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: 1 in a Chameleon

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“It’s a dream I only became conscious of a year ago, but I’m realising it’s a dream that has been there all along.”

WHO: Narie Foster

WHAT: “How do we uncover our true colours in a world full of reasons to hide? A life-affirming, thought-provoking comedy about trying to blend in everywhere yet belonging nowhere, from engineer, entrepreneur (Forbes 30 Under 30) and award-winning storyteller Narie Foster in her Edinburgh Fringe debut. Born in New York to Thai and Canadian scientists, Foster takes us on a multifaceted exploration of freedom, authenticity and scantily camouflaged metaphors. ‘Beautifully written. Raw and honest. Naturally hilarious.’ **** (InReview.com.au).”

WHERE: Summerhall – Red Lecture Theatre (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 13:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Would you believe I hadn’t heard of EdFringe until two years ago? I grew up in New York State and my world revolved around tech and business. I came to EdFringe 2023 on a whim, and it changed everything. I devoured 60 shows (while working remotely in my old job) and was so inspired by the risks everyone was taking that I promptly decided I needed to create my own. It’s a dream I only became conscious of a year ago, but I’m realising it’s a dream that has been there all along. The Fringe showed me that you can do *anything* you want, and people (even if it’s sometimes only two of them) will enthusiastically sign up to see you do it. The whole festival is a beautiful gift of permission and inspiration.

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

Putting on a solo show has to be one of the most masochistic and efficient forms of personal growth. Last year I was just starting to admit to myself that I wanted to perform and make theatre. Since then, I previewed the first version of my show at the Adelaide Fringe, and now it’s been picked up by Summerhall to come to Edinburgh, where the seed was first planted. I still feel naive and intimidated, but I’m also loving the firehose of new learnings. I think the biggest thing that I’m trying to defy is that fear of looking stupid, of making a fool of myself. And it’s working. Though the perfectionist in me would probably be mortified of the show I put on in Adelaide, and I’m sure in six months I’ll feel like I’ve outgrown this EdFringe version, the only way to create anything is to take the first step.

Tell us about your show.

My show, ‘1 in a Chameleon’, is a comedic theatre piece that investigates the natural tension between wanting to belong and wanting to be authentically ourselves. It’s a lot about finding our own paths despite family and societal pressures to fit in, which in my case is connected to a mixed-race upbringing (Thai and Canadian). There’s storytelling, physical humour, and there may or may not be a dance number. It’s playful yet poignant, and I think anyone who comes will get a lot out of it. I’m writing and producing (and performing) it myself, and what’s nice about that is I can make whatever changes I want. The show has gotten a major glow-up since previews at Adelaide Fringe, and I can’t wait to share it in Edinburgh. Beyond that – we shall see! I’m keen to develop a fictional play next.

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

Chris Grace! His ‘Chris Grace as Scarlett Johansson’ show was one of my top inspirations last year, and he’s returning with it along with a new show!

I could watch Garry Starr’s quite lewd and brilliant ‘Classic Penguins’ over and over, it’s a must-see, as is his new all-ages show, ‘Monkeys Everywhere’.

Also a big fan of Janine Harouni, Elf Lyons, Josh Glanc, and Xhloe and Natasha, and I’m looking forward to seeing Charlene Kaye’s ‘Tiger Daughter’ and Jo Tan’s ‘Forked’, along with everything at Summerhall because it’s a brilliant venue and I think they do such a good job with programming.

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EdFringe Talk: Matt Davis: Colorful

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“This is my first time bringing three very different shows.”

WHO: Matt Davis

WHAT: “Dubbed ‘an intellectually-driven stand up comedy king’ by the Australian press, Matt Davis brings his internationally minded approach to take on challenging topics. In a wild and hilarious rebuttal to the increasingly prevalent black-and-white view of our world, the comedian weaves together personal narratives as he comically challenges beliefs. Grab that friend who likes to laugh, or that one who really needs to, and join us on the other side of arguments with two dimensions for an evening where things are… Colorful!”

WHERE: Hoots @ The Apex – Hoot 5 (Venue 108) 

WHEN: 18:10 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This isn’t my first time, that was quite the to-do. My first time coming to EdFringe it was a last minute decision based on having to leave Thailand because I publicly called out some human traffickers for what they were doing. In my defense, they were kinda new at it, open-mic’er human traffickers if you will, so I underestimated their capacity for death threats.

