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: Bird With Kylie Vincent

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

“I think a new Kylie will come out of this and will make me a stronger person and performer with the learning curve of balance.”

WHO: Kylie Vincent

WHAT: “How does a queer, GenZ comedian survive her past, the pandemic, and the indignities of a stand-up career? Vincent (aka Bird) takes the audience on a (seriously) funny flight, often through taboo comedy territory. Audiences say Vincent is a ‘badass, punk rock, hilarious’ storyteller and Bird is ‘…emotional, dark, and funny! Go see Bird!'”

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

WHEN: 19:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is my first time at the Fringe! It is so special because I have never cried this much in my life. Just kidding, but not really. It’s amazing that I get to consistently do my solo show everyday, on top of doing stand-up sets on other people’s showcase. To see great art everyday and be surrounded by that is definitely special and some people don’t even get to experience in a lifetime. It’s hard to be a person here since you’re constantly working, I think a new Kylie will come out of this and will make me a stronger person and performer with the learning curve of balance.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In my show, I talk about my childhood sexual abuse and in 2019 I had not told anyone about it. In 2020, I started working on my show and it became a huge part of my identity. I think I’ve learned particular strength in identifying and feeling supported a part of an art and survivor community and that there often is freedom in letting that go and putting it into your art. I’ve also learned that I am addicted to chickpeas. I’ve lived off of them, like there’s a shortage or something. The other night, I fell asleep with a can of chickpeas and a fork in it next to my pillow and I woke up and rolled over and was shocked. I said to the chickpeas, “did we…?”

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my solo show! Barbara Pitts McAdams is directing & producing, and we also have David Calvitto on, co-producing. I met Barb about 4 years ago when I was advocating for gun control at a rally when I worked for the organization March For Our Lives (a non-profit gun violence prevention group). Barb is with Tectonic Theatre Project which creates activist devised work, like The Laramie Project, and at the time was working on a play about gun control activists. She interviewed me, we hit it off, and I started working on projects with her. She became sort of a mentor to me and when I was working on my show Bird, I sent her an early draft for feedback and she took interest in the piece and said she would like to produce and direct it. She also brought David on to help us with the Fringe run, as he’s been to like 17 Fringe’s total or something like that? I don’t know he’s old and it’s a high number.

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

Sam Morrison’s show “Sugar Daddy” such a hilarious, beautiful solo show. Sam is also a NYC comedian and is very well respected in the comedy community, but was blown away when I saw his show out here…his ability to make you laugh until you cry and then you actually cry, is so special and I highly recommend it.

Lucy Hopkin’s “Dark Mother” is an experience and I would do no justice explaining it if I tried. Such a fearless, talented, spiritual artist.

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EdFringe Talk: Fritz and Matlock

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

“I’ve missed the madness the past few years.”

WHO: Jessica Millward: Director

WHAT: “In a Sheffield basement, two men try to bury the bodies of their past to find a hopeful future. With no way out, will Fritz make it to his wedding? Will Matlock get away with murder? Or will the police finally raid the marijuana grow in the attic? A new dark comedy with a fresh take on men’s mental health, the care system and addiction. 2021 Offie nominees for Lead Performances and Most Promising New Playwrights. ‘Reminiscent of the works of Beckett and Pinter’ ***** (TheReviewsHub.com). **** (Stage).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – The Attic (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 14:05 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I came to the Fringe in as a punter in 2019 (and even as an actor in 2018) but this is my first time bringing a show to Edinburgh as a director. I’ve missed the madness the past few years. The festival is an amazing place to see new work that breaks the mould so it’s even more exciting to be here with a bold new writing show ‘Fritz & Matlock’. It feels like a hub of new talent. I can’t wait to connect with other artists and inspire my own practice.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We are just making theatre. It isn’t life or death, even though it can feel like it. (Ask me at the end of fringe if I’ve taken this fully on board or not!)

In terms of my work one big thing I’ve learnt is to take more risks. I wasn’t that interested in theatre with surreal undertones in 2019 but now I love it!

Find people who share your theatre values, tastes and who you can be really honest about the work with. I’ve found people the past couple of years who I have this with and I want to find more.

Work with people who are nice and you want to get a pint with. I’ve absorbed this and will be taking full advantage at the fringe.

