great job of building the world around the music. The costumes are great, Bridget, the choreographer is great (the numbers are fantastic), and Olivia, the composer and songwriter is amazing at what she does—expect to have these songs stuck in your head for the coming years. That whole company is so talented and I have so much love for them so please do find a seat in their theatre…and then blow them a kiss for me.

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EdFringe Talk: All These Pretty Things

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“Collaborating with another artist who truly understands the content and shares the same love, drive and enthusiasm for a project, can take it to new heights that would not be possible with a single vision.”

WHO: Tracey Yarad

WHAT: “An emotionally raw blend of memoir and song, Tracey Yarad’s All These Pretty Things is a phoenix rising from the ashes story, taking the audience from Australia and the fallout of a devastating divorce following her husband’s affair with their teenage goddaughter, to New York City and an inspiring new life. An evocative portrayal of one woman’s capacity to come back stronger than ever, it is an inspirational testament to the human spirit. ‘Beautiful alchemy: breathtakingly honest, gorgeously sung songs on the themes of loss and abandonment, and the restorative power of music and love’ (BroadwayWorld.com).”

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

WHEN: 17:10 (65 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is my first time to the Edinburgh Fringe, and my first time to the city. Performing at the Fringe is a lofty goal, so to be invited to perform by C Arts Venues is terribly exciting. I have performed at various festivals in Australia, and the atmosphere created by a captive audience whose main goal is to discover new original music is utterly thrilling. Their curiosity and energy is inspiring, especially when they are lining up backstage to talk to you. Looking at the footage, I know that the Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s eclectic mix of creative performing arts bundled into a full month is going to be electrifying.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

2023 was a great year for my project, ‘All These Pretty Things.’ It was the year my book was finished and printed. I also previewed the show twice in New York City, and played to packed houses in Sydney and nearby Taree. I learned so much about my show through these performances, and developed it further through the critical feedback from those audiences on how the show worked and flowed. I then came back to NYC where I worked briefly with a Broadway coach, then a theatrical director, which ultimately led me back full circle to my editor and co-writer, acclaimed jazz vocalist and former international journalist Tessa Souter, who agreed to work closely with me in her debut as a director. I think we have both learned that collaborating with another artist who truly understands the content and shares the same love, drive and enthusiasm for a project, can take it to new heights that would not be possible with a single vision. We are really looking forward to bringing it to Edinburgh.

Tell us about your show.

The show is about my devastating midlife divorce, answering the question: “What do you do when your husband of 23 years runs off with your teenage goddaughter?” “Neck him!” a young woman said to me today, miming a slit throat. I should have thought of that before. Instead, I dyed my wedding dress black, wrote some songs and made a show. I also moved from a tiny mountain village in Australia to New York City, where I now live in Brooklyn with my border collie, Billie Rae and where I developed the show. I wrote the music, collaborating on some songs with Aussie and Nashville writers, and then wrote a book, collaborating and co-writing additions with the show’s director, Tessa Souter. This latest edition contains brand new songs and monologues and, aside from the three previews at 59E59th theatre in New York, will have its official premier in Edinburgh at the festival. The plan is to take this show to fringe festivals and theatres all over the world.

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

I am in awe at the number of incredible shows offered at the Fringe, I cannot wait to get around and see what other artists are presenting. Here’s who I have on my list already, if you want to join me after my show: Two Guys, Three Drams: The Ultimate Live Blues and Whisky Experience. Why see this after mine? Because you will need a good whiskey and this kind of raw energy. I’m definitely checking out the show After the Rainbow: A Mystical Music-full Midlife Journey Through Oz, for more inspiration on being here now and following the rainbow. Gorgeous songwriting. And I can’t wait for this one: One in a Chameleon. The Bloody Ballad of Bette Davis. I plan to see Pretty Delusional in New York before I get to Edinburgh. Something about ‘staying sexy in the face of rejection” grabs my attention.

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EdFringe Talk: DecaDance Silent Disco

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“Having run events in Edinburgh for a combined 20+ years, we decided it was time to embark on a concept within EdFringe.”

WHO: Laith Al-Khamis

WHAT: “Dance through the decades with Silent Discos! Live DJs playing non-stop classics through your headphones, with immersive live musicians and performers bringing the dance floor to life, creating the ultimate unique experience to sing and dance your heart out to! Couple this with surprises, from confetti to freebies, and you’ve got the perfect party!”

WHERE: Assembly @ Virgin Hotel – Eve (Venue 454) 

WHEN: VARIES (120 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes it is. Scott Linton and I (We) haves lived in Edinburgh all of our lives and love the vibrancy, diversity and energy the Fringe brings to the city every year. Having run events in Edinburgh for a combined 20+ years, we decided it was time to embark on a concept within EdFringe. We wanted to create something fun, interactive, immersive and centred around our love of music, so we came up with DecaDance Silent Disco’s, a place where people of all ages can sing & dance the night away to nostalgia tracks from across the decades, whilst introducing immersive and live elements to elevate the experience & atmosphere.

