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: After Shakespeare

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I’ve had Long Covid ever since; with fatigue and brain fog filling my every day. Everything is a chore and requires a huge amount of effort – even answering these questions!”

WHO: Andrew Slade

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?

This is my first time, however by business partner, Lexi Wolfe (who is the writer and sole actor in the show) tries to visit when health allows (last time was back in 2016, I think), and last performed in Edinburgh back in 2009! So we’re both really excited to be making this journey as 2 people with disabilities this has been a real challenge – but we know we have a show with legs, even if ours sometimes let us down! We’re hoping the energy and enthusiasm, and sheer excitement of Edinburgh (a city we both love) will carry us through!

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

Oh wow. I guess don’t get Covid. I caught it twice at the start of 2022, and I’ve had Long Covid ever since; with fatigue and brain fog filling my every day. Everything is a chore and requires a huge amount of effort – even answering these questions! Fortunately I’ve just started a new treatment program, which I’m hoping will at least help me survive next month!

Tell us about your show.

Sooooo……After Shakespeare was the brainchild of Lexi. We both love our Shakespeare, but she took it a step further by making the thesis of her Masters at LIPA about the Bard, and so it was always going to happen at some point that we did something Shakespearean. She wrote it during lockdown as a way to not go stir crazy. We often have conversations about characters in books, TV and films wondering about how they got to where they are, or what their lives looked like after, and after a night of no or very little sleep I guess she took it to Shakespeare and asked the question about what Shakespeare’s characters would think about after their shows. Even the dead ones. So we have Henry V, Hamlet, Portia and Lady Macbeth lamenting and being generally perplexed about the state of their lives (except Portia, I think she’s generally really happy with her lot). The show is dramatic, funny and insightful as Lexi has woven in some historical facts about some of the characters along with the Shakespearean stories. We debuted the show over Zoom during lockdown, and then cut it down to a festival version that we wanted to bring to Edinburgh. We took it to Buxton Fringe first, were we were nominated for Best new Writing, Best Production and Lexi also won Best Actress – so enthused from that, we’ve ended up checking in to Edinburgh for the full run! As for the future….we have another performance booked in September, and we’d really like to tour it, or one of our other shows, so I guess watch this space!

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

Good question! Well I know a couple of others performing this year, and I think variety is so important – so I’d suggest going to see Mark Simmons show called New Jokes – he’s had jokes nominated for best joke at the Fringe for the last 2 years I believe, and is incredibly funny. Also go and see “Let The Bodies Pile” starring the amazing Emily Carding – you’ll get the combination of an award-winning writer, with an award-winning actress and a highly respected Director all in one show (a bit like ours, I guess!)

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EdFringe Talk: Juliette Burton: No Brainer

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“Every show, every set is a lesson waiting to be learned. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to say ‘fuck it’.”

WHO: Juliette Burton

WHAT: “Everyone’s got a brain, although some work differently to others. In fixing her broken brain, Juliette learned a lot. Tired of mental health problems? Now is the time for solutions. Join award-winning comedian Juliette as she shares a manual for the mind. Not another awareness-raising show, but a change-making show. Is getting better a no-brainer? As seen on BBC One, ITV, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live. Edinburgh Fringe total sell-out, 2015 to 2018. ‘Joyous’ (Times). ‘Fringe favourite’ (Guardian). ‘Hilarious’ ***** (EdFestMag.com). ***** (Mirror). ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ***** (VoiceMag.uk). **** (Sunday Express). **** (One4Review.co.uk).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Wee Room (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 19:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been performing in Edinburgh for over a decade now, sold out 4 years in a row, won a few awards and found my home, myself, my family thanks to the festival. A great festival is made by audiences. I might create a show but audiences make a show. All the sold out shows and awards mean nothing without an audience there to enjoy it. Audiences in Edinburgh helped me find a higher calling and my direction in life. I even moved to Edinburgh after falling in love with the city, and a man who lived there. When that relationship didn’t work out, I turned it into a show. Just like everything in my life, I wrote to cope. I wrote to communicate meaning, to find meaning and to galvanise others to take action to change the world. Thanks to the Fringe I toured in Australia and New Zealand, I met fellow change makers who craved progress and saw the arts and comedy as a vehicle for that. Edinburgh festival gave me my greatest successes and my greatest lessons. It shaped who I was and the direction of my life. I’ve had a longer relationship with this festival than any romantic relationship. However the pandemic changed everything. The pandemic ripped the live circuit away. It left me bereft. To cope, I wrote. And I took my time before returning. This is the year I will return.

