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: Truly Madly Baldy

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“A big thing I took away from last year’s fringe was to not be afraid to speak to strangers or fellow creatives.”

WHO: Sam Macgregor

WHAT: “Truly, Madly, Baldy is a hilarious two-hander comedy based on the brutally honest stories of people who suffer from the hair-loss condition Alopecia. Told through a surreal and whacky lens, our characters Baldy 1 and Baldy 2 encounter doctors, dates and deluded opinions on beauty standards as they come to terms with their hair loss. Strap yourself in as things are about to get hairy!”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Below (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 12:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time performing in my own show at the fringe. I was up in Edinburgh last year flyering for some other brilliant shows as well as having a very small cameo in an amazing play called Block’d Off in Pleasance Courtyard, so I’m already familiar with the vibe of the fringe. I guess I was more of a punter last year, so I didn’t really have the stress that comes with being there in a performer capacity. That was pretty relaxing and enjoyable since the fringe can get very hectic at times. I guess this year I will see the difference in experience since I will be performing nearly every day for an entire month.

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

I suppose one of them will be that, at any given time, something can go wrong. How do you react to this and help the situation? I had a few of those moments last year in terms of script issues and rejected arts council applications. Ultimately you’ve just got to get back ok the horse and keep going to be honest. It’s important to have strong and supportive friends/network, as they can help you when things aren’t going as planned. I think a big thing I took away from last year’s fringe was to not be afraid to speak to strangers or fellow creatives. We are all nervous and shy sometimes and it’s nice to speak to new people and realize that we are pretty similar in that regard. Not being cautious when it comes to flyering. People love it when you speak about your play with passion, but remember to keep it concise! Word of mouth is huge at the fringe and the more people you speak to the better.

Tell us about your show.

So this show is sort of all based on when I (the writer, performer and producer) lost my hair in late 2019 due to developing Alopecia. It was always something I knew about since my mother has had this for about 15 years. Essentially it’s real life scenarios and anecdotes played out before the audience through eulogies told at a metaphorical cremation of hair. Myself, the director and actor all have pretty busy schedules so we have not managed to preview this yet. However come Wednesday 2nd of August, you best believe we are going to give you a show, regardless of how many people come. I potentially see this being transferred to a London venue, however, as a Geordie, I really want to bring this play to a venue in Newcastle.

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

I fortunately work for the Pleasance theatre in London as a front of house duty manager, I’ve had this job since late 2019. I get to see loads of brilliant fringe shows and this year so far I’ve seen a few cracking shows that are at this summers fringe. Firstly we have 30 and Out by Kit Sinclair, I can see this doing very well and rightfully so. Secondly, Pitch, by November Theatre. Now I have not had the pleasure of seeing this show, nor has anyone as it is a brilliant new piece of theatre. Their last play, How To Build A Wax Figure was great though so I’m confident I’ll enjoy this play about queerness in football. Lastly, Public, a musical set in gender neutral toilet cubicles is going to be one to watch. This show, as well as Pitch, were both recipients of the Charlie Harthill Award (awarded by Pleasance). I managed to catch their slot during the decision process when I was at work and loved what I saw. Expect banging vocals and catchy tunes about important issues! Actually, one last one before I go, The Life Sporadic Of Jessica Wildgoose, by Voloz Theatre Collective. I caught a preview of this and its a very fun piece with slick choreography and witty dialogue.

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EdFringe Talk: All is Pink in West Berkshire County

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“We are all Fringe virgins, me, the prod team, and the cast.”

WHO: Eliza Christy

WHAT: “‘What would it take for you to eat a real-life human being?’ It’s dinner time in the Abbey stately home. The fire is crackling, champagne is fizzing – not to mention Eve Abbey has brought her new boyfriend home for the festivities. Set in the early years of a national meat ban, it is announced that meat will be back on the menu this evening and just in time for the arrival of new boyfriend, Rory… From award-winning playwright, Harry Daisley, comes a new, deliciously twisted comedy showcasing Berkshire’s finest family.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Symposium Hall – Annexe (Venue 43) 

WHEN: 17:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

We are all Fringe virgins, me, the prod team, and the cast. Which makes it all the more exciting we really are all in it together. This is actually my first time producing full stop, so a steep learning curve for me, but fringe is full of absolute professionals so I really have learned from the best.