Tell us about your show.

I met Jamie and Sal, who wrote and perform the play, when I was assistant director on Operation Crucible at Sheffield Theatres. I was instantly drawn to their work ethic and talent. After talking to them and reading Fritz & Matlock (a new play they had written together over lockdown) I knew I wanted to be the one to direct it. The show is produced by Part of the Main and we are a Pleasance Associate company after doing Fritz & Matlock at Pleasance London in October 2021. After that run we were nominated for Offies for writing and performances, and got a lovely 4 stars from the Stage which we are really proud of. It’s got legs for a post-Fringe run so we’re looking forward to chatting with regional venues as the Fringe progresses.

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

We are a neurodiverse led team on Fritz & Matlock so we’d love to shout out ‘Joshua and Me’, directed by the brilliant Lucy Jane Atkinson. It’s one-woman show about being a sibling to someone who’s autistic – 10.55am at Pleasance Dome. We can’t wait to catch it!

Part of the Main have two other shows on at Edinburgh Fringe as well. In ‘Bloody Mary: Live!’ Mary Tudor does stand up with a feminist twist at 10pm Pleasance EICC. ‘All by Myself’ is a show with no words about being your best self when no one will watch. That’s at ZOO playground at 6.25pm. All powerhouse female directors.

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EdFringe Talk: Paul Williams: In the Moonlight

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

“The huge challenge of Edfringe is probably a big part of what makes it such an amazing and satisfying experience overall.”

WHO: Paul Williams

WHAT: “Join New Zealand’s fastest comedian (5km and 10km) for an enchanting afternoon In the Moonlight. The show includes music, romance and even photos. He’s been on TV, starring in the critically reviewed Taskmaster New Zealand. Good for all ages but if you’re really old, please only come if you promise to stay calm. ‘How much of Paul Williams’ endearing clumsiness is planned, and how much is accidental, is difficult to ascertain’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Insanely talented’ (Rose Matafeo). **** (Skinny). **** (List).”

WHERE: Assembly Roxy – Downstairs (Venue 139) 

WHEN: 16:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 4th time in Edinburgh and it’s one of my favourite places. The chicken kebab from Kebab Mahal is one of my top 5 dishes in the world.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned almost nothing since I was 13. I guess I recently learned that in the saying ‘a rolling stone gathers no moss’, moss is good. My whole life I’ve been constantly staying on the move, trying to avoid getting moss on me.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my show and it’s produced by a company called Berk’s Nest. After Edinburgh I’m planning on retiring and living out my days in the Swiss Alps.

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

Christopher Bliss, Anna Man, Sheeps, Celya AB, Zach Zucker, Patti Harrison. I could go all day. Every year I make sure to see every show at the fringe and I’ve never seen one that I didn’t love.

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EdFringe Talk: Where’s Your Head At?

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“This is my second hour. That difficult self-produced second album but yeah I’m actually really proud of this show.”

WHO: Faye Treacy

WHAT: “Faye Treacy’s highly anticipated new show (Musical Comedy Awards Best Newcomer, as featured on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Three). A captivating storyteller, comedian and loose cannon, Faye’s toured the world as a musician since a teenager. You can run away from most things on the road – except yourself. When the unimaginable happens, Faye finally battles her demons head-on, learning that maturing isn’t the same as conforming. Expect big revelations, bigger laughs, and maybe a little music. ‘One of the most unique performances you’ll see at the Fringe this year… genius, inescapably memorable’ ****½ (ShortCom.co.uk)”

WHERE: PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth (Venue 156) 

WHEN: 23:50 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this is my second hour. That difficult self-produced second album but yeah I’m actually really proud of this show. It’s honest and real and I think I’m older now and don’t care as much but it’s still a heartwarming hour I hope… I love the Fringe, so many amazing shows and acts to see. It’s all really exciting and inspiring.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I haven’t been up to Edinburgh since 2018 but I guess I’m trying to remember that no-one cares about the festival outside of the festival.

Tell us about your show.

It’s about how I took acid and saw a warrior in the mirror and went off in search of her. Tour life, gigs, then the pandemic hit and I was stuck teaching so had to dig real deep inside to find her.