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

I didn’t perform in Edinburgh in 2022. I spent the last 4 years rebuilding. In 2020 I was in the middle of my second UK tour funded by the Arts Council which was cancelled due to lockdowns. I’ve spent the last few years sitting back and watching, learning from observing others, witnessing. This year I’m dipping my toe back in because I feel something building inside for the next step. Have I absorbed any of the lessons yet? I’ve spent the last 4 years absorbing, patiently waiting. I’m constantly learning. Every show, every set is a lesson waiting to be learned. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to say ‘fuck it’. Life is short. Performing is the greatest joy I have ever found in life. To have the opportunity to do it is a privilege that thanks to the pandemic I will never take for granted again. I am there to serve the audience by playing, by having fun and being a conduit for fun for them.

Tell us about your show.

Back in 2021 I applied for Arts Council funding to write a show about hope and how to find hope when things seem hopeless. A week after I got the funding I had a huge mental health breakdown. I’ve had a fair few in my time. I was sectioned under the mental health act aged 17, I was hospitalised 5 times for mental illness, been in therapy for 20 years and I’ve been diagnosed with 15 mental health conditions. I know what a breakdown looks like, and this was a big ‘un. I’ve rebuilt myself a number of times and this show showcases what I learned in this rebuild. I learned a lot in the past 4 years and I’ve taken my time to make this self development hilarious comedy content. We’ve all suffered one way or another in the last few years, so I wanted to share everything that has helped me so that audiences can help themselves. The show was meant to be about hope – that’s the light and fluffy side of me I used to perform as. This is grittier, more real, stronger. And if you like this you’re going to love what’s about to come… My show was written by me, Liam Bierne and Gareth Gwynn, it’s performed by me and all the parts of me I’ve healed. And it’s produced by Ingenious Fools, who are super supportive and have been during my difficult past few years. With this show I sold out at Machfest, Nottingham Comedy Festival, Leicester Comedy Festival and previews so far prove audiences seem to really love it in a “we really needed this” kind of way. So come see for yourself.

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

Definitely see Sooz Kempner. Sooz and I have known each other for almost as long as I’ve been performing in Edinburgh. During the pandemic especially we stayed in close touch. She’s a grafter, has worked her socks off to get to where she is right now and deserves all the good things coming to her. If you miss out on seeing her now, you’re missing a zeigeist. She’s channeling something bigger than herself and we’re just lucky to be around her while she’s doing so. Also Rachel Creeger who is another great friend and anyone performing at Gilded Balloon – they’re a terrific venue who are supporting great acts.

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EdFringe Talk: Wildcat’s Last Waltz

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

image of event

“I realised this year those ‘conditions’ don’t really exist and at some point, you have to go for and realise that the doing it in the first place is an achievement not what might or might not come next.”

WHO: Joshua Welch

WHAT: “Move over Dame Jude – there’s a new national treasure in town! This bold piece of theatre pierces to the heart of love, life and grief. It is a truly unique theatrical experience. The self-proclaimed ‘Wildcat of Sheffield’ faces the end of her days after the death of her beloved Geoff. With her razor-sharp wit and larger-than-life personality, she looks back on her past, her outrageous youth, falling in love, marriage, motherhood, ageing and loneliness. ‘Utterly captivating… full of life and light and fun… powerful and poignant… fearless acting… side-splitting’ ***** (LondonPubTheatres.com).”

WHERE: Assembly Rooms – Front Room (Venue 20) 

WHEN: 19:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

With my own show? YES! I came once when I was at University to watch shows, the moment I got off the train the heavens opened and I got drenched and never really got dry. Let’s hope the sun shines on 2023! I can’t wait to be there again, it the idea that when you begin your show you know that hundreds of other show are happening at the same time is soo exciting!

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

I’ve been doing Wildcat’s Last Waltz since 2019 and I’ve always been pretty nervous about bringing it to the Fringe and found an excuse not to do it every year, “I’ll wait for a producer” ” I’ll wait for funding” “I’ll wait until I’ve got good PR” I guess waiting for the ‘perfect conditions’ to take the show in. But I realised this year those ‘conditions’ don’t really exist and at some point you have to go for and realise that the doing it in the first place is an achievement not what might or might not come next.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the show, Kelly Hunter directs and there’s amazing accompanying music from; Mercedes Maresca, Catherine Kay and Carina Torres. I came into theatre not long after my Mum passed away, I joined a AmDram group that created an alternative family that weren’t in the world of tragedy, they were in the world Ayckbourn comedies and pantomime. It saved my life. After University, I wrote Wildcat’s Last Waltz after being inspired by long drives with my own grandmother in my clapped-out VW polo. My grandma and I shared stories of each other’s grieves , fears of death and funny stories and became an unbreakable bond because of it. This play is my tribute to her and all the other strong, loving and wildly fierce mothers I have met along my way.