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

In 2022 it hadn’t even crossed my mind I might go to Fringe. And now I’m in full swing of taking a show there so safe to say I’ve learned a lot. The Big things though… the things that make the most impact (on my life anyway- admittedly this is a self-indulgent answer) are always things that have been created through the medium of theatre, film, or music. So that is where I want to be. So Fringe is definitely the place to lap up all that creative gold.

Tell us about your show.

Harry Daisley wrote and directed our show. An amazing writer, but also such an all-rounder I have never met someone who fits so much into their life! A Medic Student, an athlete, a writer and a performer, constantly pushing himself into new spaces and trying new things. This is part of why his writing is the way it is, he is not afraid, and that definitely shows in his writing. A key point of inspiration for the script was the phrase ‘eat the rich’, which Harry flipped on its head to ‘eat the poor’ (the original working title of our show). From this grew a sadistic tale that showcases the worst parts of humanity.

Myself and Ellery Turgoose make up the producing team, we were connected with Harry through Aireborne Theatre who thought we would make a good team and they were right! Our production is premiering in Leeds before Edinburgh, this is where we are based so will be a friendly local audience nice and supportive for our first few shows.

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

People should definitely go see 60 Minutes of Mood Swings by OnTheNose Productions. 5 Strong female cast, brilliant humor, I think the title paints the picture pretty well of what you’re in for. Exploration of female anger, rants, joy, and expectations. A twist on the classic ugly duckling trope. I will definitely be there and so should you!

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EdFringe Talk: Lachlan Werner – Voices Of Evil

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“You have to buy the right kind of fake blood or it will get all over everything.”

WHO: Lachlan Werner

WHAT: “The horrifying debut from the award-winning poof prince of puppets. Lachy is a poof, and apparently a virgin. Brew is a small, squishy witch, and she has decided to sacrifice him. To help with his self-esteem. In this ‘must-see’ (TheReviewsHub.com) sell-out hit, ventriloquist/clown, Lachlan Werner, presents ‘the definitive queer puppet show’ (LostInTheatreland.co.uk). An occult ritual, where demonic voices come from every corner and anyone could get puppeteered by evil. Reviews Hub Brighton Fringe Best Show Award Winner; VAULT Comedy Breakthrough nominee 2023; LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2022 runner up.”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – The Cellar (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 22:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This isn’t my first time at Edinburgh Fringe, but it IS my first time spending a month and my debut with a solo show. Last year I came with an ensemble show called ‘Movements In Motion’ with Laurie Luxe (Director of Voices Of Evil) and Paulina Lenoir (creator of Fool’s Moon Cabaret). That was an extremely ambitious full scale, three clown contemporary dance show staged on the upper floor of a bus. The best thing about it was the actual community still totally pulsing (albeit slightly underground, like a fringe of the fringe) through the whole thing. It’s become very commercial and reward focussed for sure but the sense of supporting artists and seeing incredibly exciting stuff is still alive if you look in the right places.

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

Definitely massively: listen to your creative gut, work with people who make you laugh and stay focussed on your own work and audience. Comparison really is the killer of creative joy and especially in SUCH a competitive environment such as the Fringe it can be so easy to forget why YOU are there. I try to keep reminding myself of what brought me to playing with puppets and making all this silly noise in the first place and how ridiculously lucky I am to get to do it at all. I’m so inspired by artists who do things on their own terms and keep playing.

Also I’ve learned that you have to buy the right kind of fake blood or it will get all over everything.

Tell us about your show.

The show is called Voices Of Evil and it is a ventriloquist horror comedy show in the style of a (very vague and stupid) sinister demonic ritual. I wrote it/devised it with co-creator Laurie Luxe (and earlier with Sara Segovia), both of them are clowns and theatre-makers. I play three characters simultaneously (using ventriloquism, puppetry, clowning and physical comedy) to tell a story of queer coming of age and self-empowerment. It’s been described as ‘the muppets meets the exorcist’ and also as ‘the definitive queer puppet show’. It’s a totally self-produced piece but kind of got discovered by it’s audience in London and Brighton last year and really took off. We won a couple of awards at last years Brighton Fringe and had two sell-out Soho Theatre runs (which was crazy).