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

Go see my old flatmate Lauren Pattison, if you can get a ticket. She’s a charming storyteller, just pulls you in. I think it’s only a matter of time before she’s massive. She’s really got something. Also, check out Phil Ellis, he’s also my mate but I think he’s the most natural comedian I’ve ever come across.

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EdFringe Talk: Milo Edwards: Voicemail

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“What’s special about the Fringe I suppose is that it’s so massive, you really can find anything there: good, bad and appallingly self-indulgent… I’ll leave it up to you which category I fall into.”

WHO: Milo Edwards

WHAT: “Milo hasn’t received a voicemail in some time. He’d like to talk about that and quite a lot else. Returning to the Fringe after his hit 2019 solo debut, Pindos, Milo has questions. He’s 29, which is located somewhere in that annoying transitional phase between childhood and death, and he’s keen to know what the point of him is. Voicemail is a stand-up show which examines life, death, politics and the answering machine. ScotsGay Comedy Award winner 2019. ‘We need comedians like Milo Edwards’ ***** (ScotsGay.co.uk). **** (BroadwayBaby.com). **** (BeyondTheJoke.co.uk).”

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

WHEN: 16:35 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, in fact I actually slightly fear to count how many Fringes I’ve done in total for fear of becoming ever more aware of my own mortality but it’s my second Fringe with a solo hour of stand-up. What’s special about the Fringe I suppose is that it’s so massive, you really can find anything there: good, bad and appallingly self-indulgent… I’ll leave it up to you which category I fall into. So the key is to embrace the chaos of it, I think, and take vitamins.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

2019 honestly feels like nine lifetimes ago so I’m not sure. As far as I recall that Fringe went well, so hopefully more of the same!

Tell us about your show.

My show is an hour of stand-up called “Voicemail” produced by Impatient Productions and directed by the lovely Delyth Jones who has now been putting up with my ramblings about this show since approximately November 2019 and so is probably due some sort of award. I wrote the show, with Delyth’s gentle guidance, over the last 3 years or so and it’s changed a lot in that time but in a way that’s quite fitting as the show is, in many ways, about life changing events and what they do to us – especially the biggest life-changing event of all: death. There’s also some stuff in there about the economy and MILFs. Something for everyone.

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

Ok so – shows I would recommend are:

Alex Kealy – “Winner Takes All” – Alex is a dear friend and very funny guy and his stand-up appeals to the fact that I am fundamentally a nerd who knows a lot about politics. If this is a description of you, you will love Alex’s work which is always intensely logical in the way it attacks the British political status quo. Also he’s tall.

Olga Koch – “Just Friends” – I’ve worked with Olga loads over the years and she really is very funny and probably the most likely to give you sex tips of any show listed here. If you like bawdy stand-up with a sense of intelligent satire behind it you’ll love Olga.

Pierre Novellie – “Why can’t I just enjoy things?” – Pierre is one of the absolute pound for pound funniest comics of our little generation in my humble opinion. “Why can’t I just enjoy things?” is a great title because he makes stand-up that is to be enjoyed and that really is the soul of great comedy.

Victor Patrascan – “The Dirty Immigrant” – Victor is a joy and a charmer and takes real pleasure in losing an audience only to claw them back, which I really respect. Really worth seeing and a hidden gem. I can’t find his show on the Ed Fringe site but it’s at the Newsroom!

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EdFringe Talk: Séayoncé: Res-Erection (Seayonce)

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

“You will also see things that will inspire you forever whilst sat in a hot damp cave with asbestos.”

WHO: Seayonce

WHAT: “The baddest b!tch in the spirit world is back, the legendary Ghost Whisperer Séayoncé! What better way to feel alive again than with a big throbbing res-erection? Ghouls just want to have fun… it’s time you did too! A desperate soul haunts the festival and no, not a fringe performer… it’s time for a little exorcism. It’s bound to be an occult classic! Created by Dan Wye, rising queer star on the comedy scene. ‘A sharp edge of wit.’ ***** (TheLGBTQArtsReview.wordpress.com). ‘Queer, overboard and full of vice’ ***** (LondonBoxOffice.co.uk). ‘Favourite show I’ve ever seen… Séayoncé slays’ *****”

WHERE: Assembly Roxy – Upstairs (Venue 139) 

WHEN: 22:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No this is my third Edinburgh fringe because apparently I’m a sadist and like to experience pain. Edinburgh is great, because it is the highest concentration of people with abandonment issues craving attention from strangers. You will also see things that will inspire you forever whilst sat in a hot damp cave with asbestos.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

To remember that the job is simply making people laugh, and that is an enjoyable thing.