I skipped to Myanmar and put on a show, since “military dictatorship” is still alphabetically superior to “murdered.” While there, another comedian, Janey Godley, reached out about the nonsense I was in the middle of, and told me to just “come to the Fringe.” So I did! 48 hours and maybe that many flights later, and she introduced me to her audience and I did a quick set. I took in the Fringe for a week doing the odd spot, and was hooked.

It’s the perfect little vacay as a punter to take your mind off of people trying to track you down because you ruined their human trafficking circle. 5 stars for that, would recommend. I’ve been back since with a solo, but this is my first time bringing three very different shows (a solo hour I tour, a storytelling show of more nonsense like above, and an improv format show that is pure chaos fun); the last of which was written purely with the Fringe and all its chaos in mind. And bonus points for this.

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

I wasn’t at the Fringe in 2023, but my top 3 biggest lessons I learned from that year as a whole are:
1) Never tell a border guard your reason for visiting is that you “just want to look these mf’ers in the eye.” It’s funny in your head, sure, but you really need a spare 5 hours to explain it.
2) When a sign says “don’t pee on the electric fence,” they’re being whimsical, but that fence really is electric and you do not want to pee there.
3) a list of two things really needs a third to feel like a real list

Tell us about your show.

I started writing my show “Colorful” as a rewrite/update to the previous show I brought and toured and was supposed to film before the pandemic. But the process split into two sets of material: the socio-politcally focused stuff about religions and the world based on growing up in Alabama and performing in more than 60 countries now, and stories about me being an idiot. The latter I split again into before and after sobriety and eventually gave the name “More Fun (I used to be)”. I worked on them both simultaneously while touring thru Europe and North America this Winter and Spring; alternating material at first, then alternating shows. The format show, “With Your Guest,” was once-upon-a-time a TV pitch that was called “too weird” by management at the time, but that the team at RGB Monster (who are producing all three of my shows this year) jumped on board with immediately for the same reason. It’s a very wild ride, with comedians coming on to host a talk show THEY decide the topic, but their armed with audience suggestions; while I play the role of guest and have to promote something the audience decided before hand. Three comedians each host a show, one after the other, and without leaving; so the shows stack up and it ends with three happening at the same time. It’s really crazy and fun, and outside of some test runs Edinburgh will be the premiere of that for sure. All of these I hope to tour through this year and next, and Colorful already has dates set for Tallinn Fringe, Hong Kong Comedy Festival, and Sydney Fringe as well some black box theater dates like Frankfurt and few others.

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

There are so, so, so many shows *I* want to see! But some I know are great include Jack Holmes’ “Round Man, Square Hole” which is such a punchline heavy show; also, excited to see what Kavin Jay has in store with his latest “UNSOLICITED ADVICE.” Kavin is always a go-to for me when I’m in Malaysia, so happy to see him here at the Fringe this year. “The Most Toast” is absolutely the silliest idea for a show, and I’m kinda mad I didn’t think of it. Hoping I have time to see Asli Akbay’s new show “Tomboy.” And I’m keeping an eye on the whole slate of shows being brought up by Soho Theatre, as they always have some great ones, as well as other alumni of this year’s Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

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EdFringe Talk: Edy Hurst’s Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“Boy do I wish I’d read all the questions before I started answering.”

WHO: Edy Hurst

WHAT: “‘Bursts with comedic joy’ (Skinny). ‘Absolutely non-stop bonkers’ (Comedy.co.uk). Hark and Boo! Recent revelations hath shone a light upon the ancestry of Edy Hurst. What visions await in our dark voyage? And why are the Vengaboys here? Supported by The Lowry and Arts Council England. Best Comedy Show nominee, Buxton Fringe. Best Alternative Act nominee, North West Comedy Awards. Seen on Next Up Comedy, BBC Radio 4.”

WHERE: Assembly George Square – The Crate (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 16:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been to the Fringe as a punter, performer, and inbetween for years. As an audience member it’s a spoil of riches, getting to watch some of the most famous comedians in the world right next to experimental theatre and magnificent DIY finds all within a 12 hour period, sprawled across one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You can watch one off shows by artists you adore, get a chance to see an international perform for the first time in the UK, and just how ambitious some bars are with how a chair store room can become a ‘performance space’

As a producer, it’s also that, but with a great deal more financial and logistical worries. As a comedian, it’s the festival that all other festivals are set around in the calendar, and it continues to be the timeline through which many plan their professional year. It’s a huge undertaking, but the joy of an audience seeing your show out of the hundreds available and spending their time to watch whatever you have been working on is pretty hard to beat. That and City Cafe’s breakfasts.