After Edinburgh I’d love to tour it to more places outside London and spread this evil even more! I would also love to film it somewhere really spooky (some kind of super immersive location – an actual dungeon or crypt or haunted house).

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

There are SO many incredible acts bringing work this year, I’m inspired by so many of them and just cannot wait to see their shows. Julia Masli’s Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha is one of my faves already, as is Gush by Abby Vicky-Russell. I cannot wait to finally see Liv Ello and Frankie Thompson’s BODY SHOW, and Lorna Rose Treen’s Skin Pigeon (I’ve seen a few WIP versions and its set to be a total smash hit). Also Kathy Maniura, TROLL, Simon David, Untrue Diana, Paulina Lenoir. It’s honestly an endless list! But see them ALL.

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EdFringe Talk: Louise Atkinson: Mates

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I learnt that you can get mould out of grouting using just paper towels and bleach, but sadly I’ve not found a potential use for that knowledge at the Edinburgh Fringe festival yet.”

WHO: Louise Atkinson

WHAT: “You can’t complete a night out with your friends unless someone has cried over their ex, you’ve made a new best friend in the toilets that you’ll never see again, and you’ve done three laps of the bar looking for Lisa. Seriously though, where is she? Our friends are our chosen family. From the happiest times to breaking up with friends, grab a pint (of wine) and Louise will recount some of her funniest memories. Hopefully we find Lisa.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Wee Room (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 15:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, I’ve been a few times now. I wouldn’t say I’m a veteran but I know my way through the trenches to the mess house. It’s weird, as you almost have some sort of Edinburgh fringe muscle memory; once you get there every bit of knowledge of each secret passage to avoid the most tourists comes flooding back to you.

I’ve been as a punter and a performer and I think the best way to describe the difference is one is a marathon and one is a sprint. So going as a punter you’ll be there for a short while, like a sprint, so you can fuel up on rubbish and rely on adrenalin to just carry you through, whereas performing for the whole thing is much more like a marathon in that you’ll be wanting to be careful to not use all your energy at the start, you are going to hit a wall that you’ll need to push through and if someone could just be handing me snacks at certain stages, it’s very much appreciated.

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

I learnt that you can get mould out of grouting using just paper towels and bleach, but sadly I’ve not found a potential use for that knowledge at the Edinburgh Fringe festival yet.

I think the main thing I’ve learnt from doing previous fringes is that you really need to strike a balance of work vs play. Some years I’ve just gone out on the piss too much and it’s made doing the job harder, some years I only concentrated on the job side of it and forgot I needed to have fun to let off steam, so this year I’m hoping I should be able to get things just right – a skill I learnt from a blonde woman and three bears I came across once.

Tell us about your show.

It’s a stand up comedy show all about friendships; the types of friends we have, that we should regard friendships in the same way we regard other relationships, why none of us talk about friendship break ups, there is also a bit about fried chicken – I feel I’ve covered all bases.

In terms of who wrote it, produced it and made the tea during it: It’s me, hi, I’m all the above, it’s me. I would also sadly never describe myself as having ‘come together’, think my 2 brain cells crash into each other occasionally, but other than that I’m very much the stereotype of a comedian being all over the place.

I’ve done some previews of the show at other arts festivals and my hope is to take it on a little tour after the fringe, but I haven’t quite figured out all the logistics yet. My main focus come September is very much sitting in my Star Wars pyjamas, eating cheese and not having to perform for at least a week, so, after I’ve enjoyed that, future Louise can crack on with some admin for future performances of the show. I like future me, she’s so much better then past me who continues to just plonk stuff to do on me all the time.

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

I honestly could write so many recommendations here as so many great acts are going up but I’ll try and give some highlights

Josh Baulf – It’s impossible for him to not be funny. Honestly, he could stand on stage and adjust his hair for an hour and still be hilarious. Fortunately, I know he works really hard to make sure every joke he delivers is the funniest it can be. You’re in for a real treat with Josh’s show.

