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: Furious

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“’ve only been here a few days but I’m already learning things at a rapid speed.”

WHO: Emily Fury Daly

WHAT: “Zany, fast-paced and poignant, Furious is a wildly honest and hilarious roller-coaster ride of a solo show. Emily Fury Daly weaves together her experiences as a Special Education student in a broken system, a Planned Parenthood Volunteer during the devastating overturning of Roe V Wade, and her own recovery from alcohol addiction in a global pandemic. EFD is your hostess, your clown, and your confidant for a raw and exciting evening exploring Emily’s generational female Fury. Come and get Furious!”

WHERE: Greenside @ Infirmary Street – Sprout Studio (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 17:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! This is my first time! Though, it’s been a long time coming. I’ve been dreaming about coming to the Fringe ever since I was in drama school. As soon as I heard it was a thing, I was like, “wow, I need to do that.” I just love the celebration of everything weird and wonderful. The whole idea of everyone deserving a space to tell their stories is inspiring. Even the chaos is electrifying! It’s just a really special place.

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

I’ve only been here a few days but I’m already learning things at a rapid speed. I guess the most recent one would be regarding flyering – I’ve started viewing it as an extension of my performance in itself instead of something I “have” to do. It’s an opportunity to connect with people and to show myself completely and unapologetically. I’m proud of my work and my show and it’s important that that is reflected in how I speak to folks on the street. So, yes, I’m learning confidence is KEY!

Tell us about your show.

My solo show is called Furious. Topics include but are not limited to my experiences as a kid in the American Special Education system, volunteering at Planned Parenthood, my recovery from alcohol addiction, and generational female FURY! I drew a lot of inspiration from the incredible women in my family – the Fury women. I wrote it and workshopped quite a bit of it while doing stand up comedy in NYC. Furious has had performances at three different venues in NYC. After Fringe, I want to continue taking it around! Perhaps a cross country tour in America? Who knows! The possibilities are endless, but I’m mostly
excited to see it grow and change during its run here at Fringe.

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

There are SO many powerful female performers here at the Fringe this year, it’s been awesome
to see. Directly after my show (in the same venue, even!) is another solo show by a fearless young woman that is already getting great buzz. It’s called “The Wake Of Ur Problematic Fave: Prty Grl” by Claire Tumey. Vulnerable, raucous. Check it out!

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EdFringe Talk: After Shakespeare

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I’ve learned the value of putting yourself out there – you never know what might happen, or who you’ll meet.”

WHO: Lexi Wolfe

WHAT: “What happens to Shakespeare’s best-loved heroes and most reviled villains after the curtain falls? Come and join a host of familiar Shakespearean characters as they reflect back on their lives: including Lady Macbeth, Portia, Hamlet and King Hal (Henry V). Lexi Wolfe weaves together Shakespeare’s words, historical research, and her own dramatic spark, as she transforms into four distinct characters, to follow their onward journeys. Winner of Best Actress, Buxton Fringe 2021. ‘Lexi Wolfe is a formidable actor’ (Buxton Fringe).”

WHERE: theSpaceTriplex – Studio (Venue 38) 

WHEN: 16:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

As a company, yes. I performed here fresh out of training with The Yellow Wallpaper back in the Dark Ages (or so it seems) but this is the first time we’ve brought one of my own one woman shows to the Edfringe. It’s been somewhat of a goal for us to get it here, and it’s my co-creator Andrew’s first time EVER at the Fringe, so exposing him to the wealth of talent this place always has on offer has been something of a treat for me!

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

Oh cripes. Having fibromyalgia – an invisible illness – you need to learn to both pace yourself as well as give yourself a goal to strive towards. That’s the main thing I’ve learned. Also the value of putting yourself out there – you never know what might happen, or who you’ll meet.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote After Shakespeare during Lockdown as one of those Always Meant To projects. I took it to the Buxton Fringe two years ago and managed to get Best Female Actor that year!

I’ve done a number of one woman shows before, so it is as intended. Andrew has been amazing at sorting everything out for me to just have to learn the show and perform every day. We’ve been working together for over six years on the aforementioned shows. After this, we’ll likely be seeing if we can set something of a tour up, as it is doing better than even I hoped!

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

In the same venue is the Standard Short Long Drop – at the moment, the best thing I’ve seen at the Fringe this year. Can also recommend The Mitford Sisters, and Edmund Dehn’s performance in Lear Alone (right before us, and supported by Crisis) is just stunning!