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

My new show was commissioned through The Lowry’s Developed With programme, and working with a big theatre to produce a show that stands somewhere in the space between comedy and theatre has been full of lessons from the creative to the professional that I will benefit and learn from for a long time afterwards.

This show is the first time I’ve worked with other people during the development of the work, with director Joz Norris, Joe-Kent Waters, Amy Vreeke and Bobak Champion amongst many more and learning how to explain ideas, take advice and feedback has been really valuable lessons, alongside the fact that when you’re working with others you’re in a team, and it’s both a strange and nice thing to see other people believing in something you’re making together! Is that tragic to see written down? Yes!

Tell us about your show.

Boy do I wish I’d read all the questions before I started answering.

As I said above, Edy Hurst’s Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself, was commissioned as part of The Lowry’s ‘Developed With’ Programme, where 6 artists in the North are selected to create a new piece of work alongside professional development and mentoring.

Part of this came with funding that allowed me to work with others and build a team whilst compensating them for their time appropriately. Joz Norris, a comedian who’s work I’ve been a fan of for a number of years came on as director, and I invited a number of artists to join ranging from clowning techniques and physical comedy, to dramaturgy (like metalurgy but instead of medieval armor it’s theatrical structure) to movement direction.

The show has been in WIP/ Preview states up until Edinburgh, and following my run at Assembly the show will undergoe some more production development before a big shiny premiere at The Lowry on October 31st (spooky). From then it will be on a National Tour, including Camden People’s Theatre, Sale Waterside and Attenborough Arts Centre in Leicester.

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

Alright! Most of these definitely won’t need me recommending them, but Imma do it anyway.

Joe Kent Waters is Frankie Monroe Live! – The boys been winning the big awards everywhere Frankie’s horrible suit wobbles to, and for good reason. It’s the character, clown, stand up hybrid that nobody realised they needed and a chance to witness the birth of a comedy star.

Hannah Platt: Defence Mechanism – Hannah’s stand up is so so funny at the same time as being honest, and full of integrity. I’ve been lucky to perform with her for years, and this show is going to be an incredible calling card.

Cerys Bradley: Queer Tales for Autistic Folk – I think if you watch my show and go ‘oh I really need to watch more Neurodivergent experiences through the lens of folklore’ then you must have already booked a ticket for Cerys’ show, but if you haven’t, go get one!

Also obvious recs for Chris Cantrell and Amy Gledhill of the Delightful sausage’s respective shows, Jake Donaldson’s show ‘Spectacle’ and if you’ve never been before you simply must go to ACMS at least one night.

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EdFringe Talk: Rosie and Hugh’s Great Big Adventure

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“The lessons I’ve taken forward this year are about booking accommodation as early as possible; embracing the importance and usefulness of previews; and also trying to keep a sense of perspective on the whole thing.”

WHO: Ria Parry

WHAT: “Rosie and Hugh the Hedgehog are best friends. They want it to be the last day of summer holidays forever. Impossible? Not if they can find the witch who lives in the middle of the forest with her pet dragon. Join Rosie, Hugh, a squirrel with a wobbly tooth, a little lizard and one very rusty robot on a great, big, heart-warming adventure. Jam-packed with songs from CBeebies’ Nick Cope, this show is for 3-8 year-old adventurers – and their families! Presented by Fringe First Award-winning The North Wall.”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Beyond (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 12:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s my third time in Edinburgh producing shows for The North Wall Arts Centre in Oxford. The North Wall has previously been up with new plays – ‘Brown Boys Swim’ by Karim Khan and ‘E8’ by Marika Mckennell which both won Fringe First Awards – so producing a family musical this year is an exciting new venture.

In my earlier years I’d produced work for a company called Iron Shoes: ‘Mad About the Boy’ by Gbolahan Obisesan and ‘Crush’ by Paul Charlton – and before that I’d been up with a group from my (Royal Holloway) university days called Theatre Trash. So I’m accustomed to working on a range of budgets, flyering in the rain, and getting stuck in.

It’s such an amazing festival for new work – you can see so much in a short space of time, and it’s a great environment to connect with other artists and new audiences.

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

I was up in 2022 producing a show, and then last year I was just up for a few days as an audience member, which was very lovely, and much less stressful! The lessons I’ve taken forward this year are about booking accommodation as early as possible; embracing the importance and usefulness of previews; and also trying to keep a sense of perspective on the whole thing. There’s a temptation to do so much and to keep pushing through, but – especially if you’re working on a show – it’s important to pace yourself, look after your health and to get at least a bit of sleep. You can look after others (and a show) better when you’re not burnt out yourself.