Tell us about your show.

My show is a comedy cabaret séance led by the mystic Séayoncé, which I wrote and perform in, accompanied by musical genius Robyn Herfellow and produced by Berk’s Nest. The first adaptation of the show had a two week run at Soho theatre during Halloween and it has changed and evolved massively since touring it around the country. We contact the dead, sing huge ballads and just act like silly queer witches. It is pure joy. It will change your life, you will never feel the same again, you will start stalking me because the withdrawal symptoms will get so intense and end up getting a restraining order after trying to cut my hair whilst I sleep. That’s a promise.

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

Go see these gorgeous hilarious humans, Baby Lame, Siblings, Cat Cohen, Madame Chandelier and there are so ma ny more, basically support the queers! Also I am doing another show Dan Wye Am I Sam Smith at The Flick which you should also definitely see so you don’t die with any regrets.

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EdFringe Talk: It’s Fraser Brown, I’m Afraid

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“I don’t feel I really got enough critical acclaim last year, so I’m back to throw as much shit at the wall as I can, until some of it sticks.”

WHO: Fraser Brown

WHAT: “Fraser Brown takes the audience on a hilarious and dark analysis of his own anxieties and worries. At only 22, Fraser (hopefully) has the majority of his life ahead of him, but is preoccupied with what’s happened in those first 22 years, for him to become the person who he is today. Unable to let go of the past, Fraser asks himself if he’ll ever be able to move on and forgive the grudges he’s held since his school days. An introspective extrovert, asking what it means to be happy; it’s Fraser Brown, I’m Afraid.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Surgeons Hall – Theatre 3 (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 22:05 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second year doing stand-up at the Fringe. However, as a by-product of me being lazy and uncreative, it’s almost the exact same show as last year. I don’t feel I really got enough critical acclaim last year, so I’m back to throw as much shit at the wall as I can, until some of it sticks.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In 2019, I knew a grand total of fuck all. (About doing a fringe show. Shapes, colours and numbers, I could understand. Although I now believe I may know more about all of the above than the fringe society does). I’ve learnt that flyering is exhausting, and so if you guys could just come to my show on your own accord, that’d be great.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote this show, for the same reason any comedian writes their first show: sheer ego. I may endeavor to write something artistic in future, but for now it’s self indulgent drivel. Luckily I’ve managed to trick critics into thinking that it holds some kind of cultural value. But as long as it’s funny, who really gives a fuck? And luckily for my audiences, it is very funny.

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

‘It’s Not Rocket Science’ is probably at the top of my recommendation list. I saw the show last year (having no clue what to expect) and I was blown away. It’s a touching story of a young girl growing up, and making her way through the aerospace engineering industry.

‘2 Mouthed Men’ are a great comedy’s duo who combine sketch comedy with beatboxing, a combination I doubt you’ll find anywhere else. I saw their show the other day, and I’ve been giggling to myself about some of their sketch ever since.

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‘Will Tell and the Big Bad Baron’ (Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Doonstairs, until AUG 26)

Posted in *Written Interviews, 5*, EdFestivals 2022, Rated: Outstanding by

“An August without Theatre Fideri Fidera would be like the Edinburgh Tattoo without bagpipes.”

Editorial Rating: 5 Stars (Outstanding)

For our family there’s one theatre company at EdFringe which is officially unmissable. For their 2022 offering the Brighton-based family firm are returning to themes inspired by their Anglo-Swiss heritage. I’m not sure I could have told you before now that the legend of William Tell, the archer famous for his apple-shot, was Swiss or that he used a crossbow. Like our own Robin Hood, Tell is remembered as a freedom fighter, a people’s champion loved by the good feared, by the bad.

We enter to find an upturned soapbox, that symbol of plain-speaking and fearless truth-telling of which ex-PM John Major was so fond. There’s also a sign informing the citizenry that from here on in they are to bow, genuflect, and kowtow to the feathery hat of Bad Baron Boris (I’ve heard it might just have easily been Bad Baron Donald but Boris is a funnier name) which is hanging on one of the sign’s corners. It is a very silly hat. Flanking the soapbox and sign are two stone towers. I spend more than a little time trying to figure out if these are made of real stone or if they are painted. Obviously it’s the latter, but this precision and attention to detail speak quiet volumes about Theatre Fideri Fidera’s approach to their craft.