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EdFringe Talk: Death Suits You

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I am thrilled to be THIS overwhelmed.”

WHO: Sam Hooper

WHAT: “Show of the Week Winner VAULT Festival 2023. We all feel underappreciated at work, and Death is no exception. Death (personified) puts a lot of work into the way we die, and never gets the credit he deserves. Across an hour, Death takes us through the artistry involved in ensuring that each and every one of us meets our maker. This musical black-comedy shows the lighter side of the inevitable. Death Suits You features an original book, lyrics and score by Sam Hooper and Robert Tripolino. Directed by Gabrielle Scawthorn.”

WHERE: Bedlam Theatre – Bedlam Theatre (Venue 49) 

WHEN: 18:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

First time, and thrilled to be THIS overwhelmed.

I think the best part of a festival is how open everyone is to seeing different kinds of work.
I’ve seen shows here that I think I would have labelled “not for me” if I were back in my regular life (Which is perhaps also a sign that I should be more open minded..)

Halfway through and I’ve seen 21 other shows on top of performing my own every day. It’s theatre saturation at it’s absolute BEST!

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

2022 taught me that (much to my annoyance) networking is valuable and required in the arts. Which is necessarily not a bad thing – but in 2022 I viewed it as a bad thing.

Being here and seeing people’s shows, catching up for drinks with friends and meeting new people, I’ve found the golden ticket for networking, and the part I really love: Recommending other poeple’s shows. I know fringe is about self promotion, but I find it much easier to gush about a brilliant show I’ve seen (especially if they’re a friend) and I think it’s a much better tool at the fringe.

Ruben Kaye does a fantastic thing at his show (The Kaye Hole) where after celebrating the 6 acts he has in that night, he then turns to the audience to promote several audience members shows.

So my lesson is – Network on behalf of your friends, because it’s easier. Hopefully they’ll do the same!

Tell us about your show.

My show started 13 years ago as a quick 15 minute university project! I was always very fascinated with Death, and my family joked a lot about morbid things. So I guess that writing a show on the topic was a natural evolution. Making a story with Death (personified) as a somewhat socially awkward public servant who is frustrated we don’t appreciate him can have some tricky moments. How do we make him likeable when he’s making certain comments, or talking about specific deaths? Everyone is going to have some kind of trigger or strong association with it, so it’s unavoidable. I think (or hope) we arrived at a place that walks the line without crossing it.

It’s taken 13 years and 4 iterations (and lots of material on the cutting room floor) for it to get to this point. Our most recent (VAULT festival 2023) we were lucky enough to win show of the week, which blew our minds a bit! The company is a mix of Aussie and UK artists. The director (Gab Scawthorn) and I have known each other for about twelve years now, and worked on this show together for the last four.

Currently we have no (concrete) plans to take the show further. We have a few pipe dream ideas for the show’s development but we’ll see how they go…

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

BILLS 44th. GO! It’s BRILLIANT!
I love a show that takes a concept and evolves it throughout the piece. Bill’s 44th does so in SUCH a clever way, and with incredibly varied moments that all contribute to the larger narrative. The entire piece felt so detailed and thought out. Comedic and poignant.

Lou Wall vs The Internet
Lou has written brilliant millennial chaos. The show is ultimately about instagram jealousy, but does so in many clever segments and references. Looking at the twisted logic behind “beating” jealousy, and wraps it up with a clever and satisfying ending.

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EdFringe Talk: Asexuality!

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“Identifying as an asexual man was something I had struggled with for a long time, but that identity was completely unacceptable in the heteronormative world I lived in.”

WHO: Rebecca McGlynn

WHAT: “What does it mean to be a man in the 21st century? How does toxic masculinity affect those of us assigned male at birth? What’s so great about sex, and why won’t people shut up about it for two goddamn seconds and just let me play my video games in peace?! Written and performed by transgender artist Rebecca McGlynn, Asexuality! is an autobiographical musical comedy about Rebecca’s pre-transition life. The story follows Robert, an asexual man navigating a hypersexual world. Through music and comedy, he explores sex, romance, love, loss… and, eventually, her true gender identity.”