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

WASTE-MAN – ASSEMBLY ROOMS- George Square Studios – Looks amazing, can’t wait to see it !

DRAG QUEENS & VAMPIRES – UNDERBELLY COWGATE – I went to Uni of York with these Queens they were hilarious then and always have been!

DANIEL KITSON – SUMMERHALL – Pure class of a comic

PLAYING LATINX – SUMMERHALL – Written and performed by Guido Lueches who is an amazing performer and you will have a fantastic time

DAINA: THE UNTOLD AND UNTURE STORY – PLEASANCE DOME – Something I’ve been meaning to see for ages and I can’t wait to final see them

NOT CRICKET PRODUCTIONS – THREE MEN IN A BOAT – C VENUES – Went Uni with these guys, they adapt classic novels for children with creative flare, care and beauty!

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EdFringe Talk: Flat and the Curves: Divadom

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“As a performer it’s really easy to get bogged down in audition drought and imposter syndrome. What the Fringe gave to me was autonomy over my career, the opportunity to build connections with brilliant creatives and develop appreciation for the variety of roles that span the arts.”

WHO: Issy Wroe Wright

WHAT: “The Chortle Award 2023 finalists bring you their glittery comedy cabaret of unbridled fun! The comedy quartet delivers their self-penned songs celebrating sex and sisterhood in a bra-burning evening of mischief. The powerhouse vocalists will take you on an X-rated ride with riotous anthems that are as wide-ranging as their dating escapades; from the plight of online pornography to the perils of flat-pack furniture. Expect big voices and bold statements in a sparkly spectacle filled with hilarity and full-frontal vulgarity. ‘Truly remarkable!’ ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). ‘Fierce, intoxicating and gloriously indecorous’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Pleasance Dome – QueenDome (Venue 23) 

WHEN: 21:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be Flat & the Curves first full month up at the Fringe. We performed a short 2-week run last year at The Stand. At the time we had no idea what to expect; luckily we got brilliant feedback and some of our comedy idols even ended up in our audience; Dillie Keane of Fascinating Aida (a huge influence for us) and comedy legend, Stewart Lee, even gave us a shout out at the end of his show. That’s the beauty of the Fringe, it helps to even out the playing field and that’s a huge part of why we’re going again this year!

As a producer/performer, this is not my first rodeo. I’ve been a Fringe devotee since 2015, when I brought my first show, Shit-Faced Showtime. I was straight out of drama school, incredibly naïve and inexperienced. With help from (what was then) Magnificent Bastard Productions (Shit-Faced Shakespeare), the musical sister-show, went from strength to strength, 8 years down the line, the show play’s in the West-End at The Leicester Square Theatre during their Christmas Season. The Fringe is beautiful for what it does for creatives who don’t fit a particular commercial mold.

To me, the Fringe signifies a freedom to be creative. As a performer it’s really easy to get bogged down in audition drought and imposter syndrome. What the Fringe gave to me was autonomy over my career, the opportunity to build connections with brilliant creatives and develop appreciation for the variety of roles that span the arts. That’s the plus side, I can’t deny the elephant in the room when it comes to the cost of taking a show up there. Flat & the Curves are only able to make it up this year with the help of outside funding, Leicester Square Theatre providing sponsorship alongside the Keep it Fringe Fund. It’s important that bigger more financially stable companies continue to lift up the emerging ones, that’s what’s going to keep the Fringe alive.

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

Since the last day of the Fringe last year we’ve been planning our show for this year…almost obsessively. We learnt last year that we needed a much bigger run up to the Fringe. We’ve organised our flyers, our press and most importantly, accommodation, much further ahead than we did last year. The main thing I find is to keep a cool head; there is so much stimulus when you’re there that worrying about these things on the ground is just a hindrance. Other more trivial things we’ve planned ahead: Sleepover rota’s, to negate the politics of pals kipping on your sofa and packing a receptacle for what we (in the professional world of drinking) affectionately call ‘journey juice’ i.e. on-the-go booze to save money in bars. Pack a hip flask and ear plugs and you’ll have a ball.