Tell us about your show.

Rosie and Hugh’s Great Big Adventure is a fun and engaging family musical for 3-8 year olds and their families, based on the music and songs of Nick Cope (CBeebies), with book by Victoria Saxton and design by James Button. The music is fantastic and it’s a wonderful story about a little girl called Rosie and her best friend Hugh the Hedgehog who go on an adventure to make it the last day of the summer holidays forever. The show looks at themes of courage, kindness and hope, as well as family and friendship. It’s produced by The North Wall which is an arts centre in Oxford. We’re previewing in Oxford before heading to Edinburgh 31st July – 18th Aug, and then we’ll be transferring to Soho Theatre for a week.

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

Different age range, but I’m looking forward to seeing ‘Tending’ by El Blackwood, directed by John Livesey which is about nurses working on the frontline. And ‘I really do think this will change your life’ by Emma Louise-Howell, directed by Hetty Hodgson – a new piece about what it means to be a ‘Girl Boss’. John and Hetty are both ArtsLab alumni, which is the programme we run at The North Wall for early-career artists. They are both fantastic creatives who care deeply about collaboration and new work.

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EdFringe Talk: Sameer Katz: Whether Conditions

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“I know a lot of performers find the month stressful and I can see why but I’ve never had that experience. It’s just so much fun and it’s a million times better than a real job.”

WHO: Sameer Katz

WHAT: “Sameer’s gotten to the age where everyone who says they love him seem to want something in return. Money, babies, his unending devotion! What happened to unconditional love? A Cambridge PhD dropout, Sameer uses his keen observational talent to poke fun at family, friendship and relationships. Sameer has performed across the UK, America and the world. ‘A laugh-packed way to spend an hour’ (Scotsman). ‘A Seinfeld-Lite line in relatable observational comedy’ (Chortle.co.uk). **** (Deadline.com). Two jokes featured in the Times as part of (a guy called) Dave Top 10 Jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe 2021.”

WHERE: Laughing Horse @ The Counting House – The Attic (Venue 170) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my eighth time putting on a show for the full run of the Fringe. The Edfringe is my favorite month of the year and it has been every year since I’ve attended. First of all, I love performing stand-up comedy and there is no other opportunity to perform so much. In addition to my show every day, there are loads of opportunities to jump on showcases, compilations, etc. and perform until I lose my voice. I know a lot of performers find the month stressful and I can see why but I’ve never had that experience. It’s just so much fun and it’s a million times better than a real job. I’ve always performed so I’ve never been just a punter but I see as many shows as I can and it’s such a thrill to see how funny, creative, bizarre and talented so many people are. It’s amazing that the whole town turns into a party. Every pub, stage, closet, attic becomes a performance space and its, okay yes a little crowded but otherwise perfect.

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

In 2023 I learned how to do taxes. Like, professionally. What a year. I’ve also learned that I can’t make everyone happy. Is that somehow more boring an answer than “taxes”? Maybe but I’ve learned that it’s almost like I can’t make anyone happy. It’s not license to be selfish but just to understand that everyone has their own wants and if they don’t align with mine, that’s okay and I shouldn’t bend over backwards to try and fix it. I know my answer is the equivalent of “I care too much” or “I try too hard” but it’s a problem!

Tell us about your show.

My show, Sameer Katz: Whether Conditions, is a solo stand-up show, written and produced by me. It’s about what I said above, being unable to make anyone happy. Specifically, it’s about how conditional love is; whether its friends, partners, family, everyone has expectations. And I’m not saying that’s a bad thing! It would be crazy if someone loved you no matter what! What if you squeezed toothpaste from the middle of the tube?! It’s full of jokes that deal with every day realities but also about a lot of personal things. What it’s like not wanting to have kids, growing up with Indian parents in America and how our values are worlds apart. I even talk about doing a PhD in economic history at Cambridge and if your eyes glazed over reading that, that was basically my experience for five years. The show will premiere in Edinburgh and I hope to take it to New York City and Los Angeles and anywhere else that’ll have me.