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

WHEN: 23:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes it is! I’ve spent a lot of time at the Hollywood Fringe Festival over the last few years as a writer and performer, but nothing compares to the Edinburgh Fringe! It’s been a dream of mine to bring a show here for years, and now it’s finally happening!

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

A lot of the learning process is still happening for me. Performing a one-woman musical every night for a month is a lot to manage. (I’m also running tech for two other shows.) Some days I want to go out and be as extroverted as I can–handing out flyers, going to see other artists’ shows, or networking at meetups. Other days I want to stay in with a cup of tea and meditate or chill out with a podcast. There’s a delicate balance between productivity and self-care, and I’m doing my best to maintain both. (This is a good lesson to learn in the rest of my life, too, but it’s especially relevant at the Fringe!)

Tell us about your show.

I started writing “Asexuality!” in 2017, right around when the #MeToo movement exploded. I realized firsthand at that time that male victims of sexual assault were (in certain circles) excluded from the conversation. As I reflected on my own life, I remembered all the times I had been silenced from speaking up–not just about my sexual assaults, but lots of times. I knew I wanted to write a show about my life, focusing on how toxic masculinity hurts people of ALL genders.

Over the next couple of years, I wrote this script. Identifying as an asexual man was something I had struggled with for a long time, but that identity was completely unacceptable in the heteronormative world I lived in. As many writers do, I masked the pain and the emotional triggers with comedy, which led to a very fun balance of hilarity and sincerity.

In April of 2020, my marriage completely fell apart, due in no small part to the fact that I was a closeted transgender woman. It took my wife leaving me to make me accept this new identity, which left more questions than answers. The show became not only about ace identity and toxic masculinity, but also about transgender issues and the relevance (or irrelevance) of labels.

It’s a very fun show. Ines Wurth is my producer in Edinburgh, and Jessica Lynn Johnson is my development producer in Los Angeles.

In addition to being a writer, singer and actor, I’m also a cinematographer and editor in the film industry. (I was even nominated for an Emmy in photojournalism.) My show prominently features three “inner voice” characters who only ever appear on video projections. This gives me the opportunity to interact with them on stage, and even sing in four-part harmonies with myself!

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

I highly recommend Ines Wurth’s other three solo shows. “Hollywoodn’t” by Lisa Verlo is her powerful #MeToo story with a famous film director in the 1980’s. “Breakup Addict” by Paige Wilhide is a transformational story about her struggles with love addiction. “Temporarily Yours” by Greta Zamparini is a show that delves into the stories of sex workers.

In addition, my boyfriend Laser Webber has an incredible show called “A Shark Ate My Penis: A History of Boys Like Me.” It’s a laugh-a-minute journey through his life and struggles with transmasculine gender identity, but also weaves an educational thread about trans men through history, proving that trans people aren’t new. We’ve always been here.

“Two Cats on a Date” by Griffin Kelly is one of the best and funniest pieces of solo theatre I’ve ever seen. (And I’ve seen a lot.) Her impression of two cats on a date goes wildly off the rails and honestly I don’t want to give too much away. It’s incredible.

Also I just saw “I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical” which is a must-see comedy cabaret-style musical for any fans of musical theatre. It’s all original music about the performers and audiences that love big Broadway and West End shows, expertly written and flawlessly performed.

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EdFringe Talk: Mother Mama Mommy

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“If you have a mother, you get it.”

WHO: Victoria Cook & Jane Bruce

WHAT: “A heartfelt, humorous investigation into the things mothers pass onto their daughters – for better or worse. The play is tender, raw, and cry-till-you-laugh funny. Starring Broadway’s Jane Bruce (Jagged Little Pill) and Victoria Cook (Into the Woods), ‘one of the most unique sounding voices ever!’ (BroadwayWorld.com). With a striking original score by Bruce, whose ‘lyrical leaning and folk guitar style call to mind Joni Mitchell and Shawn Colvin’ (Holler.Country). If you have a mother, you get it.”

WHERE: Greenside @ Infirmary Street – Mint Studio (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 11:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Victoria: This is my 4th Fringe! I came the first time when I was 16, and Edinburgh and the festival immediately cast their spell on me. This is my first Fringe producing my own work, so it sort of feels like my first.

Jane: I’ve come before to experience the festival, but this is my first time taking part! It’s wild!

Victoria: We’re both really loving how the Festival and Greenside have embraced us.

Jane: Especially as first-time producers!