Kathryn Mather – Kathryn has some of the best timing and delivery I’ve seen. She has this exceptional deadpan persona and uses it to just deliver belter after belter of a joke. She’s absolutely great.

Fiona Ridgewell – I refuse to believe you could watch this woman perform and not laugh and enjoy yourself. She’s so lovely and hilarious and has managed to put together the most delightfully fun and silly show.

Kuan wen Huang – Kuan just has to smile and I already feel like I’m enjoying myself, he’s just so naturally affable. Nevertheless, he can write and craft some absolutely superb jokes that are clever and delightfully silly at the same time.

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EdFringe Talk: Ron Placone – Balding is Punk Rock

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“Not to sound cheesy, but over the past few years the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that life’s too short not to be going in the exact direction you want to be going.”

WHO: Ron Placone

WHAT: “Ron Placone’s never been shy about calling out the absurdity of his country. As a result, in the past six years he’s played sold-out theatres and clubs from San Francisco to Melbourne, touring everywhere in the US and branching out internationally to Canada and Australia, making friends and, inevitably, a few enemies too. Come see how cats, marriage, rock’n’roll and pizza help one LA-based comic manage the contemporary political scene and capitalist ruckus of the USA. Ron has been seen on CrossTalk, The Discovery Channel, FreeSpeechTV and Redacted Tonight.”

WHERE: Laughing Horse @ 32 Below – Little Cellar (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 16:00 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! Well, my first time to the Fringe. I’ve been to Edinburgh the city before, I got engaged in Edinburgh. Right after a whiskey tour! Needed a little bit of liquid courage I suppose. She said yes. My wife and I have a framed painting of Princes Street Gardens in our condo because that’s where I popped the question. So, it’s already a very special place to me. I’ve been wanting to do the Edinburgh Fringe since, quite literally, my first open mic. It’s been on my list of goals since day 1. Being based in the States, it’s not the easiest trip in the world, not the hardest either, but every year there’d be something keeping me from doing it.

Finally, I just kind of dug my heels in and said “ok, I’m freaking doing this, it’s time, I’m doing it!” I mean, it’s pretty much the biggest arts festival in the world, in one of the most beautiful places that’s also an amazing city. How could ya not want to experience that at least once? Truth be told though, I still don’t know entirely what to expect. First timer here. I’ve talked to literally every comic I could both in the States and elsewhere who have done it before to kind of prepare myself, but I have a feeling this is one of those things you won’t really know what to expect until you’re there. I plan to welcome the experience, stay open and enjoy it. I know it has its frustrating elements, and I’d imagine at some point in the run I’ll feel that too, but it’s all part of the ride. A ride I’m thrilled to finally be taking.

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

Not to sound cheesy, but over the past few years the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that life’s too short not to be going in the exact direction you want to be going. I’ve adjusted things accordingly. I’ve also learned to focus on the things that are most important to help get me through and that’s what my show’s about. The world’s in a pretty crazy state right now. The United States especially is turning it up to 11. Our entire system is crumbling, the climate is collapsing, and despite that the powers-that-be want to continue the disastrous status quo that got us to this point.

It’s hard not to feel hopeless and frustrated and I think that’s universal but we can all lean on some things to help get us through. For me, it’s my wife, my cat, a good soundtrack and some guilty pleasure foods every now and again. And when I say ‘lean on,’ I don’t mean in an apathetic “oh, let’s just pretend everything’s fine” way. I mean in a motivator way, to realize there’s a reason to keep trying to build a better world. Far as the Fringe goes, again, first timer here. I’m sure I’ll make many mistakes, I’m sure I’ve already made a few, and if I’m lucky enough to come back again, hopefully I’ll make less the second time, even less the third time and so on.

Tell us about your show.

My show is called Balding Is Punk Rock. I wrote and produced it. As far as I’m concerned the show will premier in Edinburgh but I’ve had some test runs in the States. I did a run of shows at home in Los Angeles and also some other cities in the area like San Diego and Tucson, Arizona. Then, in June I did a run of shows in some of my favorite Midwestern cities: Detroit, Minneapolis, Madison, WI, Chicago, and Bloomington, IN. After Edinburgh, I hope to take it to other parts of the world starting with the UK and the EU. I’m getting ready to release a feature film so most of my 2024 domestic travel will revolve around that, so I’m hoping to do more with this show internationally.