Over a rachus, occasionally ridiculous, and always entertaining hour we meet young Will who must rescue her father and free the princess from Baron Boris’ castle. Natasha Granger and Jack Faires are reunited with that same spell binding on-stage partnership we saw in ‘Ogg ’n’ Ugg and the World’s First Dogg’. Natasha is the Portland Vase of playacting – so delicate, so intentional, so well defined, classic yet immediate. She has a lovely way of bringing groups of children onto the stage and weaving them into the magic and fun. Daughters 1.0 (7yrs) and 2.0 (4yrs) were brought up to help Will don his suit of armour from a collection of colanders, dustbin lids etc. and (obviously) that was the best bit of the show. Jack Faires is big, bold, and brilliant as both the baron and his beautiful (in her own special way) daughter. It’s a pleasure to boo him with all one’s might.

Daughter 1.0 had this to say in her notebook: “In Will Tell and the big bad baron Will’s Dad was toled (by the baron) to fire a arrow in to an apple on Will’s head. And he was traped and my sister helped her to get dressed. She rode on a donkey Rosina Who was made of a bike. She had a fight with the baron and saved his dauter Who was traped too! And then she found her Dad in a dundion. And afder that they all went home together. I loved it!”

An August without Theatre Fideri Fidera would be like the Edinburgh Tattoo without bagpipes. Their sets and puppetry are second to none. They’ve roared out of lockdown doing what they do best, making children laugh while they think – or should that be think while they laugh?

 

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EdFringe Talk: Sad Book

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

image of event

“As an artist and creator, it can be a very high risk/ high pressure environment, but it’s also where dreams are made.”

WHO: Andrea Walker: Director and Choreographer

WHAT: “‘Stand-out dance of the summer’ (Guardian on 201’s Skin). We all have some sad stuff – maybe you have some right now, as you read this. What makes Michael most sad is thinking about his son Eddie, who died. Through an intimate, visual spectacle that includes dance, storytelling, animation and original music, 201 and Choreographer Andrea Walker bring Michael Rosen’s award-winning book to the stage.”

WHERE: ZOO Southside – Main House (Venue 82) 

WHEN: 18:30 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this will be our fourth time! Our first ever show – “Smother” – premiered at Ed Fringe back in 2015. We brought “Smother” back in 2016, and then followed with our second production – “SKIN” – in 2017. I feel the Fringe is such an incredible place: As an artist and creator, it can be a very high risk/ high pressure environment, but it’s also where dreams are made. I don’t think 201 Dance Company would be here today with a brand new show if we hadn’t risked it all at the festival all those years ago. The Fringe is where we really got noticed, it gave me a career and it gave the company a future.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I feel that because of Covid-19 the way we create work has changed: We were supposed to premiere “Sad Book” – our latest show – back in 2020, so when the pandemic hit we really had to re-think how to create it in a way that was safe for everyone involved. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved, and now that “Sad Book” is finally hitting the stage after a 2 year delay, I feel the company is stronger than it ever was.

Tell us about your show.

“Sad Book” is an adaptation of Michael Rosen’s award-winning book. It tells Michael’s personal story of losing his son, and – simply – the sadness attached to that. Sad is a very complex emotion: It can be destroying, but like Michael shows in his novel, sadness can also be beautiful and melancholic in the way we remember a moment in our life that was wonderful, yet is no longer here. We are honoured that Michael trusted us to adapt such a touching, important work. The show includes a mix of dance, animation and original music. I feel it will touch anyone who’s ever struggled with mental-ill health, or simply struggles to put their sadness into words.

“Sad Book” has been over 5 years in development, and it’s a work that is very meaningful to me. Since 2014, 201 Dance Company’s mission has been to to tell stories that matter. “Sad Book” felt like such a beautiful fit for the company the second I first read it. I directed and choreographed, and we have Patrick Collier as Associate Director, who also produced the show in its development and preview stage. “Sad Book” is now produced by Pip Sayers, and this run at Ed Fringe will be the show’s premiere. “Sad Book” will be available to tour from Autumn 2023 – Spring 2024.