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

Victoria: I would say – trusting your gut. Just really listening to yourself.

Jane: Good one! Yes. Learning to trust my own instincts.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a heartfelt, humorous investigation into the things mothers pass onto their daughters – for better or worse. Tender, raw, funny, and driven by a striking original alternative-folk score.

If you have a mother, you get it.

With a striking original score by Broadway’s Jane Bruce (Jagged Little Pill), whose ‘lyrical leaning and folk guitar style call to mind Joni Mitchell and Shawn Colvin’ (Holler), the show stars Bruce and Victoria Cook (Into the Woods), with ‘one of the most unique sounding voices ever’ (BroadwayWorld).

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

“Nan, Me and Barbara Pravi” was a fantastic one-woman show – honest and fun, and unexpected!

“A Mountain for Elodie” by Benjamin Scheuer is one of our top picks! We can’t wait to hear his new music after seeing “The Lion” in New York.

“Dark Noon” looks really special!

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EdFringe Talk: The Jive Aces

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“There is nothing like walking up the Royal Mile being given flyers by everything from Shakespearian characters to vikings or animals and seeing every possible room or building turned into a venue for artistic creation.”

WHO: Ian Clarkson: Singer, trumpet player, ukulele player and band leader

WHAT: “Get ready to swing with the UK’s No1 jive and swing band, The Jive Aces! Semi-finalists on Britain’s Got Talent, a Royal Albert Hall sell out and a viral YouTube video, the band has performed for the Queen and celebrities like John Travolta, Priscilla Presley and Van Morrison. They take you on a musical journey from the roots of Elvis to sizzling swing classics, hot jazz to rockin’ R&B. An energetic and entertaining show that will lift your spirits! With their infectious music, dazzling musicianship and yellow vintage-style suits, they have won fans all over the world!”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Debating Hall (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 14:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have lost count how many times we have actually performed in Edinburgh, or at the Fringe but it definitely isn’t the first.

I have personally always loved the EdFringe since our first visit because I love art and performance in general and the performers of all kinds which adorn every street and corner of Edinburgh at this time. I always tell people wherever we are in the world to visit Edinburgh and particularly in August to catch the acts and atmosphere of the Fringe. There is nothing like walking up the Royal Mile being given flyers by everything from Shakespearian characters to vikings or animals and seeing every possible room or building turned into a venue for artistic creation and as a performer you end up talking to and/or performing to, more people when you are promoting than usually at your actual show, but it is all part of the spirit of the festival. Just as it is a sort of leveller in that whether unknown or famous you have to get out and promote your show.

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

What have I learned since 2022? Hmm well when we came to the Fringe last year we had pretty much just recently “escaped” fully after the “pando” and I had really finally understood what it means to do what we do and had sort of had to analyse it in order to “get back on the bicycle and ride” again after doing mainly just a live stream for a year or two. I realised why I love it and why I love really people and a real audience and that it was like flying but as natural as breathing and that this IS what I love to do!

Unfortunately, also due to this, we had less budget and could only stay a very short time at the Fringe in 2022. Plus actually we had never done a very long run here. So after 2022 I decided we should take the plunge, take the “risk” and stay for at least two weeks. Which we are doing this year for the first time! And I know the EdFringe won’t let us, we’re having a ball!

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a culmination of the best songs and musical numbers from our forthcoming album, “Keeping The Show On The Road”, (inspired by continuing to perform despite all the obstacles due to the pandemic – I am sure all artists went through this) with added high energy showmanship of course. It features swing music, jive, some rhythm and blues and some brilliant classic vintage hit songs.

There is humour, fun, nostalgia and exhilarating competence. Inspirations include everyone from Dean Martin to Elvis Presley, Duke Ellington to Little Richard and Marilyn Monroe to Ella Fitzgerald.

There is much to watch but some space to dance should you feel the need. Some of the band met at school or just after they left school and have been playing together for years and years, adding Grazia on the accordion in the last 7 years and Noelle Vaughn more recently, since last year.

Basically the perfect recipe for an energy filled 60 minute show and I can say without a doubt it may be hard for people to just sit still in their seats!

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

What should you go and see after you have seen our show?

Well we haven’t been here long and haven’t had much time between performing or promoting since we have but I would recommend John Culshaw at the Gilded Balloon because he is simply a great impressionist /impersonator and is so incredibly talented vocally it is a joy to experience, especially in his easy going natural style.