Tell us about your show.

Flat & the Curves is a 4-part comedy girl-group that formed 3 years ago. All 4 of us had worked together across cabaret, function-bands and musical comedy; Our fabulous fire-head Katy Baker headed a previous iteration, the award winning comedy group, ‘Four Femmes on the Thames’, our resident little weirdo, Charlotte Brooke was writing her own comedy and was a best newcomer at the Musical Comedy Awards, the fabulous Arabella Rodrigo was a hugely in demand session singer/West End performer and myself, Issy Wroe Wright busy putting my liver through the ringer, producing and performing in Shit-Faced Showtime.

Our plan was to write original comedy music that not only hit the tone comedically, but also sounded and looked like a professional girl band. Our show is a gig-style musical show that explores the modern-day female experience. Our shows are a cabaret of unbridled fun. As classically trained musicians and singers, we’ll sing anything, from Operetta to Euro-pop and all done dressed tit-to-toe in sequins.

When we were coming up with the concept for this show (we’re all involved in the writing and direction), we had been discussing the word ‘diva’ and its negative connotation in describing assertive women. ‘Divadom’ is about taking ownership of patriarchal labels. We took inspiration from the musical diva’s we admire, operatic prima donnas, 90’s brit-pop girl bands or 80’s rock goddesses, writing songs that emulate their music and then putting in a funny feminist twist. We’ve been described in the past as, ‘Fascinating Aida, meets the Inbetweeners, meets the Spice Girls’, which I think is quite fitting. Our show is uniquely different from most things you might see at the Fringe, it’s a late night uplifting party that will send you out into the evening in a fabulous mood.

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

My main tip is to go and see things you wouldn’t usually be able to see in your hometown. My personal hot-tips are Lorna Rose-Treen (Taking her show ‘Skin Pigeon’). I recently saw a snippet of John Tothill’s show, ‘The Last Living Libertine’ which made me howl (@johntothill). If we’re talking about musical comedy, I’m really excited about seeing Rosie Sings show about her priceless vagina (@MyVspriceless).

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EdFringe Talk: Inside The Robot: Kids vs Chaos!

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I knew that the principles there, with some good production and the right story, could make a spectacular show.”

WHO: Stephen Case

WHAT: “The world’s only theatrical escape room! You are the crew of a robot and everything has gone wrong! Help! The stunning visual effects and immersive interactive technology mean kids aged 5 to 95 will be enthralled in this thrilling, educational and hilarious spectacular. Back with new challenges and a new story for 2023 – fans of puzzles, games and silly dances can’t miss this unique Fringe experience brought to you for a strictly limited run. Come see us in the iconic Big Caves venue like you have never seen it before.”

WHERE: Just the Tonic at The Caves – Just the Big Room (Venue 88) 

WHEN: 13:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my sixth Fringe and my second with this show. This show -Inside the Robot- in particular benefits from a “trial by Fringe”. What I mean there is that it is very hard to find a space in everyday live entertainment that allows you to do something as unique as “Escape Room Comedy Show on Stage” for 130 people a day with enough regularity to get it to a place where it works. What I like about the Fringe is that the audiences take more chances on shows and, to an extent, understand that they are part of the process of creation. I come from a video game design background where beta players offering a year or mores feedback is the norm before a game officially releases. In many ways the Fringe is that beta environment for live shows.

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

So much! Last year was our first time doing the show. No one, to our knowledge, had ever tried to do something as complex as turning a 130 seater venue into a huge daily theatrical escape room. We did not market it at all last year because we just were not sure if it would work. We are back, so I hope that tells you it did! People kept finding us. The most important thing we learned is that kids are smart! We had planned for an hour long show, but the kids were solving the puzzles too quickly – they were out the door after 45 minutes. We quickly put some new puzzles in during the run. This year I hope that when any kids return for a repeat performance they will be pleasantly surprised by all the cool things we have added.

Tell us about your show.

The show came out of me designing large escape rooms for classrooms. This is an area of creativity in education that has been around for a good decade now. I knew that the principles there, with some good production and the right story, could make a spectacular show. We started off by doing a show for adults in Malaysia (where Escape Rooms are very popular). It was fun, but we found that half the show we were explaining things to people that they really should have remembered from school! We realised, actually, we had a kids show on our hands. This was great because that meant we could lean into the education and the silly. The idea formed of having the audience be the crew of a giant robot in space where everything has gone wrong! From there, we started building out fun games with solid STEM educational foundations (all the cool science stuff!). Luckily our team has a skilled game designer, an amazing programmer and great comedy writer on it so those skills all coalesced to make the show a one of a kind experience.