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

Please please please get yourself to Séayoncé: Res-Erection! Honestly one of the funniest shows I have ever seen, and I’ve seen it 4 times now! I don’t wanna spoil it for you…Go in with fresh eyes! It’s created by Dan Wye, who is a wonderful, hilarious queer artist. You can catch Séayoncé at Assembly Roxy (upstairs) from the 3rd to 28th August (no show on the 17th), 10pm.

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EdFringe Talk: The Working Girls of Soho

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“Living in Soho in the 80’s like saying you were in Berlin between the wars. My life was non-stop carousing, singing and parties, mostly at The French House and The Coach and Horses and clubbing at Kinky Gerlinky and Taboo.”

WHO: Josephine Pembroke

WHAT: “In her fabulous new show The Working Girls of Soho, Josephine Pembroke, creator of Pussies Galore, the infamous club act of the 1990s and darling of the iconic Café de Paris, Heaven and the Hacienda Club, celebrates the West End’s glorious and notorious past. Be introduced to Ma’ Meyrick, the 1920’s Queen of the Night Clubs, the legendary all-female crime syndicate, The Forty Elephants, Aristocratic Annie and Sadistic Cindy in a cabaret of sparkling storytelling, characters, sentimental torch songs and saucy show tunes from the roaring 20s to the funky 70s.”

WHERE: Greenside @ Infirmary Street – Olive Studio (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 18:40 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I arrived drunk in Edinburgh for the festival in 1984, I came on my own on the train and hit the tinnies, a party evolved, this experience was going to be FUN. I lived in Soho at the time and one of my drinking buddies was Robbie Coltrane, so I hung out at his flat in Leith and saw his show. I remember being completely mind blown by Edinburgh, it was just so exciting, all the shows were on the edge. And it all seemed quite simple, you could be just one person, in a theatre, performing and that has always been my aim. A one woman show. So I am beyond thrilled to be performing my show At Edinburgh Festival the biggest arts festival on the globe! Woop bloody woop!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

After 27 years of a rocky (who’s isn’t)? marriage. It’s all over I am getting divorced I am now totally alone for the first time in my life. The divorce, this insanely different life has shook me up. I needed to get back on stage and tell stories and sing. I sat next to a performer at dinner and he suggested looking at my life, and go from there. Ta Da! An eureka moment, how about my time living in Dean St in Soho in the 80s?

Now was the time to put all those years of experience to good use. I realised that I had all the material to do a show about Soho and its people, but especially about the women who drove the neighbourhood; women who were independent, who had risked being outcasts and weren’t afraid to capitalise on the men with money it attracted. I had lived it and now just needed to piece it together in a format that could work on stage.

My formula is straightforward: I tell stories of the characters who dominated the scene, place them in historical context and add some of the big songs of the period. What do you have? The Working Girls of Soho – Saucy Tales of Notorious Women.

And it feels really good to be on the stage alone, in charge of my destiny once more. Damn the smug marrieds, damn my age, damn the critics. I am at it again, funnier and sexier than ever, I am back, come and see me!

Tell us about your show.

Living in Soho in the 80’s like saying you were in Berlin between the wars. My life was non-stop carousing, singing and parties, mostly at The French House and The Coach and Horses and clubbing at Kinky Gerlinky and Taboo. Soho in the 80s was still seedy and I evoke this in my show. I will tell you about the outlandish, self supporting females who made Soho happen. I talk about the working girls, the whores, the thieves and the nightclub Queens, I sing naughty, funny and moving songs about bad women of loose moral character. What’s not to get excited about? Come and join me for some louche relaxation, for an hour, firmly dedicated to fun. I have performed the show in Soho a few times before Edinburgh and I aim to go global with it!

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

More Than Tracy Turnblad, funny feminist cabaret.
Take it Away, Cherly about a kissing booth.
Meg is playing God at Ed Fringe 22, addiction and mental health.
THE BEATLES WERE A BOY BAND, exploring women’s safety.
BeautifulNothingPlay, against women in online spaces.
Bathroom Confession, confessions in the bathroom.
Cecil Beaton’s Diaries, fabulous diaries of the master of image.

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