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

I always get a little nervous with these sorts of things because I don’t want to leave anyone out, which of course given the nature of the Fringe is impossible. So, putting this out there in advance, if there are any comics I know who are going to be at the Fringe and I didn’t mention you it’s because I was unaware and I’m sorry. Also, I’m excited to discover tons of new stuff in comedy and theatre and beyond while I’m here. Here’s a few recommendations I have though:

Robin Tran, one of my favorite comics in LA and honestly anywhere. I’ve seen her play everywhere from packed houses to empty dive bars (the ladder probably doesn’t happen for her anymore these days but this was some time ago) and she always kills. She’ll be doing the entire run I’m pretty sure.

Dennis Trainor Jr, an actor and activist, has been work-shopping his one-man show in the Boston area and I can’t wait to see it.

Attila the Stockbroker, I’ve been a fan of this guy’s music and poetry since I first heard about him in 2004. He doesn’t tour the States as often these days so I’ve never had the chance to see him live. I was stoked to find out he was doing the Fringe and then a little bummed to see our shows are at the exact same time, heh. Fortunately, he has one time deviation in his run so I hope to catch him at that one.

Danny O’Brien, Dublin-based comic, I did his Dublin show a few years ago when I was just passing through on holiday and have kept in touch since. He’s hysterical and I can’t wait to see his Fringe show. And of course, thousands of other fantastic shows that I can’t wait to discover. Happy Fringe everyone!

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EdFringe Talk: Benjamin Alborough: Absolute Monopoly

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“2024 will be the year of Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion (you can play as the Aztecs).”

WHO: Benjamin Alborough

WHAT: “Monopoly is a terrible game. It ruins friendships and destroys families. This interactive extravaganza will update it for the modern world to make a game that’s more competitive, more aggressive and will destroy even more families. Join comedian Benjamin Alborough as he attempts to improve Monopoly in this chaotic, interactive gameshow where audience members compete against each other and the host, with the audience physically becoming the game board. The show combines role playing, physical challenges and psychological intimidation to make something that, if not the best board game in the world, is at least short.”

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

WHEN: 17:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have been to Edinburgh more times than I can count (10). I keep coming back because it allows me to divide my year up consistently with the academic calendar. For the first 18 years of my life the year ends on Aug 31st and starts on Sept 1st and I have no desire to disrupt this system, regardless of how poorly it works for me.

I love Edinburgh and I love the Edinburgh Fringe. For me it is a great excuse to get an LNER train up the East Coast.

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

2022 was the year of TikTok. Proud to announce that 2023 will be the year of Age of Empires II. Discover all the latest talent from the comfort of your own LAN party setup. Crusaders are attacking your trade routes? A great opportunity to hand out some flyers.

2024 will be the year of Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion (you can play as the Aztecs).

Tell us about your show.

My show is called Absolute Monopoly and it is the end result of a lifetime of frustration and anger with other players, all of whom have become my greatest enemies. I set about to rectify this through the only medium I know how; live comedy. Also there are psychological challenges and milk.
The show has toured for the past 18 months; it’s played the Brighton Spiegeltent, at the Weirdos Weekend in Leicester, Cambridge Fringe, 2Northdown, Museum of Comedy – and with the hand of incredible director Cara Compass we’ve really shaped it into something good, which must be reassuring if you’re reading this.

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

I’m promoting a series of Alternative Lates at Bedlam with Ellie BW this year and we’ve had the great privilege of being able to book some of our favourite comedians in the world.

All of these shows are at 00:30 – Fringe days end at 4am so when a show says it’s on on the 4th Aug that’s on the calendar date 5th Aug. They’re listed in the programme under the umbrella “Bedlam Late”.