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

There are a lot of good shows around the Fringe that fit the Lego 3-99+ age bracket, where grandparents and grandkids can have a great time together. I would recommend Board Game Smack Down for this. Just comedians playing boards games on stage but a super fun show that will give you loads of ideas for how to spend a device free camping weekend with the family. I also recommend any of the clean showcases at the Free Festival – not aimed at kids but you can be comfortable that the shows will be PG rated. In this category too is Darren Walsh, lots of puns, puns and more puns! Oh and go see Olaf Falafel too, really silly and fun – you’ll love it.

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EdFringe Talk: Everyone’s Worried About Eve

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“I think actually not focusing on everything being perfect and just enjoying the fulfilment of creating something really close to my heart has been good to learn.”

WHO: Alex John

WHAT: “All About Eve? More like, Everyone’s Worried About Eve! The new sitcom! It’s Eve‘s birthday but for some reason this year feels different and Eve doesn’t quite know why. Maybe she could find out if that damn phone would stop ringing! Anyway, the show must go on… We follow Eve as she struggles with grown-up things like a family wedding, dating and even the politics of M&Ms! A neurodivergent show about grief, sisters and how sometimes the scariest thing you can do is to take responsibility for yourself. Yikes!”

WHERE: Greenside @ Riddles Court – Willow Studio (Venue 16) 

WHEN: 16:20 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve only performed at the Edinburgh fringe a couple of times as a student or in amdram. So Everyone’s Worried About Eve will be the first time I have taken something of my own up and done a one-person show at Edinburgh Fringe.

But I’ve always had a soft spot for greenside venues, they really nurture new creatives and I’ve had such a great experience performing at their venues before.

I think what makes a great festival is variety, there is something for everyone and I love that on one random Tuesday afternoon in some former lecture hall, you could have seen one of the best shows ever.

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

Creatively, I think I’m just pleased with how much more productive I’ve been! I think actually not focusing on everything being perfect and just enjoying the fulfilment of creating something really close to my heart has been good to learn. It’s always important to remember you can polish something, you can’t polish nothing’. This is why just developing any little creative nugget is really important to me.

Also, kindness and commitment are two of the most important things in creating a theatre show. They should never be overlooked as they are both equally as valuable.

Tell us about your show.

Plucky Productions is a theatre company I founded to create space for more neurodivergent stories. As an autistic woman the characters I would relate to were often just autistic-coded. This is why I wanted to start a theatre company which does what it says on the tin. I want to express mainly the joy and wonder of being neuro-divergent today and to normalize and celebrate the way we think differently.

Everyone’s Worried about Eve is about an autistic woman, avoiding grief, who transforms her life into a sitcom. It’s partially inspired by my own experiences with grief and how when I couldn’t deal with it I decided to compartmentalize my grief in order to avoid facing it altogether. However, although the show is somewhat personal to my experience there is definitely relatable aspects for the neurodivergent community in terms of recognizable traits such as masking. The sitcom lens serves as how someone with autism may battle the heavy things in life differently. But all darkness aside! it is also funny ! so it will be a hoot and a half.

After the fringe we are hoping to hit London in the autumn.

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

I think you should definitely see ‘Paved with Gold and Ashes’ written by Julia Thurston. 3Dumb theatre are taking that to Greenside, Infirmary Street from the 14th to the 26th. Julia Thurston has a real knack of taking historical pieces in her writing and making them just as relevant to today. She brings a lot of lesser-known tales and so you end up learning a part of history often not covered and the result is something incredibly gripping.

It also features a wonderfully talented cast and brilliant team.

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EdFringe Talk: Liz Guterbock: Geriatric Millennial

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“The one I hope I’ve really absorbed is “never flyer next to a magician.” That’s just plain good advice.”

WHO: Liz Guterbock

WHAT: “Dual national. Bisexual. Halfway to death? In her debut show, California native Liz Guterbock explores belonging and whether it’s possible to stay in love with life as we grow old(er). ‘Punchy, slick and accomplished… Liz Guterbock[‘s] zippy performance – including a solid English accent – is refreshing, and the gags breezily amusing. A club ready act, for sure’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – The Cellar (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 16:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This isn’t my first Fringe, but it’s my first time doing an hour long show, and the first time at The Pleasance. It’s a dream come true, really. I’m excited and appropriately nervous. I think what makes EdFringe so special is everyone there is willing to take a chance: audiences take chances seeing new, possibly weird and wonderful shows, performers take a chance bringing something to the largest arts festival in the world, and we all take chances climbing Arthur’s Seat fuelled by nothing more than coffee and deep fried Mars bars.