Otherwise, I would recommend diversity and searching out and finding different and interestingly creative shows. Sometimes a great show is someone well known in a big venue and other times it is some students in a small venue doing Much Ado About Nothing Rat Pack style… It is a big art packed festival waiting to be discovered.

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EdFringe Talk: Mr & Mrs Love

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“We made our show bigger and better and brought more people on the journey.”

WHO: James Doughty

WHAT: “If music be the food of love… lets cook it! This show-stopping, heart-mending, brand new musical rom com features some of the BIGGEST songs of the West End. Join the musical duo Mr & Mrs Love as they guide you through their authentically relatable workshop discovering all things L-O-V-E. With a decade of wedded bliss behind them, the undisputed experts on love reveal the magic behind their partnership using the power of song. But, when the spotlight shines a little too brightly, will The Loves remember to take their own lessons on board…”

WHERE: Pleasance Dome – KingDome (Venue 23) 

WHEN: 21:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No – we first came to the Fringe last year, booked our venue and created our idea for the show in five minutes based on a discussion we had. My co-creator is from New Zealand and wanted to tick the Fringe off, and it has been 11 years since i last did the Fringe. The things I love about the festival are community and the sheer diversity on offer – and of course the overarching tiredness! Working the festival as a producer vs punter – last year we produced ourselves – you don’t sleep, you don’t eat properly but you definitely drink….

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

We decided to come back for more so I don’t think we learned the big lessons… but we made our show bigger and better and brought more people on the journey so it wasn’t just us looking at our show. We now have a director, choreographer and producer on top!

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a Musical Comedy Cabaret hosted by Mr and Mrs Love – the renowned experts in love. They attempt to bring their patented love workshop to the audience but it’s not as simple as that… there’s tension brewing behind the sequins and instruments. Over ten instruments, musical mashups and some original songs as well. Written by both Stephanie Marion and James Doughty, and produced by Emma Lord for Lord productions, the production premiered in London as “Live, Laugh, Love” in 2022, before coming to the Fringe for a limited run. The show also had an engagement in New York! The company came together as Mr and Mrs Love were a real life couple… James and Stephanie wrote the show about each other’s lives and experiences. Alas, their break-up one day before the start of rehearsals proved to add material and fuel to the fire… who knows where Mr and Mrs Love may end up after the Fringe? (Probably Rehab.)

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

GO and see the musical comedies and comedians. Brilliant shows like Flat and the Curves, Ada Campe, and our spacemate Myra Dubois. Wonderful shows! Chris Fung’s brilliant show and Sam Lupton’s “HOW TO BE DUMPED”.

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EdFringe Talk: Sense

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“DanceSyndrome’s ethos is that disability should never be a barrier to following your dreams.”

WHO: Sophie Tickle

WHAT: “Following the success of Orbit in 2017 and Lit aDrift in 2018, DanceSyndrome’s inclusive dance company returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to once again showcase the beauty and power of inclusive dance practice. In a Big Brother world where it’s easy to feel as though we are constantly being watched, are we ever truly seen? Sense explores humanity’s need to be seen, felt and heard.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Niddry St – Lower Theatre (Venue 9) 

WHEN: 11:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is DanceSyndrome’s third trip to the Fringe. We’re a small Lancashire based inclusive dance company made up of performers with and without learning disabilities. In 2017, we crowd-funded to bring our show “Orbit” to the Fringe as a “once in a lifetime experience.” Of course, our dancers absolutely loved performing at the biggest Arts festival in the world! The DanceSyndrome team had an amazing experience, learning lots about the performance industry, including successfully promoting their show, eventually achieving a sold-out audience! The success of the 2017 trip gave the dancers a significant confidence boost and, as a result, they fundraised again and returned in August 2018 with a bigger team and a new show “Lit aDrift” made especially for the Fringe.

During the Covid lockdowns, the one opportunity that dancers continued to say that they felt that they had really missed out on was performing in Edinburgh. Determined to make the dream of returning to the Fringe into a reality, DanceSyndrome ran a fundraising campaign in December 2022 to raise £10,000 towards the trip. It will be incredible for DanceSyndrome’s team to return to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023 and present our work after the difficulties of the last few years. People with learning disabilities were hit hardest by the impact of pandemic. Performing at the festival gives our dancers; a platform to create work about issues and themes that matter to them and present them to a wide and eclectic audience; a chance to communicate key messages about inclusion, teamwork, and achievement; and to ensure people with learning disabilities have their voices heard. They can’t wait to return with “SENse” a brand new piece which is being developed for a 2024 tour.