4th Aug – Mystika Glamoor’s Birthday Bonanza (Celebratory drag cabaret)
5th Aug – Late Night with Terry Wogan (Chat show hosted by Ol’ Tel interviewing fake celebrities)
10th Aug – Midlands Child Syndrome (Midlands themed comedy night by Lorna Rose Treen)
11th Aug – The Glang Show (Sean Morley hosts the world’s most prestigious anti-competition)
12th Aug – Hot Rubber (Scalextric themed comedy night)
15th Aug – Sam Nicoresti: Cancel Anti Wokeflake Snow Culture (2022 Fringe hit show)
16th Aug – Sam Nicoresti’s Bedtime (Sam’s sleepy show)
17th Aug – Fools Moon (Clowning cabaret)
18th Aug – Comedy Done Quick (World’s premiere speedrunning themed comedy night)
19th Aug – Boyz Nite (Trans masc cabaret hosted by Cerys Bradley)
27th Aug – Liebenspiel’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards Show

Bedlam Theatre, 11B Bristo Pl. Come check them out!

Shows that I don’t have a hand in that I’m really excited about:

Luke McQueen and Mark Silcox: Songs With My Father: I saw a work in progress of this at Machynlleth festival and it had me in tears. Mark Silcox is a genius and I can’t wait to see how they’ve changed it since then.

How To Radiate Sexual Allure: Two of the most incredible unique performers in the UK, Phil Jarvis and Barnaby J Thompson, unite to tell the story of a cannibalistic murderer who has a foot for a face. It’s a comedy. This is probably the most “something different” show on at the Fringe this year.

Batsu!: I’m a big fan of Japanese gameshows and this two hour long late night epic promises to bring them all to life. Really interested to see how they do it.

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EdFringe Talk: Double Goer

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“If things are feeling a bit much, you have to move your body.”

WHO: Sarah Foster-Sproull

WHAT: “Double Goer (the English translation of doppelgänger) is a surreal and physically gruelling new dance work, chronicling the birth, battle and transcendence of two strikingly similar women. Throughout this 50-minute dance, women battle for supremacy through acts of competition, labour, agility and stamina in a terrain of intricately haphazard sculptures. Watch as two powerhouse dancers exert their physical effort, hustle and feminist wile in an effort to decimate each other (and themselves) for your entertainment. This show has been programmed by Dance Base in collaboration with Assembly.”

WHERE: Assembly @ Dance Base – Assembly @ Dance Base (Venue 22) 

WHEN: 14:25 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It is our first time to EdFringe, but not to Edinburgh. We’ve been 2 times already! I’ve got deep family ancestry in Scotland so it feels like coming home.

What makes EdFringe a great festival is the sheer amount of energy, shows, and people, and just the range of performances. This location is a bug for creativity, and the city just has the most magical architecture.

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

1. Always label your boxes when moving house, and label numbers on the boxes because things go missing, they really do, best to be organised.

2. Always eat meal before going out and drinking wine. Look, I’m definitely still working on this.

3. Trust your instincts – if someone seems a little bit dodgy, they probably are.

4. If things are feeling a bit much, you have to move your body. For me, I need to get back to studio and just get working.

Tell us about your show.

This is the world premiere of Double Goer. This show has been made with the unique and epic talents of performers Tamsyn Russell and Rose Philpott, and myself, Sarah Foster-Sproull as choreographer, and is produced by Madison Cronin. Double Goer is about the life cycle of two women/twins/Doppelgängers who compete with each other for your attention over 50 kickass-minutes of dancing.

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

‘Hysterical’ by Carrie Rudzinski and Olivia Hall! Our fellow Kiwi friends. They are epic feminist artists who tackle real world issues. ‘Hysterical’ is an 80-minute poetry theatre show exploring the myth that women are too emotional by confronting body politics, systemic sexism, and weeping uncontrollably in the supermarket. The show has toured New Zealand with great success, so it is a must-see as well!

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EdFringe Talk: The Dreams of You: A Volunteer Sleep Study

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“We also learned which of us could talk their way onto Noah’s Ark as the third giraffe after spending so much time pitching our show.”