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

The biggest thing I’ve learned since 2022 is to know what I have control over and what I don’t. The serenity prayer comes to mind: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” For example, I don’t have control over how my show will be received, but I do have control over the energy I bring to my performances every day. EdFringe is an enormous beast, and has the potential to bring up a lot of self-doubt, worry and exhaustion. However, if I look at it as more of a training ground, a place to practice my craft, take risks, fail, and try again – it becomes easier to manage. Yeah, I think I’ve absorbed some of these lessons. The one I hope I’ve really absorbed is “never flyer next to a magician.” That’s just plain good advice.

Tell us about your show.

Geriatric Millennial is my debut hour of stand-up comedy. It’s about identity, ageing and belonging. Oh, and silly voices. Don’t forget the silly voices. Maria Bamford’s comedy, with all of her amazing vocal work, is a huge influence on me. The concept for the show started after I read Erica Dhawan’s article in Medium which coined the term “Geriatric Millennial.” Millennials were so upset with the term “geriatric.” So, I wanted to find a fun way to talk about ageism and how it affects women in particular. I’m excited to bring Geriatric Millennial to The Pleasance Courtyard for it’s debut. Since I’m self-producing the show at EdFringe, I don’t currently have plans to take the show elsewhere as it’s hard to think that far ahead. But it would be totally dreamy to take the show around the UK and then end up back at Soho Theatre!

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

There are so many incredible people to see at the Fringe this year, so audiences are in for a real treat. Here are some folks I can’t wait to see:

It would be a good idea to buy your tickets to see Joe Leather’s show Wasteman at Assembly right now, because he’s going to sell out. Wasteman is such a special show. It’s based on Joe’s real life experience working as a bin man who has big dreams of becoming a drag queen. Joe is a world class singer and dancer, and he’s going to be huge. Book in!

Matty Hutson is a very funny man with a gorgeous voice and impeccable comic timing. His show Don’t Hold Back at The Pleasance is going to be such a fun hour. I saw him at Chortle’s Fast Fringe and he had us in the palm of his hand. Another incredibly talented musician and comedian. Go see him.

The extraordinarily talented, driven and funny Kirsty Mann is debuting her show Skeletons at Pleasance. It’s a true confessional show about living a double life as a doctor and comedian. Kirsty is a sensationally good performer, and the stories in this show will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. She’s an expert story teller, and an amazing human being. Again, this is a show that’s going to sell out pretty fast so it’s worth getting your tickets now.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Bronwyn Sweeney. She’s an ad writer turned comedian, and her jokes are slick, tight and just plain funny. Bronwyn is doing her debut hour this year as well, called Off-Brand. I genuinely think she’s gonna give us some excellent life advice and we should all go see her show.

And finally, go see lots of shows on PBH’s Free Fringe. PBH has, year-on-year, helped performers (including me) be able to afford EdFringe by offering free venues for performers. It’s a place where acts can develop, find their audience, and just generally have a great time with a community feel and less financial risk, and it’s a place where audiences can experience great shows for free. Grab yourself a Wee Blue Book and take a chance on someone new. PBH is the spirit of EdFringe.

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EdFringe Talk: In Memoriam

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“Our founders are the driving force of this show; writing, producing and managing the production ourselves – it has been a passion project of ours to work together to create new and exciting theatre.”

WHO: Fiona Winning

WHAT: “From a troublesome priest to a mystery guest and a very, very late hearse, expect family fallouts, secret affairs and lots of chaos. Graham Stephen Woodman is a grandad from nowhere. Or was. But today he takes centre stage, or at least that’s what you would expect. It is, after all, his funeral. In Memoriam invites you to join his nearest and dearest, in mourning on the morning of his big day. Watch closely as a solemn occasion becomes an ever so serious affair and this sweet memorial takes a preposterous turn….”

WHERE: theSpace @ Surgeons Hall – Haldane Theatre (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 13:15 (50 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

We actually all came to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year where BossyB*tchProductions grew from AND where our idea for In Memoriam was conceived! The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is such an amazing hub for encouraging creativity which we ourselves took so much from last year, inspiring us to form our own production company and produce our own new writing! I think what makes EdFringe so special for me personally is the atmosphere created throughout the festival. Just being surrounded by so many amazing artists, even for a week, is such an incredibly inspiring thing that you can’t find anywhere else!