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

2022 was a huge year for DanceSyndrome as we finally regained a sense of normality after a prolonged closure as a result of Covid. We were fortunate to receive funding from National Lottery Community Fund which helped us to get our community dance offer back up to pre-pandemic levels. We then learned that we had been successful in our application to be an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) for 2023-26. This is enabling us to really develop our performance work and create a professional development programme for our company of dancers, whilst also encouraging us to think in greater detail about quality, sustainability and, of course, inclusion.

Tell us about your show.

DanceSyndrome is a multi-award-winning dance charity that was founded by Jen Blackwell, who has Down’s syndrome. The charity was formed because Jen found it difficult to find opportunities in dance that were accessible to people with learning disabilities. DanceSyndrome’s ethos is that disability should never be a barrier to following your dreams. All DanceSyndrome activities are disability led, with people with learning disabilities taking visible leadership roles to inspire people to see what can be achieved when we all become more inclusive.

DanceSyndrome’s performance company is made up of a collective of people with and without learning disabilities. “SENse” is co-produced in line with the ethos that having a learning disability doesn’t need to be a barrier to being a performer, choreographer and producer. During a period of research and development, the company of dancers decided on the initial concept for the show considering how people with learning disabilities often feel that they are not seen and heard by society in the same way that people without disabilities might be. The show is being produced by Sophie Tickle, DanceSyndrome’s Artistic Director, supported by DanceSyndrome’s other Dance Artists. The concept was brought to life in the rehearsal space where the rest of the team of dancers were supported to join in the creative process and development of the story in an inclusive way. The performances in Edinburgh will be the preview shows ahead of a tour of the North West of England in early 2024, which forms part of the Arts Council NPO project.

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

Of course, our team can’t wait to see some other dance shows while we’re in Edinburgh! We’re especially looking forward to Beats On Pointe which combines Street and Ballet dance – two of our favourite styles! We’ll probably catch Showstoppers: The Improvised Musical too as that was amazing last time we saw them – improv is such an incredible talent!

Last time we were in Edinburgh our whole team took part in a Silent Disco and we had so much fun doing it! We’re definitely going to do it again, and we are going to try Boogie Shoes’ Silent Disco Walking Tours as they are based out of theSpaceUK @ Niddry Street which is our venue this year too.

We’re hoping to go and see Anton Du Beke’s show too. Anton is great mates with our ambassador Giovanni Pernice and they sent us a fabulous message of support. Anton said he’d come and see us so we’ll definitely return the favour!

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‘Lost in the Woods’ (Venue 14, until AUG 28th)

Posted in *Written Interviews, 5*, EdFestivals 2023, Rated: Outstanding by

“They start low and slow, ratcheting up the excitement and enthrallment with each plot twist and unexpected turn.”

Editorial Rating: 5 Stars (Outstanding)

I wonder how many times the weight and majesty of history has turned on a sneeze. On how many occasions has the course of human events been stuffed or shuffled owing to a semi-autonomous, convulsive expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth also known as sternutation? It’s a sneeze that sets the scene for Hawk and Hill Theatre’s Arran Hawkins and Hila Meckier’s ‘Lost in the Woods’ when, as the narrator, Hawkins sends the pages of his antiquarian book of fairy tales scattering to the four winds. There’s a mixup, there’s a twist (actually there are lots of twists) and it’s Hansel and Grettle who must bring order to chaos over the course of an hour of totally engrossing children’s theatre.

We’ve come in force. Two grandparents. Three daughters. Two parents. Outside, afterwards, the adults all agree. Most live performance for kids starts loud and gets louder. Hawk and Hill Theatre are doing something far more subtle and infinitely more captivating. They start low and slow, ratcheting up the excitement and enthrallment with each plot twist and unexpected turn. The staging is simple without being simplistic. For young minds still new to theatre, the prop concepts are easy to grasp, proving that there’s laughter aplenty to be found in everyday magic.