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

Despite being a stand-up, my favorite shows are really bizarre, weird clown shows. Not red nose, big shoes clown, but the type of comedy that is so strange you have no idea what’s going on. It’s hilarious. In that vein, Joz Norris, Elf Lyons, and Marny Godden are all fantastic. Mat Ewins is a must see and the Duncan Brothers always leave me in hysterics. I also like circus. Not the ones with animals, more acrobatics. Circolombia is company I’ve loved and am excited to see they are putting on a new show.

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EdFringe Talk: Glitch

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“There are always going to be noises from other shows, so don’t expect complete silence during your show.”

WHO: Edith Alibec

WHAT: “10-year high school reunion. Lost dreams. Lost friends. Lost your shit when you reunited with the one. Things should have been better. But life seems to have encountered a glitch. Where do you go from here?”

WHERE: Assembly George Square – The Crate (Venue 8) 

WHEN: 13:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s my second time in Edinburgh and my second EdFringe. By the end of the last one, I was sure I wanted to return with a reworked version of the same show I presented last year. I felt like having been through the experience once, I now knew how to handle it properly; I knew what I needed to do, so to speak, the second time around. From an artistic standpoint, I also wanted to make some changes to the script and try different things.

The moment the idea of returning came to mind, I was determined to make it happen. I loved EdFringe primarily because there are so many artists developing their shows from scratch and coming there to present them to an audience (hopefully). It feels like a big gamble, a significant risk you take, to see if people enjoy or appreciate your show and choose to spread the word. And anyone can do it.

Of course, I realised it’s not just about that; your marketing budget and network also play crucial roles in making things happen—areas where I don’t excel—but let’s see.

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

1. Expect 0-3 people in the room at the beginning.

2. There are always going to be noises from other shows, so don’t expect complete silence during your show.

3. Flyering and good PR are crucial – you can skip the rest.

Tell us about your show.

So. The first version of the show “Tea and Milk” premiered at last year’s Fringe.
I wanted to rework some stuff – I guess around 60% of the script so here we are with the second version called “Glitch”

I actually like this thing of a piece work that continues to change and develop.
We are going to do it in German!! At Volksbuehne Berlin (Berlin’s biggest theatre) Gruener Salon at the beginning of November so that’s quite exciting.

Let’s see what other opportunities present themselves.

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

There are so many amazing shows, but right now I’m most excited to see Miss Clementine by Rosalie Minnitt at Underbelly, Best Man Show by Mark Vigeant at Zoo Venues, Princess Syndrome at Just The Tonic Cabaret Voltaire (they’re not on Twitter, but are on instagram at @OtterLeeMoy) and The Funny Thing about a Panic attack at Zoo Playground (also not on Twitter, but on instagram @bkassoy).

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EdFringe Talk: Night Train

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“We cannot wait to immerse ourselves in the world of Fringe and experience all the new, devised and DIY theatre on offer – as well as share our own!”

WHO: Oliver Ellard

WHAT: “Tellus Theatre presents Night Train, an exciting physical-theatre production. This philosophical comedy revolves around Maia, who wakes at the rear of a mysterious train and befriends a chorus of merry morons. But journeying through countless carriages, curious characters, and confusing signage, Maia and her unruly troupe seek answers to questions like: Who’s driving? How do we get off this train? And most importantly… What is the true magic in a sandwich? Exploring this strange world through slapstick comedy, puppetry and occasional tumultuous chaos, this show is a must-see for anyone who adores or abhors trains!”

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

WHEN: 12:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Night Train is Tellus’ first production and Edinburgh is our first fringe. So we are doubly excited to be here and share with you what we’ve been working on this past year. When we committed to working together and developing Night Train in the Autumn of 2023 we wanted to make our first step a big one, and no step, for us, could be bigger than Edinburgh. Throughout our training together we spent a lot of time devising original theatre from the ground up, facilitating every aspect of the show from script, to tech, music and choreo. We deepened our love for the process of creating and performing original theatre as well as watching other performances created by our peers. I believe this is why we are all so excited to experience Fringe for the first time, some of us have had the privilege to visit Edinburgh during Fringe time in previous years and others, such as myself, have never been able to make the trip up there. We cannot wait to immerse ourselves in the world of Fringe and experience all the new, devised and DIY theatre on offer – as well as share our own!

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

The process of creating and producing Night Train has been one huge learning experience for all of us at Tellus. When we embarked on this journey as a fledgling company I’m not sure a single one of us had any idea what it would take to get our show over the line. Looking back to September, when we started, I think we were overly ambitious, overly confident and unaware of what we were getting ourselves into. However, sitting here now, I think that the major lesson I have learned is aim high and be overly ambitious! If you shoot for the stars you might only make it to the moon, but if you only ever aim for the moon you can never make it higher than that.