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

The biggest thing I have learnt from last year’s Fringe is that within the theatre industry there will always be more to learn and therefore, you can never know everything! As someone fresh out of university embarking on a career in the arts, the continuous opportunities to learn are what makes the industry daunting yet exciting, as each day presents new challenges and new learning curbs.

Tell us about your show.

In Memoriam is piece of new writing by Fiona Winning and Lucy Way who are two recently graduated theatre makers, debuting their first play at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. In Memoriam is a dark comedy that looks into the messy and tangled lives of the Woodman family and all the chaos that unravels an hour before a family funeral. The show is produced by BossyB*tchProductions, a new theatre company founded by three University of Exeter graduands, striving to uplift and give platforms to femme theatre makers. Our company was founded after working together on ‘The Last Words’ at the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is why we wanted to debut our first piece of work where the idea for our company began.

Our founders are the driving force of this show; writing, producing and managing the production ourselves – it has been a passion project of ours to work together to create new and exciting theatre. Lilly Butcher, Fiona Winning and Harriet White, all of whom worked together at the Fringe last year, have co-founded this company which is an exciting step into our professional careers in the industry. The show has been co-directed by Fiona Winning and Lilly Butcher, and stage and production managed by Harriet White. In Memoriam had a short tour of the South West as part of our Research and Development process, and will make its full length debut now in August in Edinburgh! We don’t know where we will lead In Memoriam next or whether it might lead us somewhere itself! BUT, what we do know is that this is just the beginning of BossyB*tchProductions – all pursuing creative careers in London from September, BossyB*tch will be back again soon with new and exciting productions!

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

Some shows that we are really excited to go and watch are…

1) ‘Arcade’ by DARKFIELD – We absolutely loved all of their immersive shipping container experiences last year and went to every one they had – we will definitely be back this year!

2) ‘Almost Adult’ by Charlotte Anne-Tilley – As a creative team just leaving University we are hoping to find a quick fix of catharsis and reinsurance from Charlotte Anne-Tilley’s ‘Almost Adult’. We are really eager not only due to Charlotte’s comedic style but also to support the inspiring female talent that is Charlotte #femifringe !!!

3) ‘Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story’, Linus Karp and Awkward Productions – We have all been chatting away about how excited we are to go and support ‘Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story’ by Awkward Productions. The brilliantly talented Linus Karp has planted a seed in co-writer Lucy Way’s head and now she can’t stop doing Princess Di impressions 24/7!!!

4) ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ – Probably the best and only show in Edinburgh that you could go to every single night and never see the same thing! Completely improvised musicals from audience suggestion – a great recommendation if you want to go and watch something as a big group!

5) ‘DUSK – a bite-size love story’ – A few of us in the creative team are huge Twilight fans so we are super super keen to go and watch ‘DUSK – a bite-size love story’. Their social media presence has also been amazing so we can’t wait to see what they have in store!

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EdFringe Talk: Siân Docksey – Pole Yourself Together!

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“In a way I guess I’m now still in a double act, but with a pole.”

WHO: Siân Docksey

WHAT: “Pole dancing comedian Siân Docksey (as seen on BBC Three, ‘Joy and bewilderment in equal measure’ ****(Skinny)) cheerfully ignores climate disaster, another recession and the steady creep of fascism to see if hanging off a stick can make you stop thinking about death. A brand-new genre-smashing philosophical dance-comedy party. And/or just a woman having an existential crisis on a stick, probably. Co-created with Jake Wood. Directed by Alexander Bennett. ‘It’s awesome and like no comedy you’ve ever seen’ (FunnyWomen.com). ‘Upsetting burlesque’ (Audience review).”

WHERE: Pleasance Dome – 10Dome (Venue 23) 

WHEN: 19:10 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first solo hour but I’ve been up to the Fringe before with shorter stand-up shows, and as a sketch double act. In a way I guess I’m now still in a double act, but with a pole. I think I’m going up with both the fresh optimism of someone who’s been away for five years (my last Fringe show was in 2018) and old veteran skills like being able to navigate towards the pie shop from absolutely anywhere and dodge the silent disco on pure instinct.

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

Honestly just have fun. If you’re having a blast then it’s more likely your audience will. And if they don’t, well, at least it’s a jolly and hopefully not financially ruinous hour for you.