WHO: Jackson Viccora

WHAT: “One lucky audience member will see their dreams analysed onstage, thanks to October Brian’s patented Sleep-to-Sketch Technology. Will it be you? In this sketch-comedy show, four scientists guide you through a full sleep cycle, uncovering personal truths about the dreamer and themselves along the way. Hailing from Chicago, USA to make their Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut, October Brian Sketch Comedy features Katherine Coates (NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, Reductress), John O’Neill (Opener for Nikki Glaser), Michael Salles Holtzman (Annoyance Theatre) and Jackson Viccora (Edinburgh Festival Fringe alum).”

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

WHEN: 16:10 (55 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

For 3 out of the 4 of us, it’s the first time to Fringe — although it’s been a BHAG of ours for years (BHAG = big, hairy, audacious goal). And Jackson performed as a 14 year old, so that doesn’t really count.

To us, EdFringe gets as close as possible to the pure, unadulterated ideal of a performer’s paradise. You spend a month roaming around this incredible city and nearly everyone you pass is either a fellow artist or fellow art-lover or both. You prioritize the potential, hypothetical magic of attending an incredible show over sleep, hygiene, nutrition, the whole kit and caboodle. It’s exhausting and exhilarating and excruciating and exceptional all at once.

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

It sounds obvious, but we’ve learned to write the show that is meaningful and evocative to us — and that the audience will come along with you when they see your connection to the work. We too often get mired in attempts to appeal to a broad demographic or make a point that resonates far and wide. But the more you create and consume as an audience member, the more you realize that the shows that strike a chord the deepest are those with a relatively narrow, passion-fueled point of view.

We also learned which of us could talk their way onto Noah’s Ark as the third giraffe after spending so much time pitching our show.

Tell us about your show.

The Dreams of You: A Volunteer Sleep Study is a sketch comedy show all about your dreams, as we follow 4 sleep scientists using their proprietary sleep-to-sketch technology to analyse the dreams of a single audience volunteer across an entire sleep cycle, from light to deep to REM.

The show was conceived, written, edited, directed, performed, edited again, directed, performed many more times, edited, and produced by all four members of October Brian Sketch Comedy: Katherine Coates, John O’Neill, Michael Holtzman, and Jackson Viccora. We have been performing together for over a decade since meeting at university, and most recently previewed the production across various theaters around Chicago, IL, USA — and plan to continue touring the show after our return from Edinburgh!

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

We have to give love to other sketch comedy folks, so:

My Last 2 Brain Cells (these two do so much in 60 minutes you wouldn’t believe it, enough energy to keep you going the rest of the night)

Mr. Sister (we don’t actually know them but their content is incredible and we imagine their show is too)

Hello, Hi (same reason ^^)

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EdFringe Talk: Insomniac’s Fable

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“Wowzers, it’s like a month on a fairground ride.”

WHO: Emma Lister

WHAT: “Insomniac’s Fable is a delicate love story with a Hitchcockian glint in its eye. It invites its audience into a surreal dreamscape with evocative images and choreography by some of the world’s most original artists. Its premise of ‘boy meets dream girl’ marries traditional ballet storytelling with contemporary circus – but asks what would happen if this dream girl grabbed hold of the narrative, subverting what was expected? This unique merging of juggling and dance will confound your expectations of what physical theatre can be.”

WHERE: Summerhall – Cairns Lecture Theatre (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 11:00 (50 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No. Everyone involved in the show has been to at least one Fringe before. In terms of mounting my own work here, I’m grateful for that experience because, wowzers, it’s like a month on a fairground ride. With pop-up bars. And not always much sleep. I know to pace everyone, and to prioritise keeping the stress levels low, especially in that first week. I look forward to the second week when we can go see some other shows (and pop-up bars).

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

That people are not interested in washing their hands for two rounds of ‘Happy Birthday’ unless they think there’s a deadly virus making the rounds.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a mix of dance, contemporary circus, big visuals and subtle film references. I made it with my husband Sakari Männistö in 2016/17–we premiered it in Finland and it’s had two outings in the UK so far…we’d love to perform it more! It’s a big reason we’ve pushed to get it to Fringe. It’s frustrating to have a well reviewed show that’s basically up and ready but not enough performance opportunities.

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

We’re being presented by From Start To Finnish, which showcases a handful of Finnish and Nordic theatre at Fringe. It’s always well curated and even before they took us in, in past years I’ve always kept an eye on what they bring to Edinburgh.