We have worked with the team at Virgin Hotels before and they embody everything we do in ethos and passion, so it made sense to work with them again and utilise the amazing space they have in Greyfriars Hall. It really is a unique and stunning venue that we can wait to showcase.

We’ve been loving every minute of our EdFringe journey so far.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Firstly; Customers are collaborators, not simply customers. We look at our “DecaDancers” as an extension of our team and want to involve them more throughout the organisational & marketing process and be as interactive as possible with them during our events. Their energy should be a reflection of ours if we’re doing things right.

Secondly; Be the change you want to see. We believe Edinburgh has so much to give and that the late night & events sectors are a little stagnant, and we lag behind the likes of Manchester or London. If we want to better those sectors, we need to take some level of action and try new things that customers/collaborators want.

Tell us about your show.

DecaDance Silent Discos was born out of our love of music and interactive entertainment. We wanted to create an event that embodied our love of music, but did so in a totally open and inclusive way, bringing together & uniting people in the city and beyond.

People have enjoyed music, dancing and connecting with one another as far back as history goes, and we see it being lost a little in the digital world, so our aim is to reconnect people, bring them together through our events and create memorable moments in their lives.

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

As mentioned we love music and we’re really excited to experience a range of shows at EdFringe this year.

We’d definitely recommend Silent Disco Tours by Silent Adventures! Sightseeing our amazing city while singing & dancing to great tunes, it’s an absolute winner!

The BeatBox Collective is definitely on our list. Mind-blowing that the music they create is all done from their voice boxes and the energy looks incredible!

ABBA ODYSSEY – Who doesn’t love ABBA… so it’s a no brainer from us!

And finally we are really excited for Dancefloor Conversion Therapy. Jonny’s story is unique and interesting, building up to the party as a finale!

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EdFringe Talk: Living. Dying. Dead.

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“Edinburgh Fringe audiences are unique in their breadth of culture, experience and engagement.”

WHO: Rhiannon Jenkins / Owen Scrivens

WHAT: “Living. Dying. Dead. is an exploration of death, dying and bereavement through the lens of improv. Taking real life experiences of bereavement, our actors weave stories that are both poignant and humorous. Playing Dead Theatre is a collective of artists and medical and death care professionals who are passionate about opening conversations around end of life. Our actors have over 80 years’ performance experience between them, and are all sensitive, compassionate people, with a vision to bring better understanding of death and dying to people all around the world.”

WHERE: Paradise in The Vault – The Annexe (Venue 29) 

WHEN: 13:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our first time at EdFringe with this show, but not our first time at Edinburgh altogether. We’ve both spent a lot of time at Edinburgh, both as performers and punters. We’ve mostly taken this show to smaller improv festivals, so we’re very excited to bring the show to a much larger festival setting. It’s quite daunting, being such a small fish in such a huge pond, but we’re really excited to get inspired by seeing lots of other shows, and get the experience of performing the show multiple times in front of a new audience.

The show has been created to help people talk about death and we feel the Edinburgh Fringe audiences are unique in their breadth of culture, experience and engagement. We feel this is a perfect opportunity to create an honest conversation between cast and audience.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

This last year has been a huge learning curve for us in terms of the production side of things. Until this summer, we’ve only taken the show to improv festivals, which are on a much smaller scale, with most of the marketing taken care of by the festivals themselves. Being part of EdFringe means we have to move things along much more of our own accord, and really work hard to get the word out to potential audience members.

Tell us about your show.

The show is very much a child of the lockdowns. We were both working in the end of life sphere; Rhiannon working for an end-of-life planning organisation working with Death Doulas, and Owen as an intensive care doctor. We had both been thinking about the possibility of an improvised show that examines death and grieving, and stumbled upon each other in an online improv forum. After lots of chatting during lockdowns, we had an idea of a show, but were waiting for the right time to be able to pull it all together. That time came in 2021 when Dublin Improv Festival reopened; they opened applications for brand new shows looking to premiere at the festival, and we thought that was the perfect opportunity to begin reaching out to actors and improvisers that we admired to bring the show to life. We had our first show there, and have since then brought that cast (and some new faces!) together for several more international improv festivals.

We hope long term to create a touring version of the show – we want to reach a larger audience to break down the taboo that comes with death, dying, and bereavement.

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

Owen would recommend Stuffed by Ugly Bucket theatre – They had great success at the fringe a few years back with Good Grief a clowning show about death and the new show uses their unique style to explore food banks and food poverty.

Rhiannon is also performing with Good Girl – a one-woman clown cabaret that delves into male fantasies and how women can take their agency back from the male gaze. If you like audience interaction, you’ll love Good Girl!

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