Tell us about your show.

I’m doing a pole dancing comedy show about trying to banish my existential dread. Pole dancing has genuinely been the best thing for my mental health and life in general, so I decided to write a show about it. I did an earlier version last year called “Work In Pole-gress” where I asked the question “can pole dancing be funny?” and that was fun so, I took the best bits of that forward and developed it into this one. I guess it’s a kind of very sincere, evangelical infomercial about why you should take a pole class, plus stand-up, while hanging off a stick.

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

Come to Alternative Comedy Memorial Society! It’s a rolling compilation of all the best wonderfully weird comics and acts letting rip with stuff that wouldn’t work at a regular gig. I’ll be co-hosting some of the nights and it’s always joyfully nuts. You should go see Alexander Bennett who directed my show, and the show I’m most excited about this year is Jodie Mitchell’s.

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EdFringe Talk: The Strongest Girl in the World

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“Each one of their stories adds a new layer to my view of my dad. As I come to understand my father better, I also gain a new perspective of my own identity.”

WHO: Truly Siskind-Weiss

WHAT: “‘The best job in life is to be the father of a daughter. It’s like holding a little bird in your hand.’ Dark Skies presents The Strongest Girl in the World, a solo performance about one woman’s journey to learn more about her late father and her former self. Voicing family members, friends, story book characters and more, Truly seeks to understand who her father was. Telling a story of growth, grief and resilience, the play is a comedic and heart-warming look at childhood loss, and how we remember those we love.”

WHERE: Greenside @ Nicolson Square – Fern Studio (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 16:20 (45 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! Our director, Ellie Stevens, is a seasoned fringe pro, but this will be my first time. I’ve been wanting to bring a show to fringe for years now, and am so happy to finally bring this goal to fruition. As an American living and working in the UK, it’s amazing to be a part of a festival that is recognized all over the world. Our team of emerging artists are all excited to get to meet and connect with other artists, and have the opportunity to have our work seen by a new, diverse audience. The Strongest Girl in the World is a completely autobiographical solo play that is deeply personal to me. I’m thrilled to be sharing this specific story at my first fringe, because there’s on better vehicle through which to introduce myself to the audience. The show paints a complete picture of who I am as an artist and a human being.

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

This is my director’s and my first experience producing our own work at this level. It’s been quite challenging, but we have also learned so much. Every time we are stressed or anxious about the logistical side of the work, we remind ourselves how good it will feel when we finally open our show at fringe. I don’t think I will have ever been prouder than I will be on August 4th.

Tell us about your show.

The Strongest Girl in the World is a solo performance that details my journey to learn more about my father who passed away when I was 10 years old. Because I lost my father when I was so young, I don’t remember him as deeply as I would like to. As I say in the show, “I know my father through other people.” Throughout the play, I embody those other people, becoming family members, and story book characters. Each one of their stories adds a new layer to my view of my dad. As I come to understand my father better, I also gain a new perspective of my own identity. I began writing this play about 5 years ago as part of a class assignment in University. That original script was 15 minutes long.

In the intervening years, I have added to the story, bit by bit; working slowly to make sure that the play was as honest as possible. I performed a version of the piece at the Alma Tavern Theatre in Bristol last August. That production was directed by Lowri Mathias. My current director, Ellie Stevens, came on board this year. Having had the opportunity to work with her numerous times during our master’s program at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, I knew that she would bring a thoughtful perspective and fresh energy to the piece. Ellie has understood the importance of humor and levity to the story, and has elevated the piece beyond what I could’ve imagined. Our designers and fellow Bristol creatives, Lorna Foster, and Mikey Cross have skillfully helped us to bring Ellie’s vision to life. We had a great preview run at the Bread and Roses Theatre in early June, where we were able to collect valuable audience feedback that we’ve incorporated into the show. After our run at the Fringe, we are hoping to tour the show throughout the UK, and ultimately bring it to my hometown, New York City.

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

We are so excited to see the other one woman shows on at Greenside. If you follow the hashtag #Greensidegals you can learn more about the other feminist shows on offer at our venue. We are also looking forward to seeing Charlotte Anne-Tilley’s show “Almost Adult.” We were thrilled to meet her at our London previews and hear all about her show. She’s also helping to spread the word about women-run shows on all of her social media so make sure you check that out! Finally, we’re excited to see BEASTS: why girls shouldn’t fear the dark. Mandi Chivasa is also sharing some great info about shows from working class artists.

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