Beyond growing as performers and creatives, we’ve had fundraising, planning, company administration and all the other elements required to run a theatre company. I know for a fact that the challenges we’ve encountered on the road to Edinburgh have really helped us bridge the gap from being students to professionals. Every setback is a learning opportunity and lord knows we will face countless ‘learning opportunities’ when we have boots on the ground in Scotland!

Tell us about your show.

Our show Night Train only began to see the light of day when Tellus formed as a company, before then it had been my personal writing passion project. Tellus really formed on a basis of mutual admiration and respect, very much a “I like your art, you like my art, we should make art together!” moment, giving birth to Tellus as it stands today. After an initial exploratory period where we investigated what kind of theatre we wanted to make and our values we began searching for our debut show. Some members of the company were already aware of Night Train and pushed me to pitch to the gang, the rest, so to speak, is history.

Night Train is truly a quarter life crisis show, exploring the rapidly changing world young people are being raised in and what it means to be successful in this age. The play also deals with other themes like death, acceptance and grief (I promise it really is a comedy, or at least I hope it is because we did try to make it funny). The writing process for me was extremely cathartic and I hope some of the perspectives shared in the show will bring comfort and joy to audience members as they have to me. We are so proud to be debuting at TheSpace in Edinburgh this year, and for anyone who can’t make it we also have a date on the 20th of August at the Camden Fringe!

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

As East15 graduates we would highly recommend anyone at the festival to see all of the other unbelievably talented performers and creators to come out of Southend! If you want to learn more about the queer dating scene in Edinburgh look no further than the hilarious Three Bed No Living Room produced by our friends Laldie Theatre! For any football fans out there check out Off The Bench, inspired by the Lioness’ World Cup campaign and made by PIAP Theatre. I also must recommend A Brief Case of Crazy, which I was lucky enough to see a scratch version of before they graduated, an awesome and imaginative physical comedy put on by Skedaddle Theatre! Other productions we have been lucky enough to encounter on the road to fringe are Good Boy by James Farley (also on at TheSpace!) and Galentines Day from Ruckus Theatre Company, both of which are telling interesting and important stories deserving of your support!

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EdFringe Talk: Julie Flower: Grandma’s Shop

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“Edfringe…it’s hugely inspiring, thought-provoking and sometimes exhausting!”

WHO: Julie Flower

WHAT: “Clothes. Cats. Counter-culture. Sheffield. 1989. Loveable, eccentric septuagenarian, Hilda, has run a second-hand clothes shop for decades. She does it to make money to feed 30 stray cats. One day, a journalist from the Guardian walks in… Join Hilda’s granddaughter for a solo show about family history subverting expectations. Step inside Hilda’s shop, a nostalgic world of old carrier bags, pools coupons and vintage clothes… presided over by an unlikely punk icon. Julie Flower presents a multi-character comedy drama about love, memories and the stories our clothes have to tell.”

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

WHEN: 12:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve performed at Edinburgh four times before, in improv shows and new theatre writing. What’s different this year is that I’m making the leap from the safety of the ensemble to the exposure of a solo theatre show! I just love the variety and openness of Edfringe…it’s hugely inspiring, thought-provoking and sometimes exhausting!

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

Make a clear separation between writing/the creative side, and the managerial/admin side. The latter can easily subsume the former…and there will always be more paperwork to do! I’ve made moderate progress on this one!

Pace yourself! I’ve promised myself I won’t pre-book more than two shows a day, so I don’t get too exhausted and have space for new recommendations and spontaneity…but there is already so much I want to see!

Tell us about your show.

Grandma’s Shop is a solo show all about my real-life grandma, Hilda Flower, who was an eccentric, cat-loving shopkeeper, who ran a second-hand clothes shop in Sheffield for over 30 years. It follows me as I research her, in a lively family history group, and as I delve into my childhood memories of helping her. She was a woman in her 70s who was in her prime…and an unlikely punk hero! I wrote the show, with the support of professional dramaturg and director, Sarah Chew. I’m loving the multi-character work, time-hops and, of course, the vintage clothes! I did three previews before Edinburgh and I intend to take it to further arts festivals in the autumn and, of course, to Sheffield.

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

Fred Deakin is returning to Edfringe with Club Life, his extraordinary Fringe First-winning immersive show, which blends theatre, storytelling and clubbing! I went twice last year and can’t wait for more of this funny, moving and life-affirming show.