What’s really, really clever is that for the aulder young ones the mixing up, mashing up of the stories gives them a chance to remind themselves what little cleverclogs they are. They know the story of Rapunzel! They can recognise Cinderella even out of context and with scuba goggles for a glass slipper. For the medium young ones, like Daughter 2.0 (5yrs), there’s plenty of laugh-out-loud horseplay and wordplay, easily grasped and held onto. I’ve never heard her laugh that loud and I tell brilliant jokes. This is an eyes-up, attention-grabbing show, but there are lots of those at EdFringe. What makes ‘Lost in the Woods’ so special is that it fascinates in the true, Johnsonian sense, “To bewitch; to enchant; to influence in some wicked and secret manner.” Daughter 3.0 (18 months) who we did not manage to get napping on the bus ride in, is also caught up in the magic. For a person for whom everything is new and wondrous, it’s all about pairing concepts in new and exciting ways. A banana allergy that turns Meckier into a chicken cannot help but get a toddler’s synapses busing.

In her notebook, the one with a gingerbread house by Frank Lloyd Wright on the cover, Daughter 1.0 (8yrs) wrote, “I went to lost in the woods! when I walked In I saw a stage a big sheet over some polles and an old book. They told a story of the old book whiteh had got all muddled. And they told a story of Hansel and gretel witch were trying to get back to their own story. My favorite bit was when gretel ate a banana and turned into a chicken. I realy enjoyed it.”

Here’s a production unafraid to be different even when working with ultra-familiar family favourites. Here are two performers in perfect balance and synchronicity delivering up a smorgasbord of cleverly devised theatrical tricks and super-engaging effects. Both bright children and dull adults will here discover together a true gem to be kept and treasured forever.

Come for the stories. Stay for the storytelling. Get your coats on and go see this!

>> Read the company’s #EdFringeTalk with us here! <<

 

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EdFringe Talk: Femme Natale Theatre

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“Jet lag does very strange things to your memory and as such there may be a little bit of new material tomorrow night!”

WHO: Fingal Pollock

WHAT: “Hilariously truthful – an unapologetically comic peek into the world of parenting: what comes before, during and after in this rambunctious mix of original songs and sketches from NZ actors ensemble Femme Natale. Breeders and non breeders have loved this show all over – first time at Edinburgh Festival Fringe… don’t miss the best date night or group night out this season and the best contraceptive in town!”

WHERE: Just the Tonic at The Mash House – Just the Cask Room (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 21:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s my fourth time visiting Edinburgh but my first time performing at the festival. I was going to bring another NZ show here back in 2011 – but I followed my biological clock and had babies instead. Now, the babies have grown up enough for me and my fellow actors to bring you this smash comedy hit! Edinburgh fringe holds a special place in the heart of every New Zealand artist and this city has always had a special place in my heart, too. Maybe it’s my name, maybe it’s my ancestry – I just feel really at home here.

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

We have learnt how to pack up and pack down very very quickly! We have also learnt that jet lag does very strange things to your memory and as such there may be a little bit of new material tomorrow night!

Tell us about your show.

My kids had just been sick for three days straight and I hadn’t had one single second to myself. Finally they were well enough to be taken out for a walk by someone else and the relief of being by myself was so great I sat down and wrote ‘Mother Erotica’ – an erotic poem for parents all about the joy of being on your own…

When I had toddlers it struck me how fabulously funny moments were – but if you didn’t write them down straight away you forgot about them because of the intensity of daily life! At the time I was also a clown doctor at the Wellington Hospital (which is where I met my co-actor Jeremy) and because of that job I really began to understand comedy and how it works. I met April and Tracey at another sketch comedy show – the first time I ever saw them they were dressed up as giant boobs. We started chatting backstage about writing a sketch about breastfeeding and they were on board! The first show was a huge hit and we have spent the last five years touring it around New Zealand. People love it so much we were able to crowd fund to come here just by asking our fans – we are so touched that so many people believe in us!

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

Our fabulous UK actress – Sonja Doubleday. She wholeheartedly agreed to play a giant sanitary pad from the other side of the world and we LOVE her for it! (we get a local actress for this part everywhere we go). Go and see ‘An Octopus, the Universe and Stuff” – she is a multi-award winning actress! Also our wonderfully talented colleague from NZ, Sarah Harpur performing ‘The Shit Kid’ – she was going to be in our first ever show but had to pull out because of a baby (!) and now here we are in Edinburgh together! She is great!!!

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