In the From Start to Finnish showcase I’m especially looking forward to Racehorse Company’s show Chevalier–it’s an homage to circus horses and the silent movie era. It’s actually a family show, but that company always does really original, slightly outrageous stuff, which is what Fringe is all about. I’ll be taking my son for sure!

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EdFringe Talk: Tomorrow’s Child

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“For audiences in 2023, it’s a retro-futuristic world that is full of a symphony of gadgets, buttons, motors, and machinery – a world of SOUND unlike our silent contemporary digital world.”

WHO: Eric Rose

WHAT: “An out of body experience! Tomorrow’s Child is an immersive, multi-layered sonic adventure based on Ray Bradbury’s compelling sci-fi short story. In the imagined retro-future of 1988, new parents Polly and Peter confront the reality that their baby has been born into an alternate dimension. Will they accept the interstellar divide between parents and child? This celebrated production from Canada’s Ghost River Theatre crafts a landscape of sound for blindfolded audiences that is ‘the audio equivalent of a five-star dinner’ (Stephen Hunt, Calgary Herald). Adapted by Matthew Waddell, Eric Rose, and David van Belle.”

WHERE: Assembly Checkpoint – Assembly Checkpoint (Venue 322) 

WHEN: 11:40 (70 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second time to Edinburgh; I attended Ed Fringe in 2022. Ed Fringe is a wild fun house of all things live performance and there is really every kind of performance you can imagine happening all at once! I mean, where else but at Ed Fringe can you watch a clown show in the morning, a musical at noon, a serious political drama for a matinee, an experimental show about bananas during supper, a dance show in a bar for dessert, a mind-blowing physical theatre piece to start the evening, an unthinkable circus spectacle to sail into a late evening, and to top it all off, a laugh-out-loud stand-up set. Wild.

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

My big piece of advice for first time attendees is to plan and prebook half of your available shows before landing and then let the rest of your shows fall into place once your feet are on the ground.

Tell us about your show.

Tomorrow’s Child is an immersive, blindfolded listening experience akin to a high octane radio play!

Bradbury is one of the world’s literary sci-fi giants and he’s at his classic best with Tomorrow’s Child (also published as The Shape of Things in 1948). Bradbury wrote Tomorrow’s Child coming out of WWII, imagining the future world of 1988. For audiences in 2023, it’s a retro-futuristic world that is full of a symphony of gadgets, buttons, motors, and machinery – a world of SOUND unlike our silent contemporary digital world. It posed some fun and unique challenges to myself and co -sound designer and director Matthew Waddell… for example, conceptualizing the sounds of a baby in the fourth dimension who appears to everyone as a blue pyramid. These lush audio challenges were a fantastic starting point for a wild audio-only piece of immersive theatre.

We premiered Tomorrow’s Child in 2014 at our home venue in Calgary. It has since gone on to tour across Canada and win several awards. We hope to build a tour for Tomorrow’s Child out of our run in Edinburgh. Right after the Fringe, Ghost River Theatre will be going into post-production for a new Cli-fi (Climate-change Science Fiction) streaming series, So Dark The Sky.

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

Our fellow Canadian devisor Sarah Deller’s new solo show Optimistic: Elizabeth Holmes at ZOO Southside – Studio, which examines the gap between appearance and reality with this infamous fraudster. Sarah was back home recently in Calgary and spent some time in our theatre rehearsing Optimistic. Sarah is a brilliant artist and I recommend everyone go see it.

Our artists coming to Edinburgh are stoked to see a bunch of shows – top of our list right now is Jazz Emu whose music and comedy is sharp-witted, smart, and utterly hilarious. An opportunity to be moved, surprised, and laugh yourself hoarse. Also, Avital Ash: her brand of deeply personal comedy has come to be refined over the years with poignant observations about relationships, love, and charming self-deprecation. This new show appears to be the culmination of her work thus far and we’re looking forward to it. And Lawrence Chaney, the winner of Drag Race UK. His show Overweight and OVER IT appears to be a personal look at what it’s like to live in a fuller sized body while working in an industy where this kind of body is outside what may be considered the ‘norm.’

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