New-writing ensemble Orange Works returns to Edfringe with Ghost Light, an atmospheric show based around the notorious London Ghost Club in 1865. Ian Tucker-Bell’s writing is always powerful and the staging always innovative.

Both shows are on at theSpace.

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EdFringe Talk: My Brain is Soup, Your Hands Are the Spoons

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“My highlight? The show where you could hear the snores of 2 sleeping French bulldogs in between laughs.”

WHO: Chris East

WHAT: “An absurdist character-comedy show from a helpless clown. Chris East’s brain is overflowing, like a chunky idea soup filled with unformed thoughts, bizarre plots, plans, ambitions, celery and characters, so many characters. Expect ‘something weirder and more surreal with glittering flashes of comic gold’ (TheSpyInTheStalls.com). ‘With hearty and well-versed humour, East prompted a roaring response’ (The Student Newspaper). A Soho Theatre Labs alumni, as seen on SkyTV, Disney+ and Reading and Leeds Festival. Fresh off sell-out shows at Camden Fringe and Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022.”

WHERE: Hoots @ Potterrow – Wee Yurt (Venue 243) 

WHEN: 13:55 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, in fact 20 years ago I wrote a play with the intention of bringing it to Fringe. A twohander comedy, it wasn’t very good, but we got as far as rehearsals and visiting Edinburgh to see venues. It all fell apart when my partner in the production got a job slinging popcorn in a branch of Odeon cinema, where he met a new girlfriend, and didn’t have time for our not-very-good play.

Since then I’ve done a bunch of improv shows, and 2 years ago myself and Ben Goldsmith (whose 2024 show CrimeLandTown is a very firm RECOMMEND from me) put together a character comedy variety show in an abandoned Ladbrokes on the Royal Mile. Clad in red jumpsuits we had an absolute ball accosting (flyering?) strangers on the Mile, eventually finding our niche upon realising that ours was one of the few Fringe venues that would allow dogs in. My highlight? The show where you could hear the snores of 2 sleeping French bulldogs in between laughs.

Fringe is like summercamp for comedy and theatre weirdos. You either go as an audience member and binge on all the performance treats you can handle, or you go as a performer and work your butt off getting better at what you love. I’m older now, and this is my first solo show and I can’t wait to stretch out those muscles.

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

This past year has been spent trying to hone in on what my comedic voice and persona is. I’m particularly attracted to performers with a unique take, and performances that feel like they could only come from that one person. I think I’m going some way toward achieving that.

But I also love when things feel like they could fall apart at any minute. Two of my favourite shows from last year, Furiozo and The Banana Brothers, felt very much like performers pushing at the edges of what the could do and what they could come up with, and bringing the audience along on a ride that felt truly unpredictable. And again, I’m reaching to achieve something similar in ambition, if not a complete match in style.

Tell us about your show.

I am 100% self producing MY BRAIN IS SOUP, YOUR HANDS ARE THE SPOONS. Writing, directing, sound design, picking out costume and props, cleaning up – that’s all me. Someone else is driving the car so I can get there, but other than that I’m a self made man.

I’ve been on a long work-in-progress road. My first hour long iteration of the show was staged in the backroom of my brother’s tabletop gaming shop in Northampton in February (shout out to Kingdom Gaming Northampton for all your nerdy pokemon needs). But since then there was a very fun run at Brighton Fringe, a less fun stop at Watford Fringe (where I was told “don’t give up your dayjob” by 50% of the 2 person audience).

Beyond Fringe? Who knows? Nottingham Comedy Festival in October, then the world.

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

I’m really excited to get to see and share work by so many friends and performers I love. Beyond the aforementioned Ben Goldsmith and his show CrimeLandTown, everyone interested in character comedy should check in with my pals Mike Kunze, Nerine Skinner, Lil Wenker, Katie Davison. Claire Parry is one of my favourite people to watch. Shiny Things (by Aram Balakjian and Alexy Walexy) is a bonkers hybrid improv/character/clown show on every night (which I may appear in from time to time). If you like fast cars (that are very small) Hot Rubber is going to be the show for you.

Then all the things that’ll be sure fire smash hits that I already love? Andrew Doherty (spooky little freak), Rosalie Minnitt (of Chesington World of Adventures), Patti Harrison (truly the most insane show), Lorna Rose Treen (an unstoppable force), John Luke Roberts (performing everything he’s ever written), Stamptown and Zach Zucker (because it’s Stamptown and Zach Zucker), and our Lord and Saviour Mr Chonkers (as portrayed by John Norris)

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EdFringe Talk: Sarah Roberts: Silkworm

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“EdFringe is great because it really teaches you to roll with the punches.”

WHO: Sarah Roberts

WHAT: “An adorable debut from the world’s youngest, smallest, most normal comedian. Sarah Roberts has been condemned to live a thousand lives. She was Henry VIII in her previous life, ate her twin in the womb (not an accident), and most recently got facial reconstructive surgery. Now she’s being reborn as the person she hates most: herself. Directed by Daniel Emery and Molly Stacey. ‘Phenomenal new talent, destined for stardom’ (Catherine Bohart). ‘Remarkable’ (ThreeWeeks). ‘Certified hottie’ **** (TheSpyintheStalls.com). ‘Utterly self-absorbed’ (Chortle.co.uk). BBC Comedy Award nominee, Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year runner-up, level 9461 on Candy Crush.”

WHERE: Assembly George Square – The Box (Venue 8) 

WHEN: 22:35 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I came up for the first time in 2022 with my friend Kiran Saggu. We did a split bill together at Just the Tonic, called Cake, and we started every show by giving a cake to the audience member with the worst reason to celebrate. We got so many good contenders; someone snogged a clown and caught a stomach bug from them, lots of people had just been dumped.

Edinburgh Fringe is great because it really teaches you to roll with the punches. And the audiences are really special (even when they’re small). One night in 2022 we only got two girls in, and you know what? It was the best show we had. We all ended up becoming lifelong friends.

I returned to the Fringe last year to do a limited run of my work in progress show ‘Worm in Progress’ at midday. It was great because there was no pressure, and I had the whole afternoon and evening to see all my friends’ gorgeous shows. I’m trying to turn my nerves into excitement this year because it’s my debut so the stakes are a lot higher.

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

Mainly I’ve had lots of lessons in rejection. I’ve learned a lot!! Hopefully teachings I won’t need to use when I receive reviews this year (fingers crossed). I think I’ve also learned how difficult it is to write a show. Especially a personal one. So much of it is getting on stage, telling a story, and knowing immediately whether it feels icky or not. I’ve learned a lot about not giving too much of myself away.

The other thing I’ve learned is when in doubt, do tarot. Paulina Lenoir lives by the tarot and she’s passed it onto me. I’ve been doing tarot every night in the lead up to Fringe because it makes me feel in control of my destiny. Much more important than writing actually!

Tell us about your show.

It’s called Silkworm! And it’s a stand-up comedy show with some flourishes. I wrote it, and Daniel Emery and Molly Stacey are directing it. They’re amazing. The show interrogates my sense of self, and it’s kind of an anti-identity show, in that it’s about finding out who I’m not, instead of who I am. The show is centered around the double jaw surgery I got when I was 21 to “correct” a “facial deformity”, it reflects on that experience. And others, like finding out I was queer, finding out I wasn’t Native American, and realizing I’ve been perfect all along. It’s gross, dark, absurd, and very much for the girls.

It’s being produced by Bighead, which is run by Charlie Ralph. He’s the best, and he’s addicted to admin and freak women in comedy, which is exactly what you want in a producer. I’m so excited about his whole roster; Bebe Cave, Rosalie Minnitt, Paulina Lenoir. They are all incredible and I keep pinching myself that I’m going up with them.

This will be Silkworm’s grand debut (and mine)! I’m so excited for people to see the show, and I’d love to take it on the road after Edinburgh. I particularly love performing in Manchester, Bristol, and Brighton, so it would be a dream to take it there.

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

Omg so many I’m scared about how I’m gonna fit them all in. Kiran Saggu, Bella Hull, Bebe Cave, Katie Norris and Paulina Lenoir all have incredible shows that I’ve seen multiple times. I love them all. Andrew Doherty’s Gay Witch Sex Cult is unbelievably good, everyone must see it. Also, Joe Kent-Walters I haven’t seen yet but I’m so excited for. I love everything Olga Koch does, and Chelsea Birkby. Rosalie Minnitt is coming back with Clementine and that is just absolutely perfect (I’ve seen it 3 times). Also John Tothill wow. There are also just so many great debuts, from Will Owen, Dee Allum, Amy Mason, Kemah Bob, Alfie Packham, Freya Mallard, Rich Spalding. Fringe is overflowing with incredible shows. Is this too much? I could go on forever.

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